Diabetics that eat junk food - wth?

[Big_Bend]

Unfortunately I know alot of diabetics... and only one guy I know has taken the steps to improve his diet. The rest keep on eating sugar cereals, deserts, breads, pastas, candy... and then they shoot the insulin.

I don't get it... I don't... Why do these people continue to kill themselves with foods that are clearly harmful to their health?

A Low-Glycemic Diet is CRITICAL for diabetics... but no, they'd rather shoot the insulin.

I don't get it...

 

[blowtorch]

For a lot of these folks, these patterns are how they got the diabetes in the first place.

It is not easy to change patterns, or there'd be a lot less fat people, lazy people, alcoholics, junkies, smokers, abusers, liars, cheaters...and diabetics slowly killing themselves

 

[blowtorch]

It's odd though, I've known two different marathon runners who turned out to be diabetic. I mean, neither of these guys fit the stereotype, at all

 

[roknfnrol]

Yep, lots of mysteries in life.

 

[MattyK-USA]

..or fat people that just keep eating (like me)?

..or smokers that just keep smoking (not me thank god)?

..or lushes that just keep drinking?

We're definitely creatures of habit, and find our comforts where we can.

 

[beninma]

These people could be Type-1 so this would maybe be a bit judgemental? All those people were going to be diabetic regardless of what they ate.

Not really about diabetics but the whole holier-than-thou low carb thing is so played out and ridiculous. As you sit up in the ivory tower and brag about how low carb you are remember there are huge swaths of the world that eat high carb diets that have little of the American obesity and health problems. Athletic fit people tend to eat a lot more carbs than sedentary dieting types as well. It's only one variable in lifestyle.

 

[Blrfl]

It's odd though, I've known two different marathon runners who turned out to be diabetic. I mean, neither of these guys fit the stereotype, at all

Or maybe it isn't as simple as the stereotype would lead you to believe.

 

[Bob M]

It's a tough diagnosis. I have had type 2 diabetes for nearly 16 years. I go through periods where I monitor the hell out of it, eat all the right foods, and can keep it "under control". Then I get lulled into a period where I go back to the diet I enjoy and the A1C bumps up a little. I really believe that upon retirement I'll have more time to devote to my health. And much less stress.

 

[blowtorch]

We're definitely creatures of habit, and find our comforts where we can

I think as a society, lots of us tend to both overvalue and misunderstand physical "comforts".
Like emotions, they're often not to be trusted, in my opinion.

 

[NashvilleDeluxe]

Yup. I was/am one of those mystery diabetics. I have always had a low carb/sugar diet, and have raced motocross since I was 9 years old, which requires a good degree of fitness. I came back from a tropical vacation feeling gross, went to the doctor for the first time in 10 years, and was banging 34 mmol/L sugar (5 to 6.9 is "normal). The adventure began.

I had probably been a Type 1 (insulin injecting) diabetic for a long while, but didn't know it. Today, with the help of my endocrinologist and the Freestyle Libre scanner, I manage very tight numbers...3.5 to 8, with quick corrections. My dad, conversely, is a type 2 (lifestyle-influenced), eats whatever is on the table, seeks out sugary crap, and is consistently above 16 mmol/L.

You either get serious about it, or you don't.

 

[Jupiter]

There’s more to life than living just sayin

 

[4 Cat Slim]

It takes a lot of determined effort to change patterns and it's not easy. I have an
friend with chronic weight issues who is constantly asked "Well, have you tried eating less?".
She will routinely answer "You know, I haven't tried that!".

 

[blowtorch]

Or maybe it isn't as simple as the stereotype would lead you to believe.

I don't believe in stereotypes

 

[Jupiter]

I don't believe in stereotypes

Oh, another one o THOSE guys.

 

[BigDaddyLH]

Oh, another one o THOSE guys.

This is what I count on, from TDPRI

 

[MattyK-USA]

I think as a society, lots of us tend to both overvalue and misunderstand physical "comforts".
Like emotions, they're often not to be trusted, in my opinion.

I have no idea what this means.

 

[Jupiter]

This is what I count on, from TDPRI

I take that responsibility very seriously.

 

[Preacher]

My 19 YO son is diabetic. He became systematic when he was 16, came out of the blue.

There is a lot of mis-information regarding diabetes as many people do not realize that there is a difference between type 1 (adolescent diabetes) and type 2 diabetes.

My family has no history of type 1 diabetes, his older brothers and sisters don't have it either. The doctors are not sure what causes it or why type 1 people's pancreas cease to function. Type 1 diabetics need insulin to survive, their bodies do not produce insulin any longer. Their only options are to inject insulin or to get a pancreas transplant which is on the horizon.

Type 2 diabetes is a whole other ball game. Type 2 diabetics continue to produce insulin, however their bodies become resistant to the insulin and it ceases to be as effective as it once was. Diet and exercise can help in regulating the amount of insulin needed to offset the lack of effectiveness that their current insulin levels are at. But some people as they get older continue to either become more resistant to their own insulin or they slow in the production of insulin. My grandmother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when she was in her 70's. She took an oral supplement and did not have to revert to shots. She was all of 110 pounds soaking wet and ate as natural as you could find.

Diabetes is a weird and crazy disease that scientist are still trying to figure out.

As far as type 2 people eating bad foods, habits are really hard to break...

 

[Treadplatedual]

I don't believe in stereotypes

Stereotypes are a great way to save you the trouble of meeting someone you might not like!

/s

 

[blowtorch]

I have no idea what this means.

What it means is that lots of people eat too much, don't get enough exercise, are overconcerned with the temperature/humidity of their surroundings, are too lazy, and generally "pamper" themselves too much.

And, the same as mere emotions can steer you wrong, the tendency to want these "creature comfort" things also can result in issues that are actually not in your best interest, if you let yourself go soft