Non-diabetics telling me how easy it is!

[ElenaP]

I need to share my frustration.
The recent TV programme with the "glucose goddess" on Channel 4, seemed to have made blood sugar experts of non-diabetic people! Today I had lunch with nine other people. Although none of the others were either Type1 or Type2 diabetics, two of them were wearing blood glucose monitors, and they told me how easy it is to keep blood glucose in range: "All you need to do is to have vegetables or salads before a meal". I think it will be marvellous if advice in that program will prevent some people from becoming Type2 diabetics, but not so good if it gave the impression that all diabetes is the same.

I have learned previously that friends do not understand how difficult living with Type1 is, and how every illness or viral infection brings challenges. However, being told that being Type1 is easy makes me unhappy.

 

[lovinglife]

I can appreciate how this kind of thing would affect you @ElenaP - I actually despair when people like the Glucose Goddess become “mainstream” like you say everyone becomes an “expert”. Not totally dismissing some of her ideas but I hate the term Goddess - a self given title that makes people think she’s some kind of guru.

I know you are T1 but it’s the same (but different) for T2 sometimes. No one appreciates how anyone with diabetes how hard we work just to stay healthy. (and alive on a daily basis in the case of those of you with T1) What will be a passing fad for your friends is a crucial lifestyle for us and that’s what they don’t get

 

[Marikev]

I need to share my frustration.

understand and feel your frustration.

Although none of the others were either Type1 or Type2 diabetics, two of them were wearing blood glucose monitors, and they told me how easy it is to keep blood glucose in range:

yep sure is if you have a fully functioning pancreas!!
I first read about non diabetics wearing CGMs a couple of years ago, still not sure it’s a good idea, except as you say to make people potentially headed for type 2 be more aware of food intake and exercise.
am struggling at the moment to replace my smart phone to work with my CGM and when searching the Abbott site for up to date lists of compatible phones I seem to be bombarded with adverts trying to promote their products.

I have learned previously that friends do not understand how difficult living with Type1 is, and how every illness or viral infection brings challenges.

On diagnosis I felt bad for how little I had appreciated the struggle of colleagues with Type 1 over the years. But sorry that my diagnosis had not come a couple of years early that I might have been able to support a newly diagnosed student at college who was struggling and dropped out of college.
But did manage to help another newly diagnosed student who was struggling and literally staggered into the staff room one day having a hypo around a 2. The supply of emergency juice in the staff room fridge had not been replanned a Shia tutor was off on compassionate leave… grateful I knew what to do.
wishing you well.

 

[zand]

I'm frustrated for you @ElenaP . Can't believe people can be so ignorant. Would they tell a blind person that reading an ordinary, non-braille menu was easy... 'just open the menu first and then read it '?

 

[Jaylee]

I need to share my frustration.
The recent TV programme with the "glucose goddess" on Channel 4, seemed to have made blood sugar experts of non-diabetic people! Today I had lunch with nine other people. Although none of the others were either Type1 or Type2 diabetics, two of them were wearing blood glucose monitors, and they told me how easy it is to keep blood glucose in range: "All you need to do is to have vegetables or salads before a meal". I think it will be marvellous if advice in that program will prevent some people from becoming Type2 diabetics, but not so good if it gave the impression that all diabetes is the same.

I have learned previously that friends do not understand how difficult living with Type1 is, and how every illness or viral infection brings challenges. However, being told that being Type1 is easy makes me unhappy.

Hi,

I’m sorry you had to put up such BS when It could/should have been a pleasant lunch date.
If I’d been in the same position as yourself?
I would have (mis) informed the non Ds that a non invasive 30 quid smart watch would suffice regarding what they need to know about BG managment…. & let the cogs turn..

 

[Outlier]

I am often regaled with opinions from tuppenny overnight "experts" who have read something in the papers/seen it on TV or other media, not just for diabetes but in any number of other areas where I have actual knowledge and long-time experience. It's human nature and unfortunately "you can't fix stupid". It isn't personal - such people visit all sorts of subjects in the happy assumption that they know all there is to know. It can be incredibly annoying at times, especially if they catch us on a vulnerable day. I have every empathy with you, but people don't change and so it's down to us on the receiving end to rise above it all. It has taken me most of my life to understand that stupid people can't actually help being stupid, and I still struggle with the concept at times. After all, they could still be empathetic, courteous and thoughtful, but it's easier to big themselves up by trying to put someone else down. As the Scots say, "more to be pitied than scorned".

 

[becca59]

As a type I would say, “Ok then, how much insulin should you take if you do that?” That should soon shut them up.

 

[MG426]

There is no ( one size fits all ) rules for managing Type 2 or type 1...everything one eats is a potential spike..!...