Is it just me ....

[KateXXXXXX]

It's the same problem we see with any sterotype or shorthand: it's too simplistc. Outsiders only see fat person with Type 2 diabetes and automatically assume that they are lazy and over eat, so got fat and developed diabetes. They don't see health problems that lead to excess weight and make it almost impossible to shed the weight. The diabetes MIGHT be a consequence of the excess weight, but they fail to see and understand the causes of the weight problems. And the diabetes may have nothing to do with the weight issues. Diabetes of either sort may simply be a matter of 's*** happens'.

I was fat, lazy, and over 40. I didn't develop diabetes. Looking back, with the knowledge I have now, I think I was incredubly lucky.

 

[RachelT]

if it's any consolation, I nearly read an artical today that claimed research suggested that not eating enough magnesium could be a factor in developing diabetes. Since i'm not entirely sure what foods contain magnesium i can't say what was to blame... But i didn't read it coz every week there seems to be a new bit of research that says "blah blah blah linked to diabetes". It's clearly very complicated .

My theory is that diseases go through phases of being "fashionable" with the media and maybe research establishments. Currently it's all about diabetes, Cancer is so last year...(<--this is mean to be ironic, please don't take offence). And the people on TV and in the media don't care if they upset people with diabetes. They should, there's enough of us, but anyway, having blamed binge drinkers and smokers for breaking the NHS now they want to pick on someone else. Too bad it's us.

I will confess, i did have a guilty thought about the number of mobility scooters in our local shopping centre on Sunday, having narrowly avoided being mown down by one, but since two out of three of my grandparents have them (and do in fact drive them quite badly) i'm in not posistion to comment. Sorry. I'm sure you're an excellent driver Ellowyne, 🙂. I'm sure the number of scooters has more to do with the happy fact that it's more socially acceptable to use them, and it means that people who would have been socially isolated and stuck in their own homes are now able to take more control of their lives and play a bigger part in community life, which is a good thing indeed.

 

[Catwoman76]

Well , at least I found one, or two decent posts here...What's this...beat the Fatties thread!!!!!!
Yes, I am Fat very fat...But I also have a vast amount of other health problems for years that have meant I have become disabled and becuase I have severe mobilty problems, I have gained weight...Hey, I'm one of the fatties with a Mobility Car!!!!...But, I didn't get it because I was fat, nor did I get it because of any reason to do with my weight!

I think the majority of the posts here are insensitive and Jugdemental...To be honest Alan, I began to notice posts like this alot....'Oh, please don't think I am one of those type 2's that is FAT!!!!!'

We have a divide I think?.....Skinny and type 2...your ok!!!

I hardly eat at all, I am too bloated to eat, I can't even drink the fluids I need, let alone eat a huge meal!!!!...People just don't understand, it's like the worst thing anyone could be is.....FAT!!!!!!!

Hi I was one of those that used the word mobility cars/scooters, I agree with Ann's thread and I CERTAINLY DID NOT imply or say that everyone who uses a mobility vehicle uses it because they had a bad or unhealthy diet, I know full well that a lot of people do have medical problems, and that could be one of the reasons they use a vehicle. I know you have commented on this subject before, but the truth is that obesity is a big big problem, not just in the uk, and could lead to Type 2 Diabetes.
As for the word 'fatties' well it's not a word I used as I find that an insensitive and judgemental word. I'm sure the majority of people, myself included, wouldn't delibratley mean to be insensitive or judgemental, they are just speaking on a forum about how they view a subject/comment, rightly or wrongly. With best wishes, always Sheena

 

[Blythespirit]

Ellowyne, I'm sorry you read this thread as a critisizm aimed at people who are overweight. I don't read it like that at all. Ann asked if she was the only one who got sick of hearing about how Type 2 diabetes is percieved as being the persons fault and the majority of us agree with her. Because the news always seems to link Type 2 with being over weight and that both are the patients own fault, they were bound to be linked on this thread. I don't see anyone actually blaming others for their plight, just airing their own experiences and opinions about how unfair it is. It's true that a lot of people who find themselves overweight and Type 2 have other things going on. This just makes the situation more difficult to deal with.

Like you I need to lose some weight, eat very little but can't lose it no matter what I do. I know one of my problems is the meds I'm on for other conditions. It's frustrating and soul destroying to keep fighting the weight and nothing happens. Especially when you hear of other people losing stones at a time with seemingly very little effort. I think that's what's being said here. It's unfair to be judged and blamed for something tht's not our fault just because it's fashionable to do so.

I hope you're feeling better these days and please take care. XXXXX

 

[Andy HB]

For my part, I simply made the point that my diabetes IS directly related to my excess weight. I have lost that weight and my symptoms improved. I recognise that this is only because, for the moment, my pancreas still produces insulin in reasonable quantities.

In no way should my statement have been inferred as a criticism of others who are less fortunate. But instead it should be used as a spur to those who are able to help themselves with support from the good people I see on this forum.

Andy 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Ellowyne, I'm sorry you read this thread as a critisizm aimed at people who are overweight. I don't read it like that at all. Ann asked if she was the only one who got sick of hearing about how Type 2 diabetes is percieved as being the persons fault and the majority of us agree with her. Because the news always seems to link Type 2 with being over weight and that both are the patients own fault, they were bound to be linked on this thread. I don't see anyone actually blaming others for their plight, just airing their own experiences and opinions about how unfair it is. It's true that a lot of people who find themselves overweight and Type 2 have other things going on. This just makes the situation more difficult to deal with.

Like you I need to lose some weight, eat very little but can't lose it no matter what I do. I know one of my problems is the meds I'm on for other conditions. It's frustrating and soul destroying to keep fighting the weight and nothing happens. Especially when you hear of other people losing stones at a time with seemingly very little effort. I think that's what's being said here. It's unfair to be judged and blamed for something tht's not our fault just because it's fashionable to do so.

I hope you're feeling better these days and please take care. XXXXX

Thank you Faith, your words echo my thoughts. Ellowyne, I'm sorry if you perceived this thread to be a criticism. We have had many conversations here in the past and people are generally very respectful of the difficulties of others and the finger-pointing of the media, government and general public.

 

[Catwoman76]

For my part, I simply made the point that my diabetes IS directly related to my excess weight. I have lost that weight and my symptoms improved. I recognise that this is only because, for the moment, my pancreas still produces insulin in reasonable quantities.

In no way should my statement have been inferred as a criticism of others who are less fortunate. But instead it should be used as a spur to those who are able to help themselves with support from the good people I see on this forum.

Andy 🙂

Well said Andy, I felt awful last night as though I had been mean and hurtful and I really didn't do that.
Your own experience regarding lifestyle is valuable to the good and very supportive people here on the forum. I hope you all have a lovely day in this beautiful warm sunshine Sheena Take care all 🙂

 

[AnnW]

I think you read what we are saying incorrectly Ellowyne, I said at the beginning that I am fed up with everyone saying that Diabetes is always linked with bad life style.. Fatness, bad diet, smoking , laziness.... I still say that. I am not against anyone who is fat, who smokes, who is lazy and who eats burger and chips every night... Just against those who imply I do and that that is the reason I have diabetes.

My life is the way I want to run it, I have been veggie for nearly 50 years and have had to fight off the 'can you eat this? ' scenario... And for some reason have to justify my private decision not to eat meat, I now have to confront this - and criticism of my diabetes ... As if I chose to have it... And I find it very annoying.

The only think worse than having a jeering finger pointing at you when you ARE fat is to have the finger pointed when you are not.

Each of us have to deal with the life that has been thrown at us... Life long asthma, diabetes now and arthritis creeping in for me... My problem alone.

 

[Ellowyne]

I think you read what we are saying incorrectly Ellowyne, I said at the beginning that I am fed up with everyone saying that Diabetes is always linked with bad life style.. Fatness, bad diet, smoking , laziness.... I still say that. I am not against anyone who is fat, who smokes, who is lazy and who eats burger and chips every night... Just against those who imply I do and that that is the reason I have diabetes.

My life is the way I want to run it, I have been veggie for nearly 50 years and have had to fight off the 'can you eat this? ' scenario... And for some reason have to justify my private decision not to eat meat, I now have to confront this - and criticism of my diabetes ... As if I chose to have it... And I find it very annoying.

The only think worse than having a jeering finger pointing at you when you ARE fat is to have the finger pointed when you are not.

Each of us have to deal with the life that has been thrown at us... Life long asthma, diabetes now and arthritis creeping in for me... My problem alone.

No, actually I don't think I have taken things completly wrong here!

I mean, going by that last comment...

The only think worse than having a jeering finger pointing at you when you ARE fat is to have the finger pointed when you are not.

Really!....Well I am Fat, and my Diabtes is NOT asscociated with my weight! I have had a terrible time with my health for many years now. After I battled with a back injury, I put on weight because I was not able to move!!! I then became dependant on a super strong Opiate based drug called Fentanyl...Whilst on this drug I lost 5 Stone, without any effort...It was AFTER losing weight, which I put on after the back injury...After losing weight I was diagnosed with Diabetes!!!!!....Even though I can not move very much, I have managed to at least Not put on any more weight....I am still FAT!...and yes, because I am FAT people think that is why I have Diabetes...NOT TRUE IN MY CASE!!!!

But here, it's like it is the worst thing to be ascociated with any Fat type 2's!!!!...It's insensitive, not every Fat person sits and eat's...Oh, what was it

'anyone who is fat, who smokes, who is lazy and who eats burger and chips every night'
You are making the judgment that this is the kind of food ALL fat people eat!!!


And, like the thread about that lady who wanted to get to 50 plus stone, yes, of course that is wrong...and Sad!!!...But some of the comments on that thread were P*** Taking and playground remarks being made....So, if some anorexic wanted to get down to the lowest weight possible we would take the P***?...I think not, that person would be offered nothing but sympathy!.....Pink 'n' fluffy and little = Vulnerable...whilst being Fat is jeered at and we are judged for being Greedy and lazy!!

Well, I have a voice too, and my feelings are that this forum is picky and has favourite groups...This has been said before so I'm not the only One!!!...I have stayed away because of threads like this one and others....People jusy don't understand that whatever the cause or not....fact is skinny type 2...Fat type 2....Should make no diffrence, and why be so worried about being assocotiated with anything to do with being overweight....If your Type 2 and not overweight, what is the problem? People can see that your not overweight!!!!!...You can defend your selves with the fact that you are not Fat...Hurrayyyy!

When I tell someone I'm type 2 and 'get that look'...well, I have nothing to say, that is unless I want to give them a whole history of my health problems!

If your not fat, if you can get about and get up in the morning without wetting yourself because you are in so much pain that your muscles go into a chronic contraction and the toilet seems like a mile away...If you can wash and get yourself dressed without needing your partner to help you put your underwear on, if you can brush your hair and teeth and not have it cause you yet more pain...if you can walk more a a couple of steps before your body stops you dead in your tracks....then, then my friends, life is not so bad!


Do I feel sorry for myself????....Hell yeah, too right I do!!!!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

So sorry to hear that you are upset Ellowyne. I'm sure no-one deliberately set out to upset you, but were perhaps just cross in their own way about the misinformation and prejudice that surrounds Diabetes.

Take care
M

 

[AnnW]

Nothing I can say is right - obviously . Read the original posting , you make assumptions and it gets me annoyed . Sorry . I have nothing more to say.

 

[Blythespirit]

Ann....sending you big hugs. Please don't be upset as what you have said it very true and you've done nothing wrong. As you can see by other posts we know what you meant and agree with you.

Ellowyne..... again I'm sorry to see you so obviously upset. I've re read the entire thread and still can't see why you feel so slighted. I know that I don't know you very well as I haven't been around long, but what I have seen is lots of love and support for you when you have posted. One of the very first threads I read was one where you were very upset about the standard of help you were getting from your doctors and you got lots of heartfelt replies. I remember it because my heart went out to you and I was moved by the loving comments you got.

I do sympathise with you for all the problems you have, and feel that maybe your health problems are in some way colouring your reaction and perceptions of what has been posted here. I too can be a little over sensitive when I'm not feeling too good, so it's understandable in a way that you could be doing the same.

All forums tend to be the same as far as having a core group of regular, supportive posters. This will inevitably lead to people becoming close and getting to know some members more than others. It's nothing personal, just the way things work out sometimes. Some people have more time to post, and some people are more chatty than others. It's only natural that some people will build up a rapport.

I hope you feel more positive soon and that when you think about it you can see that no one was having a go at anyone else on this thread. Appart from the misinformed press that is.

Take care Sweetheart, and remember we do care about you, even if you don't love us at the moment. XXXXX

 

[cherrypie]

Dear Ellowyne,

My heart goes out to you, I cannot begin to understand what your life is like on a daily basis.
I think the media has done it's job well in stereotyping Type 2's. The whole world and it's wife thinks we are a lazy bunch of misfits who have eaten our way to this disease.

Please do not take anything that has been said personally as there are so many reasons why a person gets Type 2.
There are divisions within diabetics as to why we got this disease but it is mostly because of ignorance. This forum does not breed the division like others seem to. I have seen Type2's who include, "Not overweight" and "An unusual case" in their signatures because they do not want anyone to think that they are overweight. They have bought into the media stereotyping as well.

There is a lot of research going on and a new suggestion for the rise in Type 2's is the diet of our mothers prior to our birth. I don't know if you have read the Barker theory. http://www.thebarkertheory.org/diabetes.php There is also the "Thin people who are Fat" idea because even thin Type2's have excess fat around their organs.

I know that new research will not help you now but nobody here is suggesting that it is your fault. Anyone who has to walk in your shoes would understand better.
I have very little understanding of Type1 and I am sure that most Type1's have limited understanding of Type2. They are different but the complications can be the same.
.
Management is 24/7 and nobody can do it for you. Some of the advice given here about what to eat would have me in double figures but I know that the person means well. If you have a good Health Care Team then you are lucky, even though luck should not come into it but that is how it is in 2011.

There will always be cliques on forums, it is human nature but that does not mean that you are not taken seriously, everyone is here to give and receive support. It may not feel like that sometimes, especially when you are feeling down but reading through this thread nothing stands out as a personal swipe at overweight Type2's IMHO.

Take care Ellowyne and I hope you eventually conclude that nothing here is personally directed at you.

 

[Ellie Jones]

I can see where Ellowyne is coming from and why she?s feeling very upset, and she has a very valid point

Some members are being very contradictive indeed, bemoaning being judged by others, but then judging others with the same lack of knowledge they hate when it comes to them being judged! Why should we demand understanding of our medical condition when we can?t seem to offer the same understanding and consideration to others who have a different medical condition to ours!

Some should take another look at the comments they?ve written concerning what Ellowyne has pointed out and have a rethink to how they are judging and her comments!

 

[Northerner]

Clearly, some are interpreting this thread in different ways to others. I think the points have been made now and so I will close the thread.

 

[Robster65]

It's very easy to read something into a post that wasn't intended. I don't think anyone is setting out to upset or be judgemental.

I suspect we've all felt hurt by certain posts at some point but others would interpret it differently. Especially when we're feeling vulnerable and are having to cope under an enormous strain. Those are also the times when emotions can dictate the way we respond

As humans, we all judge and generalise. It's the only way we can make sense of a world full of other humans. We can't know everyone's background story and sometimes snap decisions have to be made. So yes, we're all guilty of it, but maybe we should allow a bit of slack when we feel able to and we can get on with being supportive of each other.🙂

Rob