RE: What bugs me about diabetic news stories on tv.

May 3, 2002

>I'm surrounded by people much larger than I

>was at my largest, and none of them has diabetes. They also don't

>focus on weight gain as a symptom, not a cause.

>

Exactly. My brother-in-law who is very large about 150 over. I tested him at

Thanksgiving after dinner. My BG 190, his BG 80. Go figure.

May 3, 2002

I know exactly what you mean. They seem to focus on the most

unflattering parts of very obese people as they talk about type 2

diabetes. None of the diabetics in my family looks anything like

that. They also imply that people get horribly obese and bring

diabetes on themselves. I'm surrounded by people much larger than I

was at my largest, and none of them has diabetes. They also don't

focus on weight gain as a symptom, not a cause.

Christy

> Why oh why must they always find people on the street with enormous

bellies

> hanging out of T-shirts that are 5 sizes too small. Then take a

close up of

> just the belly bouncing along as the people are walking. Okay I

realize that

> lots of type 2's have big stomachs (myself included). But geez!!!

Having

> diabetes does not mean you don't know how to buy the right size

clothes or

> that you necessarily have a big stomach.

> Thanks for letting me rant. !

>

May 3, 2002

I agree wholeheartedly. I certainly don't like being portrayed in that

light, but unfortunately the media isn't as much about truth as it is about

sensationalism. At least such stories and images bring more attention to the

fact that diabetes is a growing problem in the U.S. While, it's not entirely

accurate press, at least it's IN the press.

Re: What bugs me about diabetic news stories on

tv.

I know exactly what you mean. They seem to focus on the most

unflattering parts of very obese people as they talk about type 2

diabetes.

May 3, 2002

I often think that it's more than the press who look at type 2

diabetics with disdain. Research shows that type 2 diabetes can be

delayed by lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise, diet). I

felt ashamed and guilty when I was diagnosed, thinking " I could have

prevented this " . This feeling is reinforced in the minds of the

general public by not only the media, but also the medical

community. I'm still incredibly reluctant to tell people I'm

diabetic because I think they will just think, " It's your own fault. " .

The truth is, my parents are both type 2 diabetics, as are many

aunts, uncles and cousins. I believe that the obesity is a result of

the body's inability to utilize carbohydrates effectively. The

insulin resistance and the diabetes follows that. I wish major

research would confirm that. I'm sure it's true. I was a thin kid,

and so were most of my relatives. I gain weight very quickly on

carbohydrates - which make me sleep. The medical community doesn't

even acknowledge that high bg makes you tired. I think most people

on this list have experienced that groggy, drugged feeling after

ingesting carbs, but my doctor tells me you only get tired when bg is

low.

Does anyone know of any research that suggests obesity is a symptom

of diabetes rather than a cause?? I'm tired of feeling ashamed of

this disease - and, of myself.

Gail

May 3, 2002