Why don't people understand that two different types of diabetes exist?

My husband developed his type-2 diabetes after injuring his back and being inactive for 9 months. But ALL of the adults in his family developed type-2 after their 50th birthdays... sometimes it takes a few years, but his little sister was just diagnosed AT 50! He is of Hispanic descent, quite active now, careful of what he consumes (he doesn't drink, either), and has never been more than 10 lbs overweight in the 44 years that we've been together! But he is now insulin-dependent... and the dosage needed continues to rise... The answer is ALWAYS education... if someone is rude enough to 'blame' you for your condition, that opens the door for you to explain diabetes to them... perhaps even get some pamphlets from your doctor to give them! Either they learn something... or they leave you alone!!

I am empathetic to your concern and health. The misconception and mis education on diabetes keeps people blind to the reality of diabetes.Rather it be type I or type II. I experienced gestational diabetes a year ago and it was no fun. I had to check my blood sugar seven times a day, record all the meals and snacks. It is really awful when someone ignorant to diabetes blames you. They need to do some research for themselves. I have been a nurse for 13 1/2 years and when I was diagnosed I still had to research. Your diabetes is individualized to your need. So listen to your body.

As a nurse, I'll have to agree with you that most people aren't aware that there are two different types, and sadly they only can relate to type II. While it's a shame (truly) that there are those who are ignorant, you are in a prime spot to educate them to the realities of diabetes type I. I know it's hard to not to be offended by those people, but if you gently tell them that you don't have 'that type' of diabetes, and explain that it is something that developed as a young child perhaps you can give them a quick and better understanding of it. I don't mean going into depth over the differences, but letting them know that there are people who acquire it as a child who have never had eating disorders, etc, etc. Bless your heart, I know it's frustrating! I have many different types of diabetics in my family too. I've had many friends in my lifetime who were diabetic since childhood, and most people just can't comprehend how it impacts a kids life, and that it doesn't necessarily become acquired from bad health habits...unless it's gently explained to them. Think of it this way...you're helping to wipe out ignorance so that some other kid, somewhere along the line, won't have to go through the mental anguish that you have. Don't let 'em get to you, they just don't know any better.

A few people in my family have type 1, so i always thought it was something you just got through bad luck or genetically. I didn't know until later in life that you could get diabetes through being overweight or bad eating habits or whatever. I guess that with the 'developed' world becoming so fat on our terrible diet of convenience foods, type 11 is much more common these days and hence, is automatically thought of as being self-inflicted. Please don't be offended, but are you a 'large lady'? If you're overweight, that may make people assume that is the cause of your illness? I've never heard of anybody being discriminated against for having the illness though!? Usually nobody makes a big deal aboout it.

Same here. I have type one and have had it since 2000. I think it's hard to understand what the differences are unless you actually have diabetes or know someone that is close to you that does. I can honestly say that before I had it, I had no clue what the differences were and frankly, I didn't care. Of course now I do and are teaching my friends and family about it. Don't worry about other people. =)

I am type II diabetic & I don't think it's anymore accurate to say that type II is someone's 'fault' then it is to say type I is. Life style & poor choices may be a component for type II but they are not the only factor. Many diseases have a lifestyle factor, but that's doesn't mean anyone deserves a disease or illness.

Actually I too am ignorant to such things before I got diagnosed to be type II diabetic. It was my fault indeed, from there, I learned and discovered what the difference between the two and its true that there a lots of people who still are not aware what the difference between these two types. What I would advice you is to be patient and understanding for those who are really not aware of your condition. There is so much to teach them and it is you who shall be responsible to let them realize how wrong they are to judge you. I think they just need to be informed.

I'm type 2 diabetic, and yes, I am a little overweight. In saying that though, I've always had healthy food, takeaways maybe every two or three weeks. There is also a family history of diabetes on my mothers side of the family. My neice, who is now 25 has had type 1 for four years now, she has generally eaten healthy meals too. So I guess a lot of it can be genetic and not diet related.

I am sorry that you are being blamed for your condition. I was diagnosed when I was 7 years old, but I don't have this problem with people. I don't understand why some people get confused, but there are a lot of commercials and different articles on the facts of type II, so maybe everyone is just lumping both types into one bag. Maybe if you just explain the situation to them before they jump to conclusions. Good luck!

Diabetes runs on my mothers side of the family.My grandmother had this when she was young and so forth.My aunt,my uncle.etc.Both types,inherited and self done.I had this when i became pregnant around 4 months.After birth it was gone.My body just didnt make enough insulin for me&the baby,no big deal.Im not a sugar person at all and hardly EVER eat it.People should read more about this to really under stand.My gram only took pills for herbut my aunt used insulin,my uncle only checks with a finger pricker.