Type 2 Are you ashamed to have Type 2 Diabetes?

Not ashamed at all. As others have said, frustrated and annoyed but also now, healthier than I have been in years so it’s not all bad.

I haven’t noticed any delineation by type on this forum - except perhaps in terms of expertise in specific type related questions, but certainly not in terms of support or attitude. I find this to be the most supportive online forum of which I’m a member.

kmtech said:

If you read around carefully you will probably notice that certain people are quick to identify themselves as Type 1's. It's as if they are really saying 'this condition is as a result of bad luck and has nothing to do with me'.

I get the impression that certain people with Type 1 diabetes seem to act like they are above people with Type 2.

Then just read a few newspapers. The whole narrative is that if you have Type 2 diabetes you have only yourself to blame. They basically make you feel ashamed of your condition.

The whole thing makes me sick.

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Diabetes no matter which type is certainly nothing to be ashamed of our bodies just doesn't process sugar or glucose like others people. We have both types in our family and believe me type1 diabetics don't feel elitest why would you, I understand what your saying but it isn't great being either type we all battle our BG levels and diet no matter which. K

No I am not ashamed of being type 2 , initially so sad and shocked and felt panic and death angest , now relax much more have changed lifestyle understand the value of eating low or lower carbs and also the value of not totally neglecting my body which I did before my better shape my bigger and more fit muscles all do me good and makes my diabetes much easier to manage and also gives some space for sinning once in a while . So many people have type 2 diabetes now it is also something of a civilisation disease so why feel ashamed In 20 years maybe half the grown up population will become type 2 diabetic .. it is not only an individual cause , but sadly it is only the individual that can change eating and moving style

Type 1 being an autoimmune condition is triggered by a yet unknown mechanism the individual is not aware of, or can do anything about. Many Type 2's are blamed for their condition and there is some stigma, when in many cases they are just doing what regular Joe's and Jane's do, so this is a lottery of carb intolerance in an environment that is carb top heavy by default and where thresholds are set at differing levels.

I for example, in one month did the following every day thinking I was being healthy, over drank pure orange juice (over a litre), ate a punnet of grapes a day, bananas, oranges, huge bowl of porridge oats or home made soda bread or pancakes, and home made meals with usual carbs such as potato, rice or pasta - I just didn't know carbs turn to sugar and drank more orange juice the more thirsty I became. In the November of 2014 I felt fine, on the now I know extreme carb diet by December had all the symptoms of severe diabetes. I was ashamed at first. I was surprised, as were family and friends, as although I was 98 Kg's at five eleven I looked TOFI'ish. Now I advise as many as I can particularly at networking as many have larger body masses than I did at diagnosis.

I am convinced my diabetes was due to visceral fat as I am now have 7.5 - 8% internal, with total fat of circa 15%, so as a TOFI my organs must have been coated with fat as well as my liver and pancreas riddled with fat, as my wife for example has 4% visceral fat, a higher total fat percentage and less muscle mass than me. Others can get Type 2 due to steroids, stress, lack of sleep, lack of movement, obesity, genetics and a combination of the aforementioned and other variables.

I am not ashamed because now I know what has been wrong with me for years. I have suffered with cysts for more than 40 years which I now know is caused by insulin resistance. I have many large lumps all over my body which are the remains of these cysts which show up now I have lost so much weight. I have had so many tests for diabetes over the years, too many to count, which have always come back negative. I haven't had one, touch wood, since being diagnosed and now being in remission.

No not ashamed at all. I know that it isn't my fault that I have T2 so why would I be ashamed? I don't like being fat, but newer research is discovering that obesity is often a symptom of T2, not a cause. I think obesity and T2 is misunderstood, it's very complex and rarely simply a case of calories in/calories out. This is down to the media who could help the general public better understand the problems we T2's face. However the media loves to stir up hatred against a particular section of society and since racism and homophobic articles are no longer legal they pick on fat people. In turn the public are happy to feel smug that 'they are doing everything right and therefore won't get T2 themselves '....until it happens to them. Unfortunately hatred sells newspapers. It's just another case of playground bullying of the fat kid or the deaf one etc. Those who judge others (for whatever reason) are the ones who should be ashamed.

When the world is educated to release that no diabetic is to blame for their T1, T1.5, T2, RH (or any other subsection) then it will be better for all of us. . On this site I feel we are generally supportive of one another. Occasionally a new T1 will say something like 'it's not my fault' which of course is true. It isn't their fault that they believe the media lies that we T2's brought it on ourselves. It's up to us to explain the truth.

I wouldn't like to be T1 and have the bother of insulin injections and the worry of hypos. I have had a lot of support and useful advice from T1s here and have valued looking at diabetes from their perspectives. Some of the keys that apply to T1s also apply to me. It's up to me to work out which ones.

When I was diagnosed and blaming myself the one person who didn't also think that it was my fault was my T1 friend. She didn't blame me and she supported me.

It's important for people to say which type they are because the treatment and advice is often different (all the LCHF and exercise in the world won't get me off insulin!). I definitely think nobody should feel ashamed or guilty. Most people just don't know about diabetes other than what they see in the news, and why should they? I know very little about any of the conditions that don't affect me (sorry RH sufferers I had never even heard of it until I came on here!). The news says you need to lose weight and exercise to avoid getting it, and so everyone jumps to: if you get it you are lazy and fat, whereas the truth is horribly more complicated than that. But the thing is the news isn't exactly wrong, doing both of those things would help a significant number of people, they just go for a 30 second soundbite rather than the 10 minutes it really needs, which leaves everyone with the wrong impression and us having to deal with the guilt and blame. I don't know what the answer is, but whatever type you have all you can do is be supportive to those who are fighting a difficult fight.

I'm a T1 and if I'm posting I will often say that I'm a T1.
Not because I think I'm better than anyone else or that my "type" is less deserved than T2.
Nobody deserves to have diabetes.
I state what I have because it's what I have. There would be little point in me asking for advice and receiving advice off people who aren't on insulin because the chances are their advice wouldn't work for me.
And the same goes the other way around, I don't feel able to advise T2 people on their care because I don't have the knowledge.
It doesn't mean that I don't morally support them though and am pleased for them when something goes right.
It just helps to know what people have so that you can give the right advice.

I have experienced the T2 shaming and blaming in real life (from a now ex-friend with type 1 and one of my children) I have also read general comments of that nature on social media like Facebook and Twitter, but not experienced it here.

Sometimes people come on here with misconceptions from what they have seen and heard on the media, but they are quickly taught that it is a misconception.

My perception is that people, on here, are now understanding that the weight gain and tiredness, causing slowing down and less exercising, are symptoms of insulin resistance, not the cause. Here is one of the few places where i dont feel judged.

This is a puzzling thread.

The title asks whether people are ashamed of being T2.

There are good, honest, persuasive answers from both T2s and T1s about why no-one should feel that way. I agree with them all.

Yet, the body of the post then goes on to have a go about how the OP reckons some T1s make themselves out to be, I quote,

kmtech said:

above

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T2s.

I think it is pretty low life tactics to present a thread as if it were about asking how T2s feel about themselves and then use it as a drive-by on the OP's take on T1s. It's not obvious to me that any T1s take that view of T2s on this forum.

Frankly, if you want my take on it, I've not seen any threads here where a newly dx'd T2 has been advised by T1s, yet I've seen plenty of threads where a newly dx'd T1 has posted asking about how normal his/her life is now going to be , and some of the first responders have been T2s who've steamed in saying, "go lchf, eat a big mac but don't eat the bun."

As a T1, it frankly does bother me that T2s, lovely though you all are, see fit to pitch in so early in a T1's dx to set out views which are more appropriate for T2s.

The OP hasn't set out which threads which has led him to the view that T1s think themselves above T2s, so it is difficult to respond in any detail without speculating.

kmtech said:

If you read around carefully you will probably notice that certain people are quick to identify themselves as Type 1's. It's as if they are really saying 'this condition is as a result of bad luck and has nothing to do with me'.

I get the impression that certain people with Type 1 diabetes seem to act like they are above people with Type 2.

Then just read a few newspapers. The whole narrative is that if you have Type 2 diabetes you have only yourself to blame. They basically make you feel ashamed of your condition.

The whole thing makes me sick.

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I'm sorry you feel that way.
There is a good thread called "don't play the blame game".
Maybe you need some time to find acceptance. Acceptance of your disease. It is obviously making you feel a tad paranoid.
Irrespective of anyone else's beliefs. You need to control your type2 diabetes. Focus on that and not what you perseve type1s feel for type2s.
Have some compassion for fellow man. Whatever their type or beliefs!

Not going to lie, when I found out I was diabetic I was praying for type 2. When I found out I was type 1, it crushed my hopes and dreams; and now I'm in denial. I feel lower than type 2's, because you have the ability to get off insulin. (Not all can and that's nothing to be ashamed of, but the few who can, gave me hope)....

I've seen the ignorance from ignorant people but we must remember. We are all ignorant of something. Unfortunately!
Myself I cannot say any type1 on here has been anti-type2. All are very supportive.
My recent request for help about basal insulin proves that.
I definitely havent seen this looking down at attitude, sorry.

natariimei said:

Not going to lie, when I found out I was diabetic I was praying for type 2. When I found out I was type 1, it crushed my hopes and dreams; and now I'm in denial. I feel lower than type 2's, because you have the ability to get off insulin. (Not all can and that's nothing to be ashamed of, but the few who can, gave me hope)....

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Im type2 on iinsulin and I feel same way.
I'm delighted for posters achievements and hard work. Whichever type they are. Diabetes effects us all differently. Always will because we are individuals not a type!

When I was first dx as T2 I found it hard, emotionally I couldn't reconcile myself to the stark reality of having been diagnosed with yet another health problem. I can't remember who it was, or what type of diabetes they have, who "steamed in" with advice, encouragement and just a freindly welcome that assured me that I was not alone in taking back some control of my well being. I am grateful to them all.
I know so little about the struggles that insulin dependant people have that I am wary of giving advice but I can empathise and give moral support and I think for everyone that is newly diagnosed this is, perhaps, the most important step. There are times when, having read some truly heart rending pleas for advice from a newly dx T1, all I could and still can do is give a hug or maybe a welcome, especially when the plea comes in the wee small hours. To imagine someone who sits alone with the diagnosis and reaches out for help is upsetting for me and I do wish I knew more and could offer some hope. Maybe I will someday.

@Scott-C
I hope that you can come to understand that some of us honestly want to help in any way we can. If we get it wrong then, please, forgive us because we mean no harm.

Scott-C said:

This is a puzzling thread.

The title asks whether people are ashamed of being T2.

There are good, honest, persuasive answers from both T2s and T1s about why no-one should feel that way. I agree with them all.

Yet, the body of the post then goes on to have a go about how the OP reckons some T1s make themselves out to be, I quote,
T2s.

I think it is pretty low life tactics to present a thread as if it were about asking how T2s feel about themselves and then use it as a drive-by on the OP's take on T1s. It's not obvious to me that any T1s take that view of T2s on this forum.

Frankly, if you want my take on it, I've not seen any threads here where a newly dx'd T2 has been advised by T1s, yet I've seen plenty of threads where a newly dx'd T1 has posted asking about how normal his/her life is now going to be , and some of the first responders have been T2s who've steamed in saying, "go lchf, eat a big mac but don't eat the bun."

As a T1, it frankly does bother me that T2s, lovely though you all are, see fit to pitch in so early in a T1's dx to set out views which are more appropriate for T2s.

The OP hasn't set out which threads which has led him to the view that T1s think themselves above T2s, so it is difficult to respond in any detail without speculating.

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I believe that the OP is a newly DX'ed T2 who is an insulin user, so will have an interest in T1 threads,

kmtech said:

If you read around carefully you will probably notice that certain people are quick to identify themselves as Type 1's. It's as if they are really saying 'this condition is as a result of bad luck and has nothing to do with me'.

I get the impression that certain people with Type 1 diabetes seem to act like they are above people with Type 2.

Then just read a few newspapers. The whole narrative is that if you have Type 2 diabetes you have only yourself to blame. They basically make you feel ashamed of your condition.

The whole thing makes me sick.

Click to expand...

With a grandfather, mother and brother all being T2 diabetics it was a fair bet that I too would have it. However I consider myself to be lucky compared to my other brothers - one has coeliacs and the other arthritis. Also, unlike a T1, I am able to control my BS to a certain extent. I do not, however, feel ashamed to have it and, contrary to the opinion of the Daily Wail, do not believe I bought it on myself. Pre being diagnosed I ate what was considered a healthy diet - low fat, low sugar, plenty of fruit and brown everything with bread, potatoes, rice and pasta as staples - it obviously wasn't as healthy as I thought.

One of my brothers friends who is now in his late forties is T1 diabetic having been diagnosed at 11.

I am T2.

Last week we bumped into each other when visiting my brother in hospital (he was there for an appendectomy) and the subject of the conversation turned to our diabetes.

Knowing that T1 is an autoimmune condition, I was shocked to hear him say that he thought that he developed it because of "his attrocious" eating habits as a young boy.

I pointed out that it was unlikely that his eating habits where the main cause of his T1 and genes were probably more to "blame" although some environmental stimulus is usually also involved; identical twins share the same genes but there are a lot of cases where one goes on to develop T1 and the other does not

He was insistent that his bad habits were the cause.

I decided not to contest his claim though I continued to think it unlikely.

Maybe he is right, maybe his eating was the stimulus that switched on the T1 gene.

Maybe he was wrong.

It did not matter. It was clear that he needed to believe that this was to blame.

And then it hit me.

This friend is now the father of two young boys. He is probably worried about passing on the T1 gene and blaming his bad eating habits, which in the case of his boys he can make sure they do not repeat, is probably his way of dealing with the worries.

pavlosn said:

One of my brothers friends who is now in his late forties is T1 diabetic having been diagnosed at 11.

I am T2.

Last week we bumped into each other when visiting my brother in hospital (he was there for an appendectomy) and the subject of the conversation turned to our diabetes.

Knowing that T1 is an autoimmune condition, I was shocked to hear him say that he thought that he developed it because of "his attrocious" eating habits as a young boy.

I pointed out that it was unlikely that his eating habits where the main cause of his T1 and genes were probably more to "blame" although some environmental stimulus is usually also involved; identical twins share the same genes but there are a lot of cases where one goes on to develop T1 and the other does not

He was insistent that his bad habits were the cause.

I decided not to contest his claim though I continued to think it unlikely.

Maybe he is right, maybe his eating was the stimulus that switched on the T1 gene.

Maybe he was wrong.

It did not matter. It was clear that he needed to believe that this was to blame.

And then it hit me.

This friend is now the father of two young boys. He is probably worried about passing on the T1 gene and blaming his bad eating habits, which in the case of his boys he can make sure they do not repeat, is probably his way of dealing with the worries.

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Also in his early days for his cells dying he will have had moments of carb cravings etc. His insulin will have been all higgledy-piggledy. His eating habits would have been out of sync! Poor man. A rough time I understand.