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Depressing question, sorry.

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hemase

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Sorry for the depressing theme behind this post. Just been watching an american t.v programme where one of the main characters has type 2 diabetes. I have noticed on more than one occasion that he talks about dying early or at least earlier.
Is this something that is a real threat to us? I am working very hard to control my condition and have seen some brilliant results. Can I expect to get worse anyway is what I am asking really? Thanks for your replies.
 
I wouldn't place too much store in tv dramas hemase. The few examples we see are often innacurate and very ill-informed. It certainly used to be the case that a diagnosis of diabetes would mean a curtailed lifespan, but with modern treatment regimes and medical knowledge of the causes, prevention and treatment of complications life-expectancy has been significantly enhanced.

I was reading a book recently 'Diabetes, the Biography', and it is quite shocking (to me, in the current day) how there was often an 'inevitablity' accepted that diabetics would suffer complications. For this reason, many were 'allowed' to run higher levels as it was thought that this at least would improve the quality of their lives by placing less restriction on diets and lifestyles. This was as recent as the 1970s, and there has been tremendous progress since then. I am sure any of the longer-term diabetics in the forum could tell you how things like accurate blood testing with portable meters is such a huge improvement, for one.

We don't know what lies ahead for any of us, the best we can do is do our best to keep our levels within range and this will gve us the best chance of avoiding complications. Diabetes, unlike many other chronic conditions, is on the whole a manageable condition if we are prepared to put in the work.

Personally, in some ways I believe my life-expectancy has been enhanced by my diagnosis, as I have made lifestyle changes that will lessen the risk of other problems later in life. I would rather not have it, but I do not fear it - at the same time, I am not complacent and know I must not let my guard slip.
 
Northerner said:
I wouldn't place too much store in tv dramas hemase. The few examples we see are often innacurate and very ill-informed.
Personally, in some ways I believe my life-expectancy has been enhanced by my diagnosis, as I have made lifestyle changes that will lessen the risk of other problems later in life. I would rather not have it, but I do not fear it - at the same time, I am not complacent and know I must not let my guard slip.
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I couldn't agree with you more Northe, and I'm sure the fact that you've seen some brilliant results will all help hemase. My personal philosophy is - there's no accounting for what happens in life, youv'e just got to grab it by the b***s (sorry fellas) and run with it. We somtimes have choices that can help and hinder it too...
 
hi Hemase id echo what Northener said id not put to much emphasis on t.v progs sometimes there showing of a diabetic can be way off key and there info very much hazy to say the least, Saying that weather through coinsceince or not i am in the process of writing my will 😱😱
 
I appreciate your comments guys, I know my overall health is improved since diagnosis. I sometimes find it disheartening that for all the good work I/we do there always seems to be another challenge or setback round the corner.
 
hemase said:
Just been watching an american t.v programme where one of the main characters has type 2 diabetes. I have noticed on more than one occasion that he talks about dying early or at least earlier.
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Was this Scrubs by any chance? Only I happened to notice this mentioned on it the other day.
 
It is Scrubs, I have seen them talk this way about Diabetes on more than one occasion. As a programme in a medical setting you would think they would have a responsibility to get a good and correct message across.
 
I absolutely boggle at this! Is this the new series (Series 8)? Because I'm a devoted Scrubs fan, and I can't think of an instance where it's treated overly badly in series 1-7. They show Turk and Carla treating Turk's diabetes with a lot of respect, I think. Yes, they have the episode where the guy is getting an amputation because of poor control, but that's what spurs Turk on to treat his own diabetes seriously. It's also one of the only shows that I can think of where there is a diagnosis that isn't forgotten an episode later.

Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I've always thought it was treated in a very positive light
 
I remember that in the 80's I got totally fed up with the way diabetes was represented in TV programmes. Part of the problem is that they try and bring it into the storyline. Giving young Jamie the correct meal is not very interesting but if he is trapped in a car boot and nobody knows that can be exciting (allegedly). I recall lines like "He must have his insulin within four hours or he will die!" TV is not real life but can easily spread misinformation.
 
I've only seen diabetes mentioned a few times in scrubs because I haven't seen too many episodes, but thought it was quite funny and I was never upset about how it was portrayed. Scrubs is a comedy, so I wouldn't take it seriously, i don't think it's aim is to try and educate about medical conditions
 
Oh I agree, it's very well handled in Scrubs, usually gets the right mix of humour and seriousness on the issue, and as you say it isn't forgotton which is a great thing. Just happened to notice the comment the other day which is why I asked!
 
I have to say I find it very amusing too and re-use the jokes 😉 Like this one:

J.D.: That sucks. Carla is aware that if you eat that your foot will fall off, right?
Turk: Well, I haven't told her yet. But I'm pretty sure she knows, 'cause right now she's trying to get me to 'fess up by tempting her Chocolatey Goodness with chocolatey goodness.
Carla: Babe? Do you want some hot fudge sugar sauce?
Turk: Oh, hell yeah! (he shakes his head to J.D.)

Now if someone gives me something like a piece of cake or whatever I sometimes say I can't eat it or my foot will fall off.
 
Just heard a terrible diabetes joke in True Blood: "Giving Jason Stackhouse Vampire blood is like giving ho-hos to a diabetic... You know he can't control himself."

180px-Ho_hoes.jpg


Yeah I can bearly control myself... 🙄
 
great one
" I can't eat it or my foot will fall off."

im gonna use that one at xmas!!
 
I am a massive fan of Scrubs myself and am mostly happy with the way they have handled it. Just two instances stick in my mind though. There have been two comments made by Turk about dying first or dying younger. These are the parts that made me ask the inital question.
 
Northerner said:
........Personally, in some ways I believe my life-expectancy has been enhanced by my diagnosis, as I have made lifestyle changes that will lessen the risk of other problems later in life. I would rather not have it, but I do not fear it - at the same time, I am not complacent and know I must not let my guard slip......
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Hi Hemase,

I agree fully with Northerner on what he said above because it is exactly the same as I feel since I made dietary changes over the last twelve months.

Today, I feel as though I'm here for ever. The last book that I read was "Healthy at 100".

Best wishes - John
 
wallycorker said:
Hi Hemase,

I agree fully with Northerner on what he said above because it is exactly the same as I feel since I made dietary changes over the last twelve months.

Today, I feel as though I'm here for ever. The last book that I read was "Healthy at 100".

Best wishes - John
Click to expand...

Nice one John! I do think it helps to be positive, but understand all the worries and concerns in the first few months/years? after diagnosis.
 
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