Diabetes

[remiel6]

I have to clear up some misinformation

1. I am an insulin dependent diabetic
2. I told my wife long before we met, it was never a problem
3. Type 1 must take insulin, type 2 does not take insulin. It has nothing to do with age.
4. My wife's reply when I told her was that it was such a small thing and many people have it.
5. If I were insulin dependent I would tell them before there was a first date. I would not if it were a girl in my hometown, but when I am investing the time and money to travel to the Ukraine I would do it, not right away, but before I traveled. If She has a problem with it, the problem is hers. If I were, like the poster a type 2 diabetic I would not say anything until later. I would not lie about it, but i would not go out of my way. Why the difference, because as an insulin dependent diabetic if I am with you and something happens someone needs to know I am diabetic so that they can tell the paramedics when they arrive. As an insulin dependent diabetic my life may depend on your knowledge of my condition.
6. the onset of type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with how you eat. I repeat, nothing. No one knows how you get it, as type 1 diabetes is not hereditary. Anyone who tells you they know how you got type 1 diabetes is lying to you. As for type 2 like the OP it can be hereditary and brought on by several different things. Its causes and factors are various.
7. Type 1 is more severe, not type 2. Type 1 means that without an injection of insulin daily you will be dead. Many type 2 diabetics eventually start on insulin, this is not the same thing. The insulin is to help their insufficient production of their own insulin. Type 1 diabetics produce no insulin and will die without daily injections. This death will occur in a matter of weeks depending on the individual and their circumstances. IE the quarterback for the Chicago Bears who was diagnosed type 1 diabetic after joining the NFL went a good couple of months before he was diagnosed. Me, I went about 3 weeks and was checked into the hospital almost on my death bed.
Type 1 diabetics do not become type 2 diabetics and type 2 diabetics do not become type 1 diabetics. They are 2 separate conditions.
 

[remiel6]

also I might add, for the most part sculpto I like what you have to say. I don't always agree with you, but I like the different opinions that you share. However, Drinking Soda did not make anyone diabetic. It may have made a type 2 diabetic, who was already diabetic only did not know it, have more problems, but the soda itself does not cause a disease. It may cause weight gain, which can exacerbate type 2 diabetes, but it does not "cause" the problem.

[ECOCKS]

Well the cokes and sodas are not good for your bone density and calcium absorption.

[Blues Fairy]

Blues Fairy, now I know you didn't mean any hurt. Thank you, and we shall move on. I almost always agree with your posts, which I like and value. I would like to see more subjunctive forms in your posts though.  Subjunctives  make the utterance sound less rigid, categorical or forward, IMHO.

Ludmila, I thought the apology was enough but obviously it was not; you just had to instruct me about what language to use in my posts.  Do not presume to teach me how to write my posts; I believe I am grown up enough to decide that for myself.  If my language is offensive to you, please feel free to report to moderators or simply press the ignore button.  

[Ludmila]

BF, come on, you are fighting over nothing. I think I said " I would like to see...", which doesn't mean "instructing". It 's a wish. You're welcome to say you would like to ignore it. I would respect it.

We are all adults here, and do as we deem necessary. Goodness, you are overdefensive here, for no reason whatsoever. It is laughable, indeed : you are one of my most favorite posters. I cannot wish you anything but the best.

[Shadow]

I have to clear up some misinformation

Type 1 diabetics do not become type 2 diabetics and type 2 diabetics do not become type 1 diabetics. They are 2 separate conditions.
 

I have evidence to the contrary, regarding type 2 diabetic becoming type 1.
Due to continued negligence of the type 2 condition, the insulin production did stop and a person I know became a type 1 diabetic.

[remiel6]

they become insulin dependent, they are usually still considered type 2 diabetics. At least everyone I know in that situation was still labeled a type 2 diabetic. Why I don't really know. I'm not sure at that point in time the designation makes much difference. Also, I know many type 2 diabetics that although they take insulin will take one shot a day for example. i know not a single type 1 diabetic who takes one shot a day of one kind of insulin. Not sure how the doctors label those people, but in my experience they are still labeled type 2.
It is worth noting that in some cases the side effects of Diabetes may be more notable in a type 2 diabetic even though the condition is less severe. You see I can't really ignore my diabetes because if I do I'll be dead. Many type 2 diabetics have the disease for many years before they are diagnosed and it starts to do terrible things to their bodies.
Again if you taking insulin injections I am not sure it makes much difference what you call the person. I do know that if I were advising the OP my advice would change if I were type 2 as opposed to type 1. I would still tell them, but I might tell them at a different time. I would hope that before you've headed to the Ukraine for that first date you've written enough letters where you felt comfortable bringing up the subject, but to each his own I guess.
On a side note I know a few type 1 diabetics who take bad care of themselves, but they usually tend to not live very long lives.  Switching coke for Diet Coke does wonders for your blood sugar, but is just as bad for your teeth.  Yet I've known quite a few diabetics who tell me "I hate diet coke" and proceed to get a 32oz. coke with milk duds at the movie theater and all I can do is shake my head and hope some day they learn while they still have feet to walk on, eyes to see their kids with, and their own kidneys in their bodies.

[Blues Fairy]

BF, come on, you are fighting over nothing. I think I said " I would like to see...", which doesn't mean "instructing". It 's a wish. You're welcome to say you would like to ignore it. I would respect it.

We are all adults here, and do as we deem necessary. Goodness, you are overdefensive here, for no reason whatsoever. It is laughable, indeed : you are one of my most favorite posters. I cannot wish you anything but the best.

I'm not fighting or being defensive, I am setting limits.  If you respect me as much as you say, why is my attempt to set limits so laughable to you?  Doesn't make sense. 

[kievstar]

Remiel not sure where you live and who has been telling you about diabetes but it conflicts with people I know who have it.  I also know people who were diabetic and now cured with diet.  Most of what you say is true. 

[remiel6]

an insulin dependent diabetic cannot be cured. I repeat cannot be cured. A type 2 diabetic who is not insulin dependent can often times be controlled by diet, it depends on the particulars of the person in question. How do I know, well I don't "know" people who have it. i have it. I mean yes I know people who are type 2 diabetics, but I am an insulin dependent diabetic and trust me when I tell you anyone who tells you they can "cure" type 1 diabetes with diet alone is a liar. I don't mean to be blunt, but that is the truth. Let me give the dick and Jane explanation of diabetes so we have a clear understanding.
Your bodies cells need sugar to live (sugar in the simple sense of the word not coke or anything like that).
Insulin acts like a key and it opens up the cells so that the cell can use the sugar that you have eaten.
Without insulin you starve to death.
A person whose body produces no insulin at all is a type 1 diabetic. If they do not take daily injections of insulin they WILL die. There is no ifs and or buts about this, without insulin type 1 diabetes is 100% fatal.
A person whose body either produces not enough insulin/too much insulin/ is a type 2 diabetic. Some type 2 diabetics can control diabetes thru carefully watching their diet. IE they don't produce enough insulin and if they watch their sugar intake diet alone will help them. Some people are "insulin resistant" which means their bodies don't use insulin effectively. These people will often take pills to allow their body to better use the insulin they make. Some peoples insulin production over time will decrease and the pills are not effective in controlling sugar levels. These people will often times start injecting insulin to compliment their own insulin production. They are all still type 2 diabetics. I know far more about type 1 because well I am a type 1 diabetic, but nonetheless the above is true. There is no "cure" for diabetes, and every diabetic is different.
Also I might add every diabetic I know of is on a diet of some kind. Although new insulin's decrease the need for such a closely regulated diet.

[GQBlues]

Very good information remiel....

I'm not diabetic and since it's fairly slow at work I thought to read more about this and its relation to Russia / Russian women.

So what does a normal net surfer do to get info, yeppers, he Googles...LOL. 'Diabetic Russian Woman' nabbed me Dan's RWD as the top 2 search result. (Kudos, Dan! LOL).

Followed closely by, urmmm, Viagra ads. See the attached screen shot - too funny!

Then I found this page and thought it was fairly interesting....

..."Despite their White racial background, the prevalence of diabetes in Russian-speaking immigrants was high, and comparable to the rates of other non-White groups known to be at risk for diabetes, which is consistent with reports indicating the population’s increased risks for obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.3–5 Studies have also reported that former Soviet Republics are experiencing increasingly high prevalence rates of obesity, particularly among women,(17,18) and their death rates from cardiovascular disease are among the highest in Europe.(19) Several explanations have been presented to explain the high rates of diabetes and its related risks among Russian-speaking immigrants.

Diet is the most frequent explanation, as Russian speaking e´migre´s tend to consume large quantities of carbohydrates5 and high fat foods.8 Animal products are scarce and expensive in their homelands; therefore, Russian-speaking immigrants do not practice trimming fat from meat, or removing the skin from chicken. They also do not use low fat dairy products, preferring heavy cream or sour cream, and using lard generously in their cooking [personal conversation with a Russian physician]. In addition to unhealthy dietary habits, Russian-speaking immigrants, particularly men, tend to smoke and drink heavily and do not exercise regularly.8 Some argue that hopelessness and powerlessness associated with the hardship of new life in the United States make them continue their unhealthy lifestyle. ( 8 )

Russian-speaking immigrants with diabetes face other barriers in controlling the disease. Of those with diagnosed diabetes in our sample (N5170), 64% had no or limited knowledge of the hemoglobin A1c test. In contrast, only 11% of the state’s general population with diabetes had no, or limited, knowledge of the test [unpublished results of the analysis of 2001 NYS BRFSS data]. There is a report that Russian-speaking immigrants with diabetes tend to have more impaired function, greater difficulty coping with the disease, and poorer overall health, compared to Whites or African Americans with diabetes.12 In fact, the lack of knowledge about diabetes among diabetes patients is fairly common in the former Soviet Republics. ( 20 ) Insufficient knowledge of diabetes care, economic hardship, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the American healthcare system, are likely to be associated with their poor outcomes of diabetes.( 8,12 )…..”

Note: Usual disclaimer for grouping ‘Russian-speaking’ population, of course. Additionally, this really doesn’t ‘help’ the OP as he’s from the UK, but thought to post this anyway for general consumption, no pun intended.

[philb]

philb RN stands with remiel6 on this.

[remiel6]

nice to know I am not alone  I like standing with company 
The part above quoted reminds me of something that all the diabetes education classes in the world could not teach me. Anyone can learn to eat right, take your insulin and limit their alcohol. The problems with adjusting to being diabetic are largely in the head and self image. I have met many diabetics who refused to follow medical advice for no other reason than "I'm a man I drink." or "No one's gonna tell me what to eat." or a myriad of other replies. The problem is they do not want to deal with who they are and the condition they have. I think some see it as a judgment against them. "Am I a real man if i have to stick myself with needles to stay alive" or "Who wants to marry an invalid". This is why I asked if the OP was newly diagnosed. I know I went thru this phase when I was younger.

ironically the problem of dealing honestly with who you are comes up in another oft discussed topic on this thread and that is being realistic about the girls you choose to chat with and visit.

[mendeleyev]

In early summer we were spending some time at our summer place in Bulgaria and Mrs M became increasingly concerned about the amount of time I had spent sleeping on the train, and night sweats which had started earlier. I had to return for a week to fulfill an assignment covering some events in DC and Canada and before returning to Bulgaria made a doctor's appointment which resulted in a Diabetes 2 diagnosis.

I've always been healthy but should have paid closer attention. However in just a few short months it seems to be fading and the doctor first cut back the pill dosage and now I take one only if over a certain sugar level, which occurs just a couple times monthly if at all. The doctor, and Mrs M, are pleased.

Mrs M has been very supportive and at first we went thru cabinets, donating pasta and rice, etc, and now we read labels before anything comes home from the market.

Oddly enough, the one resistant member of our family is my Russian MIL. She has been type 2 for 2+ years and when in our Moscow home likes to do the bulk of the cooking. At her age, 70+, giving up the things that cause problems for herself is very difficult. For years I was her chosen "assistant chef" in the kitchen but my determination to make significant dietary changes has caused some friction, so my wife has begun to step in as a buffer and taking the lead in making sure that we eat more healthy when in Russia.

I love mother and want the best for her. We got her on Metformin which has helped but she needs more than just pills to regain her health. At the same time I understand that she has lived a long life and developed a love affair for things like potatoes, etc. Lifelong habits are a struggle to change. Many Russians lack adequate water consumption, too.

At first it was hard to pass our beloved nearby Kartoshka Kroshka but now I can walk right past those kiosks easily. I'll take a serving of fresh tomato and cucumbers instead. If I've been good...with a tiny portion of sour cream, naturally.  

[mendeleyev]

I don't think that the original poster should be concerned. Type 2 is more common in the FSU than most of us realize. What a young lady might wish to know is how he is dealing with it, and is he disciplined enough to control it so that it doesn't become a larger issue down the road.

[Smile_too]

I think depends much what age girl he is going to contact with. As I understand she whould not be elder than 35. If she is in her 20 no one is thinking about illness death and ect. Do you remember yourself in your 20th - did you ever think about diabets??? may be a little about something like "venereal" but not other  ...if the guy has all parts of the body the girl shall not think much about illnesses which can develop in the future. So if you make injections of insuline just tell her what you use in order to escape the mix up with using narcotics...if only pills you will  easy  find the comfortable moment when you are ready to tell her about your diabetic.
Certainly you will tell...if it worries you it means that you can't keep this secret inside so you will share this information with your girl. Just do it at a normal words as if nothing strange and the half of the worl has the same illness...I only advice not to use dramatic words something like: "My Love I know I can die any moment please say me yes"

[veritas]

On a side note I know a few type 1 diabetics who take bad care of themselves, but they usually tend to not live very long lives. 

Yep, my father was one of them ... Diagnosed with Type I at age 14, took 3 insulin shots/day, died at age 53 ...

Kevin

[gurrath19]

I am diabetic since I was 7 y.o.and now I am 47. I use insulin injections and I think a girlmust know my situation only when the relationship starts to be serious. Honestly I fucked a lot of girls who never knew I was diabetic.
If a girl becomes my serious girlfriend I tell her I am diabetic, so I can justify the injections.
But if a girl refuses you because you are diabetic, you are happy because you lose no time with a girl who doesn't love you.
I wish you a long and happy life