I do not know everything. I have never been one of those people that have a problem saying that. I do have difficulties dealing with those people that think they do. It is hard for me to “break their hearts” when they are so sure of themselves. I am also so weak in these situations that I will begin to question my own education and wonder if I am incorrect in my thinking.
With that, here is the story.
I was in Chicago on business the end of last week and I met a gentleman who is on a pump. As soon as I found out I started asking him a million questions since I have my appointment with an Endo this Wednesday to hopefully get on a pump too. He told me that I should not hesitate. The pump is the best thing he has ever done to help him feel more normal and be in the best control he has ever had.
We shared our diagnosis stories and they were quite similar. I was diagnosed at 17 and he was 21. Both of us were not feeling right for several years before our doctors figured it out. It was so nice meeting someone who understands my situation and on top of that, he was very open to tell me all about his ups and downs over the years.
He told me that I was not a type 1, I have to be a type 2. I wanted him to explain this to me. He told me that all type 1’s are born with it and their islet cells are non existent. I told him that I was told that Type 1 is your body committing suicide on it’s own pancreas. He disagreed and said that all type 1’s never have insulin in their bodies. He said that Type 2’s have a pancreas that only works at “around 50%” and then it just stops which is why they can take pills for a while but will end up on Insulin eventually.
Huh?
I was sure that I was a Type 1. A doctor years ago did a blood test to make sure and she said “you are definitely a type 1.” So what was he talking about? I thought type 2 diabetes had to do with the body not utilizing the insulin they produced and that is why some type 2’s can control their diabetes with diet and exercise.
I had no idea how to respond. I was 100% sure he was incorrect but then my percentage started to fluctuate to a 96% sureness. But he was so sure about it and quick to tell me about all of the research and education he has had. He also made me feel bad for not knowing this information. As if, I was a horrible diabetic who didn’t care about my disease. It was very awkward and I immediately changed the subject and never talked about my diabetes with him again.
What a downer. I was really excited to meet somebody who was also a Type 1. Have any of you had a situation like this before? Am I correct in my understanding of 1’s and 2’s? How should I handle someone like this in the future?
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9 comments:
George, You were correct and he was incorrect. Type 1- produces little or no insulin. In Type 2 the body produces insulin but the body does not use it properly. People who insist on being right usually won't admit to being wrong. Therefore, even if you were to correct him, it would be pointless. You probably did the only thing you could...keep clear of a "diabetes" conversation. Walk away knowing that you know what you have. Geeze..isn't it funny how some people claim to know more about you than you do? Or your doctor for that matter. Just my opinion. Next time, just interject..hey how about them Redsox or whatever team you root for. Don't let them get to you.
George, as someone who was diagnosed T1 nearly 6 years ago but in my 30s, that comment indeed sounds rediculous to me. Ignorance is everywhere. Don't let it get ya down.
I just found your blog off the diabetesdailly site. Good to know you are here!
My first Dr insisted I had to be type 2. His reasons? I was 36 years old, my BG was only 292 at diagnosis (had come in for a physical, no symptoms) and my grandmother had type 2.
I thinks he was waiting for me to go into DKA and then he'd re-diagnose me as type 1.
I fired him, but only after a few months of hell. Your poor guy probably had an idiot dr like I did...
George, I have to agree with everyone- that guy was wrong! Type 1 can manifest at virtually any age and so can Type 2. I got Type 1 at 23 and the doctor in the ER diagnosed me as Type 2. My blood sugar was over 600 and I weighed about 80 pounds... so he prescribed Metformin for me and sent me on my way. Luckily, my aunt is a nurse and told me to go to another place. I did, and they diagnosed me as a Type 1 and started me on shots.
BTW... I was in Chicago for business too! Were you there for KBIS?
Thanks for all your comments. I wish I was a little more confident so I could have explained what I believed to be correct.
Elizabeth, I was there for training at one of the factories we work with called FWE.
There are two ways to deal with people like that:
1. smile and nod, smile and nod, while inwardly calling them impolite names.
2. Debate them, but only if you have charts and graphs and pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one. Even then you might not convince them.
George:
I too have difficulty dealing with these 'know-it-all' types. I think you received some sage advice in the above comments. I personally go with the smile and nod philosophy, as it's too much work to change their mind and they're so happy with their position, why spoil it for them?
Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate the comments!
I'm laughing at this guy right now. He is so off the wall with his info. I ran into a situation like this on a message board and the girl told me she had read a ton of books, spoke to numerous doctors, so she knew what she was talking about.
I just let her go with it. Sometimes people are so stubborn that they're not willing to take into consideration other information. It's so not worth the energy to "enlighten" them.
You're right, he's so wrong...it's that black and white in this instance.
Wow!!!
All I can say is, WOW!
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