ignorance from other diabetics about our treatment

[Mep]

I got quite hot under the collar this week when someone with type 1 claimed that type 2's can't possibly know what it's like to be on insulin as type 2 is a completely different disease to theirs. I replied by explaining I was on full time insulin therapy because I produce insufficient insulin just like type 1's do... the reply to my response in their own words... "I beg to differ as to the fact that your insulin regime may be similar to a Type 1 diabetic". So if we are not producing our own insulin and we're placed on full time insulin therapy, I'm scratching my head to think what the difference is between a type 1 and a type 2 at that point in treatment? There's the obvious difference with type 1 having an auto-immune response that destroyed their insulin production and type 2 having beta cell damage because of an overworked pancreas. Any ideas? I'm aware some type 2's are placed on insulin to get control of their BGLs when they still produce their own, but there are a lot of us that have to be on insulin because we have beta cell damage that destroyed our insulin production. I wish people would get educated about all the treatment options and what happens when type 2 progresses. The ignorance even from fellow diabetics astounds me. I also am sick of the condescending tones I get from type 1's who try and tell me they have the worst type and at least I have a choice to come off insulin. No, I don't have a choice. geez. Of all people diabetics should be supporting each other and not being ignorant. I'd expect someone without diabetes to be ignorant, not someone with the disease. Ok rant over. lol. I'm wondering if any of you get the same sort of thing in response to what you say about your treatment?

 

[tim2000s]

@Mep Having spoken to a couple of specialists in this area, there are differences in the algorithms that are applied to Type 1 and Type 2 dosing of insulin as a result of the insulin resistance that is prevalent in T2. While both are the classic "Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus", the response in the body is different. I guess that "Double Diabetes" is the nearest thing that T1s get and I imagine the treatment approach is the same.

Regardless, that kind of inter-diabetes bullying is unnecessary and unwarranted.

 

[Mep]

@Mep Having spoken to a couple of specialists in this area, there are differences in the algorithms that are applied to Type 1 and Type 2 dosing of insulin as a result of the insulin resistance that is prevalent in T2. While both are the classic "Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus", the response in the body is different. I guess that "Double Diabetes" is the nearest thing that T1s get and I imagine the treatment approach is the same.

Regardless, that kind of inter-diabetes bullying is unnecessary and unwarranted.

Thank you

Yes, it's likely I have some insulin resistance too (although not too bad) because I have another hormone condition and have been labelled with "metabolic syndrome" by my endocrinologist. I do take more insulin units than my type 1 friend does. She nearly fainted when I told her what I take as she takes low bolus unit amounts in comparison. But on saying that she takes higher dosage of basal than me. But I would say type 1's probably vary with their insulin dosages too just like type 2's would.

 

[RuthW]

Yes, don't worry, the ignorance cuts both ways.

 

[Mep]

oh goodness I'm still coming across ignorance.... today it's that type 2's apparently are not at risk of hypos or DKA.... apparently it is very rare for us. What planet do some people live on? When I see ignorance I feel the need to educate. I explained that there are a lot of type 2's on full time insulin therapy because they have insufficient insulin and they would certainly be at risk of hypos and DKA as much as a type 1 would be. I got a reply saying I can't be on insulin as type 2's only take pills. And apparently if I'm on insulin I must've turned into a type 1.... like I have to defend why I'm on insulin. But there was one after the other type 1 poster carrying on about how type 2 is not a serious disease because they don't get hypos and DKA. I just had to face palm. Why don't people educate themselves? What makes me real annoyed as these people say they're diabetics. I possibly gave them all a head spin when I mentioned there is also type 1.5 and 3c that use insulin. What's even more annoying is that people tend to mouth off about how they're 'worse' than other types, etc. I'm a logical person and from the way I see it the types mainly differ with how the pancreas insulin production is destroyed, the treatment may differ depending on the type and stage, but the outcome for all types is still the same complications and health risks I'm on the war path. lol. We all have a serious illness as far as I'm concerned and this competition rubbish has to stop. As I explained to these posters today that type 1 is auto immune and not the only type that has insulin production destroyed in the body. I'm not going to stop taking insulin as I need it.... don't particularly care if some people think it is patented for type 1 use only.

 

[tim2000s]

@Mep, I'm assuming that wasn't forum? It's certainly not a correct point of view. The other category of T2s that can suffer hypos are those taking drugs that cause additional insulin secretion such as Sulfonylureas.

 

[Mep]

@Mep, I'm assuming that wasn't forum? It's certainly not a correct point of view. The other category of T2s that can suffer hypos are those taking drugs that cause additional insulin secretion such as Sulfonylureas.

yes it was on a fb diabetes page and it was in response to a type 2 myth/fact post from the page which said "Myth: Type 2 diabetes is mild, Fact: No form of diabetes is mild. Good control of diabetes can significantly decrease the risk of complications, but this doesn't mean the condition itself is not serious."

I agree with you, any diabetic on medication is at risk.

 

[tim2000s]

Whilst it's highly frustrating that people know very little about different types of diabetes, it's hardly a big surprise. If you consider how little someone who isn't Diabetic knows, is it any surprise that people only know about their own condition? And even then, for the majority of the world, only that of it that they've experienced.

 

[Mep]

I should add I got my first hypo on metformin only... I walked into a wall too. I got a lot more hypos on other meds that were added into the mix. Since being on insulin I've probably had even more hypos than ever though.

 

[Mep]

Whilst it's highly frustrating that people know very little about different types of diabetes, it's hardly a big surprise. If you consider how little someone who isn't Diabetic knows, is it any surprise that people only know about their own condition? And even then, for the majority of the world, only that of it that they've experienced.

Yes, true.... although they were responding to a comment about type 2 and not being very nice about it. It's embarrassing. I know type 1 is auto-immune and I know they can get diagnosed at any age in life with it. I know that they have a honeymoon period and they are treated with full time insulin therapy. If I know the basics, why can't other people know? We've pretty much all got the same disease in its various forms... all serious.

 

[Brunneria]

And some of us (reactive hypoglycaemics) get hypos whilst not on diabetes medication at all, whether we are T2 or not.

The thing about sweeping statements is that there is always an exception to the rule(s).

 

[Mep]

And some of us (reactive hypoglycaemics) get hypos whilst not on diabetes medication at all, whether we are T2 or not.

The thing about sweeping statements is that there is always an exception to the rule(s).

Yes, that's true. Plus I've never read anywhere that says hypos and DKA only happens to type 1. I'm not sure where people get that from. When you think about it we all have a hormone condition what affects how we metabolise food so of course we are at risk imbalances.

 

[tim2000s]

Yes, that's true. Plus I've never read anywhere that says hypos and DKA only happens to type 1. I'm not sure where people get that from. When you think about it we all have a hormone condition what affects how we metabolise food so of course we are at risk imbalances.

This was simply the "old" view of the world and it really related to diagnosis. At diagnosis, it used to be extremely unusual (essentially almost never happened) that a T2 would turn up with DKA. That has changed quite a bit now and there has been an increased incidence of arrival in A&E with DKA then diagnosis as a T2. That's primarily the reason for this mis-comprehension.

 

[Bic]

I got quite hot under the collar this week when someone with type 1 claimed that type 2's can't possibly know what it's like to be on insulin as type 2 is a completely different disease to theirs. I replied by explaining I was on full time insulin therapy because I produce insufficient insulin just like type 1's do... the reply to my response in their own words... "I beg to differ as to the fact that your insulin regime may be similar to a Type 1 diabetic". So if we are not producing our own insulin and we're placed on full time insulin therapy, I'm scratching my head to think what the difference is between a type 1 and a type 2 at that point in treatment? There's the obvious difference with type 1 having an auto-immune response that destroyed their insulin production and type 2 having beta cell damage because of an overworked pancreas. Any ideas? I'm aware some type 2's are placed on insulin to get control of their BGLs when they still produce their own, but there are a lot of us that have to be on insulin because we have beta cell damage that destroyed our insulin production. I wish people would get educated about all the treatment options and what happens when type 2 progresses. The ignorance even from fellow diabetics astounds me. I also am sick of the condescending tones I get from type 1's who try and tell me they have the worst type and at least I have a choice to come off insulin. No, I don't have a choice. geez. Of all people diabetics should be supporting each other and not being ignorant. I'd expect someone without diabetes to be ignorant, not someone with the disease. Ok rant over. lol. I'm wondering if any of you get the same sort of thing in response to what you say about your treatment?

Dear Mep,
I am a T1 and I am told that the essential difference between T1 and T2 lies in the fact that we not only suffer from a nearly-complete lack of insulin, but also of 5 other glucose-regulating hormones, which cannot be replaced by therapy and are all of them necessary for a normal glucose management inside the body. This means that we are exposed to more severe and more extreme changes from very high to very low BG, that are both (as we all know) dangerous conditions. Therapy will vary accordingly and is generally based on a basal-bolus scheme. I don't know whether there are T2s that follow a basal-bolus therapy as well, but usually they use only fast-acting insulin at mealtimes (i.e., bolus only). Whatever your therapy and your situation, I just want to say I am sorry you felt irritated and dismissed. I cannot speak for all T1s in the world, but as for me, when I underline the differences between the two conditions (which I do, and won't stop doing), I certainly don't mean to be dismissive or rude to other people. Nor to win the game "who has the worst type". I do underline those differences, though, for the reasons that you will find very neatly expressed by Peg Abernathy on the Huffington Post. As my English falls short of explaining things as clearly as she does, please google 'Huffington post type 1 diabetes' and read the most recent article ("I could have died…"), if you feel like it, and perhaps yo will see my point. A hug.

 

[Mep]

Dear Mep,
I am a T1 and I am told that the essential difference between T1 and T2 lies in the fact that we not only suffer from a nearly-complete lack of insulin, but also of 5 other glucose-regulating hormones, which cannot be replaced by therapy and are all of them necessary for a normal glucose management inside the body. This means that we are exposed to more severe and more extreme changes from very high to very low BG, that are both (as we all know) dangerous conditions. Therapy will vary accordingly and is generally based on a basal-bolus scheme. I don't know whether there are T2s that follow a basal-bolus therapy as well, but usually they use only fast-acting insulin at mealtimes (i.e., bolus only). Whatever your therapy and your situation, I just want to say I am sorry you felt irritated and dismissed. I cannot speak for all T1s in the world, but as for me, when I underline the differences between the two conditions (which I do, and won't stop doing), I certainly don't mean to be dismissive or rude to other people. Nor to win the game "who has the worst type". I do underline those differences, though, for the reasons that you will find very neatly expressed by Peg Abernathy on the Huffington Post. As my English falls short of explaining things as clearly as she does, please google 'Huffington post type 1 diabetes' and read the most recent article ("I could have died…"), if you feel like it, and perhaps yo will see my point. A hug.

Thanks

I'm on both bolus and basal insulins. I also have hardly any insulin being produced. I have no choice but to be on insulin. I'm definitely type 2 though.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Dear Mep,
I am a T1 and I am told that the essential difference between T1 and T2 lies in the fact that we not only suffer from a nearly-complete lack of insulin, but also of 5 other glucose-regulating hormones, which cannot be replaced by therapy and are all of them necessary for a normal glucose management inside the body. This means that we are exposed to more severe and more extreme changes from very high to very low BG, that are both (as we all know) dangerous conditions. Therapy will vary accordingly and is generally based on a basal-bolus scheme. I don't know whether there are T2s that follow a basal-bolus therapy as well, but usually they use only fast-acting insulin at mealtimes (i.e., bolus only). Whatever your therapy and your situation, I just want to say I am sorry you felt irritated and dismissed. I cannot speak for all T1s in the world, but as for me, when I underline the differences between the two conditions (which I do, and won't stop doing), I certainly don't mean to be dismissive or rude to other people. Nor to win the game "who has the worst type". I do underline those differences, though, for the reasons that you will find very neatly expressed by Peg Abernathy on the Huffington Post. As my English falls short of explaining things as clearly as she does, please google 'Huffington post type 1 diabetes' and read the most recent article ("I could have died…"), if you feel like it, and perhaps yo will see my point. A hug.

I know all about the 'I could of died' only too well. Thank you for posting and I will have a look at the Huffington post.
Best wishes RRB

 

[Robinredbreast]

oh goodness I'm still coming across ignorance.... today it's that type 2's apparently are not at risk of hypos or DKA.... apparently it is very rare for us. What planet do some people live on? When I see ignorance I feel the need to educate. I explained that there are a lot of type 2's on full time insulin therapy because they have insufficient insulin and they would certainly be at risk of hypos and DKA as much as a type 1 would be. I got a reply saying I can't be on insulin as type 2's only take pills. And apparently if I'm on insulin I must've turned into a type 1.... like I have to defend why I'm on insulin. But there was one after the other type 1 poster carrying on about how type 2 is not a serious disease because they don't get hypos and DKA. I just had to face palm. Why don't people educate themselves? What makes me real annoyed as these people say they're diabetics. I possibly gave them all a head spin when I mentioned there is also type 1.5 and 3c that use insulin. What's even more annoying is that people tend to mouth off about how they're 'worse' than other types, etc. I'm a logical person and from the way I see it the types mainly differ with how the pancreas insulin production is destroyed, the treatment may differ depending on the type and stage, but the outcome for all types is still the same complications and health risks I'm on the war path. lol. We all have a serious illness as far as I'm concerned and this competition rubbish has to stop. As I explained to these posters today that type 1 is auto immune and not the only type that has insulin production destroyed in the body. I'm not going to stop taking insulin as I need it.... don't particularly care if some people think it is patented for type 1 use only.

Hi Mep, I don't go on FB and look at diabetes pages/articles, I feel I have better things to do with my life, as my time and efforts are precious. People get behind a screen and type what they think, rightly or wrongly( which seems to be the latter in most cases) so stupid is, stupid does It's really not worth bothering with, but that is just my own view.
Take care RRB

 

[Robbity]

I don't normally go anywhere near Facebook, full stop, because of all the ignorance, bitchiness, and all the petty squabbling and oneupmanship involved with so called "Friends". Which is a pity really, because there can also be plenty of support and good information on there too. (And no I haven't been on the receiving end of any of this, just watched gobsmacked from a distance...)

Robbity

 

[Cumberland]

I was diagnosed type 2 aged 40
10 years earlier I had bouts of chronic pancreatitis I later discovered I was born with a split pancreas (pancreas divisum)

Since being diagnosed I was put on bolus and basal insulin as well as metformin

I carb count and just recently been on a DAFNE course

I think I am type 1 as I have been told that my pancreas is all but dead

I have never been overweight and maintained a steady weight throughout adult life

Type 2 folk I find are ridiculed by people who should know better

I work in a hospital and a non diabetic colleague of mine scolded me once for eating some chips saying diabetics should not eat ANY chips at all, I was in quite the mood for retaliation as I countered with 'It makes me sick how people can snipe at others as if they themselves are perfect' before scoffing the rest of my chips

Mod edit to remove inappropriate reference to work colleague.

 

[Mep]

Those that say they're not on Facebook, etc... I'm online a lot and the reason for that is I can't hardly talk because I live with reflux laryngitis and muscle tension dysphonia.... otherwise I probably would be on the phone/skype or chatting to people in person. My illnesses are quite isolating. Facebook is like a lifeline for me to connect with people without talking.