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wizard

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**edited because apparently the original post broke a posting rule**

I speak as a Type 1 of 20 years experience and HbA1c consistently around 7.5.

The tipping point was last night, watching Watchdog and hearing a woman complain about British Airways not serving an in-flight meal and "her diabetic husband" being put at serious risk as a result .

Diabetes is not a big deal or something that should rule your life.

The basics of diabetes (match carb intake with insulin dose) are so extraordinarily simple I wonder why some people ask certain questions and get so concerned about particular things. Diabetes should never be used as an excuse, or dramatised. It should not prevent you getting on with your life.

Here are some examples, ironically nearly all of these have appeared in the diabetes.co.uk email which highlights active/trending forum discussions:

1. Air travel. Getting on a plane and flying somewhere is not a drama. It's not a big deal. You will still be diabetic before, during and after the flight. You can take insulin on a plane, nothing will happen to it. Or maybe something will and you'll go without for 12 hours. You wont die. The universal carb/insulin relationship will still hold true. You can eat whatever the airline feed you. You do not need a special diabetic meal. If you don't get it, you can adapt and dose accordingly.

2. Airports. They have x-ray machines. Your insulin will not be affected. Or maybe it will, but only a little bit - it is remarkably durable and you should be concerned more with temperature than exposure to xray. And if the worst happens, you can buy insulin in nearly all the destinations you are likely to fly. I know from experience. Amsterdam, Dubai, Cambodia, South Africa, New York. Haven't had a problem finding insulin yet. Sometimes you'll need to use a different insulin, or an old school one like actrapid with a big syringe. .

3. Hotels. You do not deserve nor should you get special treatment because you are diabetic. You do not need an in-room fridge to store your insulin. If there is a chocolate on your pillow? Either eat it and dose (if needed) or.. don't eat it.

4. Hot countries. Not a drama. Buy a Frio cooling wallet if you a really paranoid. Insulin is remarkably durable. Throw it away when you get back if, again, you want added drama.

5. Carrying all day. A novorapid pen will happily sit in your pocket all day.

6. Refrigeration. The short journey back from the pharmacy is not a big deal or something to get excited about. Insulin is remarkably durable.

7. Memory loss. Probably not caused by your diabetes. Might be. Most likely not to even be real memory loss. Either way it would most likely be a symptom of too loose/too tight control.

8. Eating sugar. You can eat it. You can eat candyfloss. And polo mints. And normal coca-cola. In fact you can eat anything you like as long as you understand the foundation carb=insulin relationship. You don't need to be a genius to understand why eating refined sugar like this is bad in excess, but the occasional treat will be totally fine (just like for a non-diabetic). So don't use diabetes as an excuse when eating out/having a meal/going to friends houses for dinner.

9. Restaurant menus. Restaurants serve food. You can eat ANY food. You can estimate the carb in each dish. You can dose accordingly. You do not deserve nor should you expect a special "diabetic" menu. You do not need nutritional breakdown next to each meal. If you get your dose wrong then it will be at most a few hours until you can test your blood and adjust (you will not die). Or even carry your meter around with you if you don't want to wait.

10. Sex. You can have sex. Normal sex, kinky sex. It is exactly the same sex a non-diabetic would have. You might get low if it's particularly strenuous, so deal with it with some lucozade - before, during or after.

11. Driving restrictions. We are restricted in what types of vehicle we can drive, and how long our licenses are valid for. This is somewhat unfair because it is caused by some diabetics having accidents/driving when they shouldn't and giving us all a bad name. Keep sweets in your car, you do not need to pull over or make a fuss if you feel low. It's also possible to test blood and inject while driving. Not a drama.

12. Inject in public. Big deal. Just do it and deal with any idiots who cause a fuss. "I'm just extending my life" is a good rebuttal as is "I take a **** in the toilet, I don't take medicine". It gets the best looks if you inject into the flesh of your forearm.

13. Inject through clothes. Big deal. Have done it for 2 decades with no ill effect. Cotton is fine, jeans probably not. Yes we've all seen the microscopic photos of the 'damage' done to needles by doing this. Those photos were provided by a needle manufacturer - funny that. The same manufacturers who tell you to change the needle every single time you inject. Funny how I make my needles last the life of the pen (300 units) without discomfort. Isn't it odd how a manufacturer of needles would give advice that results in more needles being used (SOLD)?

14. Multiple jabs vs pump. For the best control you either need to accept injecting every time you eat, or use a pump (push the button every time you eat). I inject (including basal) probably 8 or 9 times a day. There is no magical 2 injection a day regime that will give you tight enough control to avoid complications - the NHS should be ashamed they ever tried!

15. Flu. Your bloods might rise, they might not. At some point you will get better and they will return to normal. You probably wont die. No drama, deal with it.

16. Booze. You can drink booze, even to excess until you are paralytic on the floor (probably best, as with a non-diabetic, to do this only occasionally). The carb/insulin relationship gets funky when you take into account the delayed effect of alcohol on your blood sugar plus the stacking effect of multiple drinks/bar snacks. Also the more p!ssed you get the harder it is to keep track. But a glass of coke is always in reach, or why not just keep some sweets on you?
 
Well done Wizard!

This is a brilliant, brilliant, post!

I agree with every word of it (although some of us aren't on insulin).

I understand the need to be gentle with the newly diagnosed, but a big dose of perspective is good for all of us. There are worse things to be diagnosed with than Diabetes (just ask Steve Jobs :cry: )
 
What a brilliant post! I'm sick of reading people asking if it's ok to do this, that and the other! So many people are so over the top just because they are diabetic!
 
I don't get what anything you have mentioned in the post has to do with the subject line. Surely, your post is saying that all questions are stupid and that since Diabetes is no big deal and you should just carry on with your life in a normal way.

I'd love to know what us type 2s are supposed to do to counteract the "normal" Coke that you recommend drinking.

Your attitude towards diabetes is absolutely fine, but I do feel that it's a very relaxed and dangerous stance to take on a forum where newly diagnosed are looking for answers. I know that if I had read this 6 months ago I would have been completely baffled by it.
 
Hmm. I find myself largely in agreement with some of what's being said although I have two concerns really. One is that as Fencer says, this is a T1 view, and not suitable for T2s. I consider myself 'lucky' in that I've been T2 and T1. I was originally misdiagnosed as T2 and had to get my head around that before being rediagnosed as T1 later on. That doesn't give me a mystical insight or anything but I still find myself forgetting that my T2 friends don't do things in exactly the same way I do.

Secondly some of your points are less well made than others. I think high temperature can be an issue for insulin effectiveness (as you point out in point 2 but contradict in point 4) so if you're staying somewhere for a longer period of time or it's really hot, a fridge is not unreasonable. Also flu jabs are recommended for diabetics for a reason, and ask anyone who has had DKA kicked off by an illness whether it's a 'big deal' or not. An estimated 3000-4000 deaths in the UK per year are attributed to flu. Finally alcohol abuse is a problem for non-diabetics but it's also a big risk for insulin using diabetics. People have died through abusing alcohol whilst on insulin. Of course people with diabetes can drink, and I agree that there isn't that much they can't do. But there are somethings and these sometimes need considering.

I think that the general message of people keeping perspective about things is a sound one, and I've seen plenty of people trying to ascribe all sorts of weird and wonderful symptoms to diabetes but I think a little more respect for people's individual experience is no bad thing. Your view about sex might not be shared by someone suffering from erectile dysfunction, for example. Your post is refreshing but in the same way that a naked dip into ice cold water is refreshing. Not always the right thing at the right time.

I'll say it for the 1,000,000th time. Feel free to advocate your own way of managing your diabetes without denigrating anyone elses.
 
Bu;lly for you Wizard. I am so glad you have it all down to a fine art and totslly in perspecive.
Yes here are certainly worst things to be diagnosed ith than diabetes.
Unforunately we are not all wizards , We are all different with different experiences, we look at things in different ways. Some find these things easier to understand t, some are more fortunate in the advice and educaion they receive about this disease.

When I browse through this forum the words which seeem to occcur most often are "CONfused " and "nightmare",
You may have it all down to a "T" but others come here for practical advice and reassurance which they can't get elsewhere. Or just to let off steam at the insensitive treatment they receive.
Yes, people actually have fers and emoions. Shame . Life would be so much easier without them.

Certainly as I said there are worse things but diabetics are not immune from them either. Dealind with the practicalities of a chronic disease while working at a stressful job and maybe caring for others sometimes forces people to seek support from fellow diabetics whom they expect will understand their fears and frustrations.

That is surely one of the purposes of this forum. It is not just the newly diagnosed who need and deserve support but those encountering various problems at differnt times, developing complications , finding their medications are causing side effect or no longer working
Some posts probably appear hysterical and OTT to many of us at times - but most of us have sufficient
empathy to realise that these things are subjective and to avoid being judgemental.

we all have our own achilles heel.

Or maybe not all of us. I am very hapy for those who have it all under control . Perhaps you could share whatever philosophy has led you to this desirable state? It may help the less secure and self confident . Although I would like to think it would leave room for a little sympathy for the less fortunate.

.
 
1. the original subject was "why are some diabetics so pathetic?" but that wasn't allowed by the mods. The new subject was just a play on the common saying.

2. as mentioned the tipping point was Watchdog. In what way is it anyone else's responsibility if a meal isn't served on a plane? who in their right mind would board a plane, for a flight, without adequate food and/or emergency glucose?

3. my post is very Type 1 focussed but a Type 2 who understands the basic rule of diabetes, most of it will still apply. Replace "insulin" with "tablets". Modify the "eat anything" accordingly.

4. I didn't recommend normal coke, I said you can drink it if you want (as a type 1). Understand and accept the consequences. It does taste delicious.

5. I think a newly diagnosed would appreciate such blunt advice rather than the kid-gloves attitude they are usually exposed to. I certainly would have, 20 years ago. The NHS/doctor were outraged when I adjusted my Actrapid dose myself - why does such an attitude exist (it still does)? It exists because people are too happy to play the victim, and make a big deal out of things like diabetes.

6. temperature is more of a concern than x-rays is what I said, but don't be overly concerned about high temperature if it is for a relatively short period of time e.g. a holiday. Obviously (and I assume 'common sense' in all of my advice) don't leave it in the baking midday sun or put it in the oven. But keep it in the shade, or use a Frio (wonderful invention) and it will all be just fine.

7. flu jabs - I'd like to see the statistical correlation between well-controlled diabetes and increased risk of catching flu owing to compromised immune system. The current data throws all diabetics together. I've never had a flu jab, nor caught (serious) flu - is that a statistical fluke?

8. Drinking alcohol, including to excess, is a choice we make therefore we are responsible for the outcome including untimely death. It is surprisingly difficult to die from low blood sugar, the body puts up a real fight. The main exception is deliberate overdose. Alcohol consumption throws a spanner in the works by providing a real mechanism for choking on your own vomit.

9. sex - my point assumed you can have sex. Just like the point about driving assumed you could drive. Check out the posts in the forum. Some of the questions/concerns are absurd! Why ever anyone thinks "sex" is anything but "exercise" (albeit with a happy ending) is beyond me.

I am sorry if my post was blunt but that was intentional. The original post which the mods chose to delete was even more to the point. I truly believe a newly diagnosed reading my post will get a new perspective on their condition. People need to understand that diabetes is not something to get upset, concerned or depressed about. It's actually kind of cool, we haven't even touched on weight loss tricks, for example. You are entirely in control of your destiny and the impact this condition has on your life.

People like the woman on Watchdog (by proxy of her husband who was the actual diabetic - that's even worse!!) are VICTIMS.

Philosophy? Play the hand you've been dealt rather than playing the victim.
 
I don't disagree with anyone above. I think that Wizard's post shows something that is not always apparent on this forum (because of its focus on helping the newly diagnosed and the struggling), which is the "diabetes doesn't have to be all that bad" perspective.

When I was first diagnosed, I didn't want to read about "how difficult living with diabetes os", and that "I might not be able to get my BG under control". All I needed to know was that Diabetes was something that I could deal with, and there were lots of people who were getting on with their lives, with only minor inconvenience.

When I was confused and frightened, I would have loved to have read this post.

(...and yes, some people can't get their diabetes under control and have all sorts of complications, but they rightly get plenty of love here too, and it doesn't help them any to pretend that all diabetics are ruled by their diabetes).
 
following the comments I tried to post this on the Type 1 forum but it was deleted. What is wrong with the mods on this forum? They should be ashamed.
 
Re: A Friday funny

I think the original posting tickled me more. It was reminiscent of some of the best rants by the likes of Alf Garnett and Basil Fawlty. Perhaps with some elements of Homer Simpson's childlike over-simplicity thrown in. :D
 
Is wizard now talkingcow???

I can see how after 20 years it is easy to become blasé and take for granted what you have learned over the years... so much becomes second nature that it is "obvious" to you. I've heard this called "expertitis"... I have worked for the same software company for over a decade now and I train others on our system... things that I can do without even really thinking in a matter of seconds might take a new person much longer to grasp and understand. There is little to be gained in my getting frustrated with how slow they are or by calling them stupid or pathetic... they are not... they are just new and these things take time.

Please try to think about what it may feel like to be confronted with a life-changing diagnosis. If you wish to share, please show some compassion and patience. You may find diabetes "cool" but I do not... you are entitled to your opinion but please don't assume that it is the same for everyone.
 
painoman makes an interesting point. The length of time it takes to become 'au fait' with diabetes is about a year, from my limited experience. But if you molly coddle people and allow them to play the victim, the length of time is much longer (if not indefinite). My post will surely, if anything, accelerate the time needed to become "an expert".. an expert of what exactly.. matching carb to insulin...

no idea what's happened to my username!
 
This is kind of funny but don't agree with the excessive drinking or testing while driving.

I 'get' diabetes much the same way as you do but I can tell you it was bloody hard having an 8 month old with diabetes as is also a kid with the vomits. No, he hasn't died but it can and does happen.
 
Different perspective here I am type 2 under weight on max metformin I dont want to have to take more medication if possible and cant lose weight to bring BGs down I am not a slave to my DB nor do I expect to be mollicoddled But I do watch what I eat .This forum has been invaluable to me in getting the right perspective on my DB and Iam sure that the original post on this thread would have frightened me away or at least stopped me asking questions that I may have thought that others would see as silly while they were real to me .Please have respect for others who may not have your intellegence or even your DB HPs some of us are told nothing when DX .
CAROL
 
Wizard / Talking Cow

I am one of the mods and whilst I didn't move your second post I responded to your original post giving you a bit more respect than you have given to other people here and certainly more than you showed in the first version of this post. As any of the regular posters will tell you my philosophy is that you can advocate for your own method of managing your diabetes without denigrating anyone elses.

The length of time it takes to become 'au fait' with diabetes is about a year, from my limited experience. But if you molly coddle people and allow them to play the victim, the length of time is much longer (if not indefinite). My post will surely, if anything, accelerate the time needed to become "an expert".. an expert of what exactly.. matching carb to insulin...
Click to expand...

I have a qualification in teaching adults (amongst other things) and I can tell you with some confidence that no reliable opinion on pedagogical theory would support this assertion. Your experience is precisely as you put it, 'limited'; it's limited to a sample size of one. That's not particularly significant statistically speaking. That does not mean your experience is invalid, but equally your experience does not invalidate other people's experiences.

Given you are so fond of speaking bluntly, let me say this: we don't tolerate disrepecting other people way of managing their diabetes. If that's a rule not to your liking, there is a lot of internet out there for you to play in.

FYI. As far as I am aware, there are only two reasons your name would change: a) you ask admin to change it, which would change every time it has previously appeared or b) you have multiple identities.
 
1. i think it's changed because of a cookie on my desktop PC (wizard is on laptop and was registered today).
2. could you elaborate on what parts exactly are disrespectful, unless you mean the original?
3. I was being somewhat facetious - my experience of 'learning' diabetes management is limited to my own learning to manage my own diabetes. However, through observation, including reading various threads on this very forum, in addition to other medical conditions outside of diabetes, and in fact just generally in life, it is clear that the sooner you make people take >responsibility< for their own condition or predicament then the quicker they learn to adapt to it and accept/embrace it. Qualified that you are, you will be familiar with Weiner's work concerning motivation/incentive and this is exactly what a post like mine speaks to, surely?
 
talkingcow said:
1. i think it's changed because of a cookie on my desktop PC (wizard is on laptop and was registered today).
2. could you elaborate on what parts exactly are disrespectful, unless you mean the original?
3. I was being somewhat facetious - my experience of 'learning' diabetes management is limited to my own learning to manage my own diabetes. However, through observation, including reading various threads on this very forum, in addition to other medical conditions outside of diabetes, and in fact just generally in life, it is clear that the sooner you make people take >responsibility< for their own condition or predicament then the quicker they learn to adapt to it and accept/embrace it. Qualified that you are, you will be familiar with Weiner's work concerning motivation/incentive and this is exactly what a post like mine speaks to, surely?
Click to expand...
Your OP was nothing about taking responsibility though. It was very dismissive and makes out that it's no big deal. If Diabetes is no big deal, then what is there to take responsibility for?

As far as I can see, people are taking responsibility for it themselves. That's why people have made their way to this forum, because they have came seeking the information that they require.
 
Fencer said:
Your OP was nothing about taking responsibility though. It was very dismissive and makes out that it's no big deal. If Diabetes is no big deal, then what is there to take responsibility for?

As far as I can see, people are taking responsibility for it themselves. That's why people have made their way to this forum, because they have came seeking the information that they require.
Click to expand...

it is no big deal if you take responsibility! but taking responsibility does not mean wallowing in self pity, which, is exactly what sparked off my post (and is a recurrent theme through each of the 16 points i.e. threads about each of the 16 topics are typically mired with it)!
 
talkingcow said:
Fencer said:
Your OP was nothing about taking responsibility though. It was very dismissive and makes out that it's no big deal. If Diabetes is no big deal, then what is there to take responsibility for?

As far as I can see, people are taking responsibility for it themselves. That's why people have made their way to this forum, because they have came seeking the information that they require.
Click to expand...

it is no big deal if you take responsibility! but taking responsibility does not mean wallowing in self pity, which, is exactly what sparked off my post (and is a recurrent theme through each of the 16 points i.e. threads about each of the 16 topics are typically mired with it)!
Click to expand...
Similarly, being thorough and making sure everything is in place (whether or not you percieve that to be OTT) is not wallowing in self pity.
 
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