Type 1 is NOT Type 2

[fandoria]

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of TV shows/movies and reading news articles about food, diet, etc. and how it impacts health. Some of this I’ve come across because healthy food is something I’m pretty passionate about and I think it’s very important to be educated on what exactly is in the food we eat. Some of this is stuff I’ve just found on the

Comments

Genetics

[anonymous]

Genetics also come into play with type 2 diabetes. You are more likely to get type 2 if you have had family members with it as well... However, I know I am predisposed and I am not going to take it lying down! I have plans to make desserts a special treat (think 1 or 2 times per month - unless it is a fruit dessert without any sugars at all) in my house as well as processed ANYTHING (that is when I get my own house again... I do not have control right now!) I also plan on using only natural sugars (honey, agave, etc.) and not processed white sugar.

It astounds me that people do not know the difference between the two types of diabetes! Good job with the explanations. I have never envied those who have been diagnosed with diabetes...

Crystal

Re: Genetics

[fandoria]

It's true that there's also a genetic predisposition for type 2. I forgot to mention that so I'm glad you did. The lucky thing for people predisposed to type 2 is they can take steps to prevent it. Those predisposed to type 1 can't. It sounds like you're taking a good approach to preventing it yourself. I hope you never have to live with it. It's not something I'd wish on anyone.

Re: Genetics

[anonymous]

Amen, I hope I never have to live with it as well, but since I was diagnosed with PCOS earlier this year I am now a LOT more likely to develop it. However, I am earnestly trying to lose weight to be able to fight it off better (I've lost 15 lbs so far this year!)

Crystal
PS I would also not wish it on anyone either - type 1 or type 2!

Re: Genetics

[fandoria]

I was diagnosed with PCOS (although my endo called it Stein-Leventhal since I don't actually have any ovarian cysts) in January myself. We actually discovered it when we were trying to figure out the cause of my hypothyroidism since I tested negative for all the more usual causes. But in my case, my endo said that I'm not at risk for diabetes because unlike most women who get diagnosed with it because they're becoming insulin resistent, I make too much insulin. (My BG 2 hours after a meal was 93) We still have no clue why my thryroid is messed up--although I went in for another round of blood tests this morning and I have my next appt in two weeks--but at least we now know why I was so freaking tired all the time and had incredibly irregular periods and why no matter how hard I work, I just can't lose weight. I haven't gained more than five pounds in the past year and a half, but as far as losing, I just flucuate back and forth between the same five pounds. The metformin my endo put me on is working for energy (when I get enough

[robinellen]

My grandpa had Type 1 diabetes -- but he contracted it as an adult (I think he was around 32 or 33) when cortisone killed his pancreas :( My grandma managed his blood sugar in part through diet (as much as she could), so they counted carbs, sugars, and fats in every single meal, hoping to stave off the crashes. Sometimes it worked; other times, not as much. You're right that it's definitely misunderstood. Many, many people were shocked to discover my grandpa was diabetic, because he was always extremely thin (and they could see that he ate no sugar and no processed foods).

[fandoria]

That must have been such a hard adjustment for him. The only good thing I can say about T getting it at 4 is that he really doesn't remember what it was like before so he adjusted a lot better than I probably would have if it was me. We also carb count (protein is also important to consider with diabetics, especially with lows. Protein helps the carbs to stick around longer) with T and we have more success with that than we did with the first method of calculating insulin that we were taught, but the highs and lows can still be a crapshoot. His endo told us that until he's done growing, it's going to be up and down and all over the place. It's hardest to manage when they're kids and still growing.

I have to say, I really hate the stereotype that diabetics are obese because I know so many who are at a perfectly healthy weight. But then again, that's part of why I made this post.

[fandoria]

Yes, there is gestational diabetes which thankfull goes away after pregnancy, but like you said, brings with it an increased risk for type 2.

I hope you're able to successfully prevent getting type 2 later. I definitely share your fear of shots and needles.

[onegrapeshy]

Now we're starting to see children with Type II diabetes because of the obesity.

[fandoria]

This is very true and it's so important to raise awareness about it. Just so long as the distinction between the two types is made. Both types need more awareness so more people will understand not only how they develope, but also just how serious they both are.