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Us Versus Them

By Rachel Baumgartel

Around the diabetes community, the phrase “us versus them” often means type 1 versus type 2. I can understand the frustrations of those with type 1 being lumped in with the stereotypes of type 2. You know those stereotypes, fat and lazy and unwilling to change. After all, my husband is type 1. No way did he bring it on himself.

After awhile, it gets old, however. Are we not fighting for the same goals - to avoid complications, to live the healthiest lives possible in spite of diabetes, to educate others about both main types of the condition?

If I had truly known the extent of my predisposition towards type 2 diabetes, I may have lived my life differently during my twenties. But given I know almost nothing about my father's biological family, I can't pinpoint each and every health condition that may be genetically “available” to me. I saw my father suffer a heart attack followed by quadruple bypass surgery years before his own type 2 diagnosis - what does that say about my own future risk of heart disease? I've already been dealt depression, hypothyroidism, and type 2 diabetes – who knows what else is out there.

So, because I may have brought it all on myself with a little help from unknown genetics, does it mean I'm less worthy of a cure than those with type 1? What about those who have had type 1 for years and receive a “cure” - what if their own habits still lead to type 2 diabetes, which might not yet be cured? What about those with type 1, such as my own husband, who have strong family histories of heart disease? Who is to say that a cure wouldn't be complicated by other life-shortening concerns for others with type 1? And how can we say to one another, go ahead and take the cure for your diabetes while I wait around for mine?

Greg and I both know that life is short and can be taken away very easily, even from those who have never dealt with many health worries. Accidents happen. Incurable cancer happens. Yet people with diabetes can live full lives 30, 40, even 50 years (or more!) after diagnosis.

Up until recently, Greg and I have held the view of “us versus them” in this household. Those of us with diabetes of any kind versus those who don't know what it's like to check blood sugar and maintain a strict insulin and/or medication regimen. You know the ones - those who don't know the fears surrounding side effects of their treatment or future complications.

Even with that attitude, we can't help but be surprised at our lives over the past couple months. While Greg's control has been better, mine has been less than stellar. It has created tension that I wouldn't have imagined in the past – instead of us versus them, it's been me versus him. We're slowly moving forward, not looking back, but it certainly stopped us in our tracks. There's no need to separate our objectives when it comes to diabetes ... right?

Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.

Read more of Rachel's columns.