I was diagnosed in 1979 at age 11. To this day, my mother has never seen that movie. She refuses to. Thank you for helping me understand what my mother is feeling a little bit better.

~ Karen

I have watched it twice since my 3 yr old daughter was diagnosed in August 2007 and I bawled both times. I think Sally Field did an awesome job and so did Julia Roberts. I also cried when I read Flowers in the Attic and I still not sure what the heck that was about??!!But you are definetly not alone when it comes to the tears flowing when that movie is on.

Julia, A few months ago I wrote a post on this very subject. Steel Magnolias has always been one of my favorite movies and made me bawl before Riley was ever diagnosed. I own the movie but after Riley's diagnosis didn't dare take it out of the closet and watch it. A few months ago I was flipping through channels and stopped there, and against my better judgement, started watching it. I turned it on just when she was telling her mom she was pregnant and said "I'd rather have a few minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special." I started bawling and cried the rest of the movie. My husband would walk through and just shake his head at me. Sorry to be so long with this comment. Just wanted to let you know I know how you feel. Most of the time I'm OK but occasionally I'm reminded how much this disease sucks.

That's just about when I shut it off, Penny. I couldn't take it any more.

I liked the movie before my son was diagnoised. I've watched it a couple of times since and cried for days after. My husband absolutely refuses to watch it. I watch it every so often to keep me in check. I've read that it is a true story about the writer's sister and that she did not take care of herself at all. I watch it to remind myself to keep tight control over Dominic's diabetes and to teach him to do the same. But I won't let him watch it.

I hate this damn movie with a passion. And not because I cry my eyes out over that scene and the "agony" that Julia Roberts character goes through. First off I have had T1 diabetes for over 15 years and despise that movie and that scene because it fuels the fears of parents and other non-diabetics ignorant to the real daily hurdles of the disease (besides having to explain to non-diabetes that you're not going to start foaming at the mouth if you mention that your blood sugar is going low). I understand the need for the dramatics in movies but that scene was a little over the top and irresponsible. Seizures are a very VERY rare occurrence if your blood sugar drops to dangerous level. A person is much more likely to black-out or maybe go into a coma (but comas are also extremely rare), remember the body needs energy aka sugar...from the blood, which is low during hypoglycemia, to shake itself around like that during a coma. Before a seizure or coma, the most likely happening is for the body's reserve gulcagon be released from the liver and send the blood sugar levels to Hyperglycemic levels. http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoglycemia/page2.htm
Sorry, I don't mean to sound cruel and I know diabetics' friends and family are concerned about us, but please don't believe the hype in that silly movie.

I first saw Steel Magnolias on the stage in Boston, I can't remember who the actor was played the 'diabetic' part. As soon as I saw her 'reaction' on the stage I knew what was happening. I felt like screaming to the other characters "Can't you see she's having a reaction?"

That was one of the few plays where I heard people crying in the audience around me. I can't bear to watch the movie - it's too close to home.

I watched Steel Magnolias the other night as well. I have always loved that movie (and have always cried while watching it), even prior to my son's diagnosis of type 1, but now this movie touches me in a different way. I now get more emotional as I watch the movie, because I think of what my son has to endure on a daily basis. It really hits close to home. It hurts my heart to think about him having to deal with this disease for the rest of his life, until there is a cure.
When I was watching the movie, I absolutely balled my eyes out, until I had no more tears left. It's easy to say, "turn it off if you know that you're going to cry," but I feel we all need to have our grieving process every now and then. It's okay to have a good cry. There's nothing wrong with it, and we're entitled!
My son was dxd on July 18, 2005 (at the age of 3), and I constantly go through grieving, as this disease is always ever changing. When I read your blog, I could totally relate:) We're all in the same boat.

I haven't seen the movie on purpose. I haven't seen Titanic either as I know how it ends.

Your little girl can be fine and with your help and guidance, can have a happy and joyful life....I know. I was diagnosed at 1 and am now 45 and enjoy an incredible life. Blessed more than I deserve....It's gonna be O.K. Mom

Keep going.......Peace, bob

I have not seen steel magnolias, but numberous times i have seen movies that depict diabetics as going to pass out with out their shot, when they are far more likely to pass out without enough sugar. I have had diabetes for 42 years, and am just now resenting the problem it has become. ( never had a problem til about 55 years old ) I have climbed ladders and done all kinds of "male" type work for my entire life, but am now slowing down. It never stopped me from anything i wanted to do. I do not keep my a1c as low as i should, usually its 7.5 to 8.5. and i guess at how much insulin to take ( 5 shots a day ).