Not Cool Enough For The Club

Most of my family and friends know by now that I am a Type 2 diabetic. Click here for a detailed definition, but basically it means that I produce enough insulin, my body just doesn't use it effectively. Which is where medication comes in, in the form of a pill that "sensitizes" my body to the insulin naturally available.

I've felt a little alone in this, so I've been trying to find some groups online, or in real life, with limited success. But everywhere I look, I keep running into the same prevailing opinion - T2 diabetics are considered to be fat and lazy, and that essentially their diabetes is their own fault. It frustrates me to no end! As anyone who knows me well (or even just in passing!) can attest to, I am neither fat nor lazy. I am very dedicated to my exercise program to help maintain my overall health, and my diabetes was not brought on by a large weight gain. Unfortunately the typical characteristics of T2 have come to create this insidious stereotype. I realize that there are a fair amount of T2s who ARE overweight and sedentary, and that the stereotype has to be based on SOMETHING, but I am living proof that not all T2s are like that! Still, even among the diabetic community, people who have type 1 diabetes do not consider type 2s to be "true" diabetics. So where do I fit?

On a related note, I will be running Beat The Bridge on May 17, which is a fundraiser to raise money to help fight diabetes and fund research towards a cure. My mom and I are forming a team, and we'd love to have more members. Everyone can go at their own pace, just because you join the team doesn't mean you have to run! I'm the slow one, but I'm still going to do it! Or, if you'd like you can also donate directly. Both options are available in the link I posted above. And we're still looking for a kick-ass team name, so any suggestions are more than welcome, just post them in the comments section!