Unwanted Advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Unwanted Advice
6
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 1:12am

I haven't been on this board in ages, and now I'm being a board hog! LOL  I just have one more question. How do you handle when people say ignorant things to you about your diabetes?


I have been type 2 for 9 years and I have read up on it and discussed things with my doctor. I am not stupid.


My college roomates and I have stayed friends for the last 26 (!) years and we do a group email several times a week. I was telling them about starting the Byetta, etc and one of them sends me an individual email about how she is so worried about me, I am overweight, I should walk every day, etc. I gained weight due to diabetic drugs and told her this, but lots of people think that is a cop out. I do walk and swim and it irks me she thinks if I just worked at running I could cure my diabetes. 


 Sometimes when things are going well having diabetes is just a small inconvenience in my life. Other times it is all consuming. I know you all understand this, but outsiders don't.


I rarely tell  people I'm diabetic because then they try to monitor what I eat, etc.  My own sister recently made a crack about how , "oh, you know you can cure that." like it's nothing and she is always asking if I'm type 1 or 2.  How do you handle the ignorant comments?

Trish

Trish

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 8:33am

I haven't really had that problem.


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 9:15am

It depends on who is making the comment.

I might answer with a question such as "Oh really!? I'd LOVE to have a cure for this so I can stop watching everything I eat and poking my finger with sharp objects and... every day. Please, tell me more about this..." Five'll get you 10 they read some of those online ad pop ups that say they can cure diabetes (there are sites that say that) - basically, they say that if you watch your carbs and exercise (and take their specially formulated supplements at $$$$ per month) voila no more *symptoms*. Well, no kidding. I can get rid of the symptoms too if I monitor and watch carbs and exercise and I don't even need to buy their supplements. There was also a lot of hype about stomach banding surgery as a 'cure' for diabetes not too long ago as well. Try a search for "diabetes cure" or "natural diabetes cure" (the folks who say they've got a cure are usually folks who say that eating anything besides raw vegetables is what 'causes' diabetes so you have to go back to just raw veggies to 'cure' it - I have nothing against folks who choose a raw diet but once diabetes is diagnosed, you can minimize symptoms, curtail damage, postpone progression, but it's still there)

For well meaning friends, I might just say "Thanks for your concern, my doctor and I are working on getting everything balanced. Please pass the carrot sticks..."

But then again, we're off the beaten path in several ways so I'm used to letting ignorant comments roll right by as well as providing information when it seems appropriate.

--Deb

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 10:38am

Trish,


I don't have to deal with the food nazis very often. One time my opthamologist told me I was borderline diabetic and I set him straight instantly. It is tough dealing with a chronic disease that never goes away even with bariatric surgery. (It just goes into remission.)


Just wait, there will be others in your group who will have to deal with this and then you can really educate them.


Meanwhile I am glad that you came back for a visit. We all understand around here what is happening! Have a great day,


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 5:29pm

I guess, ignoring them is the best advice I can give.


LOL, I think you are right!

Trish

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 5:33pm

I might answer with a question such as "Oh really!? I'd LOVE to have a cure for this so I can stop watching everything I eat and poking my finger with sharp objects and... every day. Please, tell me more about this..."


I should say this! It really bugs me sometimes that people like this old roomate think all I need to do is walk around the block a few times and all my troubles will be over. I'm not a good one at letting things roll off my back, but the older I get the thicker my skin gets. LOL

Trish

Trish

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-13-2008 - 5:34pm
Thank you! Everyone on this board is always so nice and helpful.

Trish