"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

[ivyicarus]

I'm a type 1 and have been since '99 and I actually get the other side of this - upon telling people I am diabetic (I don't typically state which type) they nearly always look at me in shock and exclaim 'but you're skinny, only fat obese people get diabetes right?'
This kind of ignorance really riles me but what can you do, other than correct them?

Just keep in mind that the majority of us may not have known what diabetes truly is and how many different types there is before we were diagnosed and this will of course be the same for people who don't have the condition. I'm pretty confident that if I didn't have diabetes, I wouldn't know much about it either as nobody in my family has it nor do any of my friends.

 

[Pinkorchid]

Excuse me, but I have to vent some frustrations before my head explodes!

I've recently had some problems with an overactive thyroid recently as well as being T2 for 4 years. I'm pretty sure that the overactive thyroid is making me much more irritable than usual but please bear with me!

Yesterday I had a consultation with an Endocrinologist. After the initial introductions, I started to describe my symptoms, obviously mentioning diabetes. At first he assumed I was Type 1. When I corrected him, out came the dreaded phrase:

"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

My heart sank.I must have heard this comment a hundred times from healthcare proffessionals: From GPs to nurses to eye specialists and now consultant specialists. What is a T2 diabetic supposed to look like? I'm pretty sure there are as many varieties as there are people suffering from it. Perhaps this is why my GP completely failed to diagnose me in the first place, despite numerous visits to the surgery, and I ended up having to get a test done myself at a Lloyds pharmacy. I had a b/g reading of 30.1 when I was admitted to hospital.

In case you are wondering, I am 5'4'' and weigh about 8st 4. My HbA1c results have been normal for the last 3 years and I haven't needed to medication since about 8 months after diagnosis. Yet still, this consultant started talking about putting me on to a low carb Atkins diet. I understand the importance of low carbs for a lot of people, but I have been fine on a sensible diet and really do not want to loose any more weight. I'm a size 8 jeans already. Also I can't see how a high protein high fat diet would help my cholesterol levels which are high anyway (but including high Hdl's too).

Does anyone feel that there is a tick box mentality in the NHS? Isn't it about time healthcare proffessionals actually looked at clinical facts rather than just made judgements on outward appearances? One size does definitely not fit all.

Apologies for the rant.

You sound like me I am T2 5'5 never been overweight and am just about 8st and yes people say "why have you got T2 you are not fat" I also have raised cholesterol and when I tried higher fat which I really did not like my cholesterol went up and my doctor was not happy. I struggle to keep my weight up but I do not think eating more fat is going to do me any good. I eat plenty of veg all kinds I do not believe in cutting out any, very little red meat don't really like it so just eggs chicken and fish and some potatoes and bread any lower on carbs and I think I would disappear

 

[JeanCL]

Excuse me, but I have to vent some frustrations before my head explodes!

I've recently had some problems with an overactive thyroid recently as well as being T2 for 4 years. I'm pretty sure that the overactive thyroid is making me much more irritable than usual but please bear with me!

Yesterday I had a consultation with an Endocrinologist. After the initial introductions, I started to describe my symptoms, obviously mentioning diabetes. At first he assumed I was Type 1. When I corrected him, out came the dreaded phrase:

"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

My heart sank.I must have heard this comment a hundred times from healthcare proffessionals: From GPs to nurses to eye specialists and now consultant specialists. What is a T2 diabetic supposed to look like? I'm pretty sure there are as many varieties as there are people suffering from it. Perhaps this is why my GP completely failed to diagnose me in the first place, despite numerous visits to the surgery, and I ended up having to get a test done myself at a Lloyds pharmacy. I had a b/g reading of 30.1 when I was admitted to hospital.

In case you are wondering, I am 5'4'' and weigh about 8st 4. My HbA1c results have been normal for the last 3 years and I haven't needed to medication since about 8 months after diagnosis. Yet still, this consultant started talking about putting me on to a low carb Atkins diet. I understand the importance of low carbs for a lot of people, but I have been fine on a sensible diet and really do not want to loose any more weight. I'm a size 8 jeans already. Also I can't see how a high protein high fat diet would help my cholesterol levels which are high anyway (but including high Hdl's too).

Does anyone feel that there is a tick box mentality in the NHS? Isn't it about time healthcare proffessionals actually looked at clinical facts rather than just made judgements on outward appearances? One size does definitely not fit all.

Apologies for the rant.

 

[zand]

A T2 diabetic is meant to look like....me! Barrel shaped.

 

[jonbvn]

I am surprised that a HCP would prescribe a low carb diet.

 

[Eurobuff]

Excuse me, but I have to vent some frustrations before my head explodes!

I've recently had some problems with an overactive thyroid recently as well as being T2 for 4 years. I'm pretty sure that the overactive thyroid is making me much more irritable than usual but please bear with me!

Yesterday I had a consultation with an Endocrinologist. After the initial introductions, I started to describe my symptoms, obviously mentioning diabetes. At first he assumed I was Type 1. When I corrected him, out came the dreaded phrase:

"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

My heart sank.I must have heard this comment a hundred times from healthcare proffessionals: From GPs to nurses to eye specialists and now consultant specialists. What is a T2 diabetic supposed to look like? I'm pretty sure there are as many varieties as there are people suffering from it. Perhaps this is why my GP completely failed to diagnose me in the first place, despite numerous visits to the surgery, and I ended up having to get a test done myself at a Lloyds pharmacy. I had a b/g reading of 30.1 when I was admitted to hospital.

In case you are wondering, I am 5'4'' and weigh about 8st 4. My HbA1c results have been normal for the last 3 years and I haven't needed to medication since about 8 months after diagnosis. Yet still, this consultant started talking about putting me on to a low carb Atkins diet. I understand the importance of low carbs for a lot of people, but I have been fine on a sensible diet and really do not want to loose any more weight. I'm a size 8 jeans already. Also I can't see how a high protein high fat diet would help my cholesterol levels which are high anyway (but including high Hdl's too).

Does anyone feel that there is a tick box mentality in the NHS? Isn't it about time healthcare proffessionals actually looked at clinical facts rather than just made judgements on outward appearances? One size does definitely not fit all.

Apologies for the rant.

My father went to see his GP for his COPD review, he asked if my mother was helping him, he said she can't as she is blind , lost her sight due to diabetes. The GP then said I bet she's fat

 

[serenity648]

My father went to see his GP for his COPD review, he asked if my mother was helping him, he said she can't as she is blind , lost her sight due to diabetes. The GP then said I bet she's fat

I need a Shocked!!!! button.

 

[zand]

My father went to see his GP for his COPD review, he asked if my mother was helping him, he said she can't as she is blind , lost her sight due to diabetes. The GP then said I bet she's fat

$%£$"")(*&%^^£"^"$**&^%%*&**** That is digusting and very ignorant. This post was going to be much longer, but I really don't want a warning from the mods.....

 

[Keesha]

Its cos all T2s are fat, dontcha know!

Although I would have expected an endocrinologist to know better, and to have a little more discretion.

Congratulations on maintaining your blood glucose at excellent levels, I wouldn't be able to do that without either drugs or low carbing, so it is brilliant if you can.

Just teensy comment though - low carbing does not automatically mean high fat, or high protein, or high cholesterol. There are many, many posters on the forum who low carb with normal protein intake and moderate fat, and for those who high fat, cholesterol levels and/or ratios often improve. But then, I guess we all have preconceptions

Actually, not all T2 are fat. Some are really underweight and I am one of them.

 

[Vwharbor]

At 6'4" and 155lb, I go through the same thing, and I'm a Type 2. Other than my specialist and my PCP, NO ONE I deal with in the medical field believes, and I need to "shoot" twice a day, since none of the oral medications worked. When 1st diagnosed in 2104, I went to sign up for an "Education" course and the course "coordinator" could not get it through her brain that Step 1 was NOT a diet program for weight loss. Point being, you are not alone

 

[Eurobuff]

$%£$"")(*&%^^£"^"$**&^%%*&**** That is digusting and very ignorant. This post was going to be much longer, but I really don't want a warning from the mods.....

LOL, he did give a very good response though. He said she wasn't and she was in the state she was because of the doctor's negligence not diagnosing her sooner, even though she had the typical symptoms she was told it must be the menopause. By the time she was diagnosed they said she must've had it a minimum of 10 years.

 

[JeanCL]

No not LADA. Unless more or less every health care expert I meet is suffering from tourette's, it seems to be the standard comment. Maybe I am just a freak diabetic.

You sound like me I am T2 5'5 never been overweight and am just about 8st and yes people say "why have you got T2 you are not fat" I also have raised cholesterol and when I tried higher fat which I really did not like my cholesterol went up and my doctor was not happy. I struggle to keep my weight up but I do not think eating more fat is going to do me any good. I eat plenty of veg all kinds I do not believe in cutting out any, very little red meat don't really like it so just eggs chicken and fish and some potatoes and bread any lower on carbs and I think I would disappear

I'm not sure what LADA is (?), but I've a BMI of 19 and HBa1C of 43, which is the lowish Prediabetes, I believe, but have taken action as my brother is full Diabetic. I've found lowish carb, and wholegrain for what I do have and Bergen bread, and higher protein including vegetarian options have kept my own metered readings low enough that I expect a better Hb reading in the summer. I've been able to halve my BP medication, so I would expect my cholesterol levels to be lower too. I've kept my weight from dropping with higher protein, a bit of margarine, avocadoes, peanut butter, nuts, seeds, a little protein powder from the healthfood shop, and soya cream with fruit for dessert rather than sweetened custard, and more plain yoghourt as needed. All the best

 

[Brunneria]

Actually, not all T2 are fat. Some are really underweight and I am one of them.

That was the point.

 

[McGints11]

Excuse me, but I have to vent some frustrations before my head explodes!

I've recently had some problems with an overactive thyroid recently as well as being T2 for 4 years. I'm pretty sure that the overactive thyroid is making me much more irritable than usual but please bear with me!

Yesterday I had a consultation with an Endocrinologist. After the initial introductions, I started to describe my symptoms, obviously mentioning diabetes. At first he assumed I was Type 1. When I corrected him, out came the dreaded phrase:

"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

My heart sank.I must have heard this comment a hundred times from healthcare proffessionals: From GPs to nurses to eye specialists and now consultant specialists. What is a T2 diabetic supposed to look like? I'm pretty sure there are as many varieties as there are people suffering from it. Perhaps this is why my GP completely failed to diagnose me in the first place, despite numerous visits to the surgery, and I ended up having to get a test done myself at a Lloyds pharmacy. I had a b/g reading of 30.1 when I was admitted to hospital.

In case you are wondering, I am 5'4'' and weigh about 8st 4. My HbA1c results have been normal for the last 3 years and I haven't needed to medication since about 8 months after diagnosis. Yet still, this consultant started talking about putting me on to a low carb Atkins diet. I understand the importance of low carbs for a lot of people, but I have been fine on a sensible diet and really do not want to loose any more weight. I'm a size 8 jeans already. Also I can't see how a high protein high fat diet would help my cholesterol levels which are high anyway (but including high Hdl's too).

Does anyone feel that there is a tick box mentality in the NHS? Isn't it about time healthcare proffessionals actually looked at clinical facts rather than just made judgements on outward appearances? One size does definitely not fit all.

Apologies for the rant.

hi,

Rather than get frustrated by the comment, why don't you look at out as a compliment? I get the same comments and I use them to encourage me.

Often, to become T2, someone does not look after themselves; they become overweight and etc.You have your weight under control and probably look pretty healthy; your A1c is in the right range. You obviously work hard to get these results.

You are just not the person which they expect to see. Take it as their way of saying "wow, good job".

Peter

 

[zand]

hi,

Rather than get frustrated by the comment, why don't you look at out as a compliment? I get the same comments and I use them to encourage me.

Often, to become T2, someone does not look after themselves; they become overweight and etc.You have your weight under control and probably look pretty healthy; your A1c is in the right range. You obviously work hard to get these results.

You are just not the person which they expect to see. Take it as their way of saying "wow, good job".

Peter

Often the overweight person has tried even harder than the slim person but can't lose the weight because of insulin resistance ( and other hormonal factors) which can happen many years before T2 is diagnosed. I kept following low fat, low calorie diets in a vain attempt to lose weight and got ever fatter, I expect a slim T2 is just naturally slim. I didn't need my GP to tell me to lose weight, I needed him to tell me how...and that is still true even now 5 years after diagnosis. My BGs are fine. My weight is not, but please don't think I am lazy.

 

[Wheresdan72]

Sorry...a bit late to this...but, have you asked about MODY 2 (may be called GCK MODY)?...I spent 4 years in a similar place, often hearing "you don'the look like a type 2!"...my HbA1c since diagnosis has remained steady at IFCC 48-52mmol/mol (even on increasing doses of Metformin and the odd sugary food binge - 2 weeks in USA!!)...after doing some reading and checking BG levels I began to question why this never altered...I got a Libre meter, put it in and noticed that even when fasting overnight that my blood sugar profile would always rise at around 5-5.3mmol/L then settle at around 6-6.5mmol/L. Following a discussion with a Consultant (who felt it was definitely Type 2), after pushing my practice nurse for a re-referral, I had blood sent for genetic testing...and low and behold I now have a diagnosis of MODY2!...My mum spent 10 years as a type 2 and has now also been confirmed MODY and other members of the family are undergoing investigation!...MODY2 is easily mistaken as type 2 but essentially means you have an extra chromosome on the gene that sets your body's blood glucose range (setting it at around 5.5-8mmol/L)...my advice for what it's worth...read about MODY2...look at the pattern of your HbA1c...and your morning BG level, when fasting (it will appear just above normal)...Health care professionals aren'the always spot on...I should know...I'm one!

 

[sunflower27]

Thanks, that's really interesting...I'll look into it ASAP x

 

[Daibell]

Actually, not all T2 are fat. Some are really underweight and I am one of them.

Can I ask how your T2 was diagnosed versus late onset T1?

 

[carolm]

Excuse me, but I have to vent some frustrations before my head explodes!

I've recently had some problems with an overactive thyroid recently as well as being T2 for 4 years. I'm pretty sure that the overactive thyroid is making me much more irritable than usual but please bear with me!

Yesterday I had a consultation with an Endocrinologist. After the initial introductions, I started to describe my symptoms, obviously mentioning diabetes. At first he assumed I was Type 1. When I corrected him, out came the dreaded phrase:

"You don't look like a Type 2 diabetic"

My heart sank.I must have heard this comment a hundred times from healthcare proffessionals: From GPs to nurses to eye specialists and now consultant specialists. What is a T2 diabetic supposed to look like? I'm pretty sure there are as many varieties as there are people suffering from it. Perhaps this is why my GP completely failed to diagnose me in the first place, despite numerous visits to the surgery, and I ended up having to get a test done myself at a Lloyds pharmacy. I had a b/g reading of 30.1 when I was admitted to hospital.

In case you are wondering, I am 5'4'' and weigh about 8st 4. My HbA1c results have been normal for the last 3 years and I haven't needed to medication since about 8 months after diagnosis. Yet still, this consultant started talking about putting me on to a low carb Atkins diet. I understand the importance of low carbs for a lot of people, but I have been fine on a sensible diet and really do not want to loose any more weight. I'm a size 8 jeans already. Also I can't see how a high protein high fat diet would help my cholesterol levels which are high anyway (but including high Hdl's too).

Does anyone feel that there is a tick box mentality in the NHS? Isn't it about time healthcare proffessionals actually looked at clinical facts rather than just made judgements on outward appearances? One size does definitely not fit all.

Apologies for the rant.

Sorry you had to put up with that.
Not sure how that doctor would cope with my Dad's family, 5 out of were 11 type 2, all born between1922-1937, with wartime and the depression not overfed. None were overweight. I've was overweight for years, lost 3 stone in 3 years, then put it on slowly, now obese thanks to steroids and the Hb1Ac was 52 - I'm one of the older cousins (64) who, until now, had not got type 2, my blood sugar was alway OK.
As for assumptions. I've just seen my online medical record. The more recent stuff is fine, however my underactive thyroid was apparently diagnosed 1999, althought a consultant in 1989 diagnosed it. There are a few omissions, probably as there was a lot to type in and the admin person was not medically trained and had to read doctor's handwriting from the days of cursive writing.
I will be taken in a typed list of corrections as I assume the online list is what they have to go by.
Is your doctor using a summary of your medical record to make such stupid assumptions?
I do think the NICE guidelines encourage box ticking. The recent comment about too many cakes leading to Type 2 that's been in the media does not fit my older Aunts and Uncles either. I'm still fuming about that.
I hope you see someone more sensible next time

Carol

 

[Resurgam]

My doctor asked me about my recurring thrush problems some decades ago.
I've never had thrush - but it is there on my records.