Too much sugar ~ Vent

[Momof4gr8kids]

I went to my doctor today because I was having some GI issues. He refered me to the E.R. for testing. The lady that was drawing blood was making small talk, and the subject turned to the Holiday's and how busy the hospital gets because of them. She was telling me that the day before, the day of and the day after the hospital gets way busy, then out of the blue she adds in probably all of the diabetics eating too much sugar and stuff like that! I would have said something, and gave her a little education, but I was like :eek: and speechless, and before I knew it she was gone. I just can't get that comment out of my mind, but I know there isn't really much I can do now. Thanks for listening to me vent, and letting me get this off of my chest. Jamie

[KeltonsMom]

Wow..I am not sure what I would have said if anything..:eek: Then again if she had not been taking my blood I may have informed her about D and sugar..

[Mama2H]

Exact reason that I do not trust most "medical profesionals" working in hospitals. When it comes to diabetes they just have no clue :mad:

[Boo]

I know I'm one of only a few here that feel this way, but I really don't understand what is so offensive about that comment. :confused: I'll agree it wasn't real tactful, but don't ya think there may be some truth to it? Overeating + less diligent BG testing on "special" days + out of a normal exercise routine can equal real trouble for diabetics. Granted more so for type 2's, but I'd suspect that's what she meant.

[twodoor2]

I know I'm one of only a few here that feel this way, but I really don't understand what is so offensive about that comment. :confused: I'll agree it wasn't real tactful, but don't ya think there may be some truth to it? Overeating + less diligent BG testing on "special" days + out of a normal exercise routine can equal real trouble for diabetics. Granted more so for type 2's, but I'd suspect that's what she meant.

I took it that way too, but I can see why diabetics can be offended. It's more difficult to count carbs on the holidays as well.

[cindyrn6617]

I can understand your anger over her ignorance. But, as a nurse, let me explain. Most of the lab people I have met, are taught to draw the blood and process it. They don't get much in the way of medical knowledge like the docs and nurses and how diabetes truly works. I've had one at work start talking to me about cinnamon flavoring keeping bs stable, and maybe I should try that with my son. NOT!!!

[Momof4gr8kids]

You know, I really don't think it is realistic that a person with diabetes would eat themselves so silly that their bg got so high that it was hospital worthy..... specially in mass quantities. I can't see much truth to it at all. I do find it offensive. I find it very offensive, just because Christmas happens it doesn't mean that I check bg less, it means I am twice as diligent so that my DD can enjoy the day without any complications. She is not a little piggy and that is how it came across.

Thanks to those of you that were supportive of my vent and understood.

[Heather(CA)]

I went to my doctor today because I was having some GI issues. He refered me to the E.R. for testing. The lady that was drawing blood was making small talk, and the subject turned to the Holiday's and how busy the hospital gets because of them. She was telling me that the day before, the day of and the day after the hospital gets way busy, then out of the blue she adds in probably all of the diabetics eating too much sugar and stuff like that! I would have said something, and gave her a little education, but I was like :eek: and speechless, and before I knew it she was gone. I just can't get that comment out of my mind, but I know there isn't really much I can do now. Thanks for listening to me vent, and letting me get this off of my chest. Jamie

Does this hospital cater mostly to adults? Or children? :(

That was a rude comment to make, it has to be really hard for type 2's to control their eating all the time, especially during the holidays. I'm pretty sure that comment was directed at type 2's. If that was a childrens hosp. That woman needs to be schooled (Roll eyes)

[Boo]

You know, I really don't think it is realistic that a person with diabetes would eat themselves so silly that their bg got so high that it was hospital worthy..... specially in mass quantities. I can't see much truth to it at all. I do find it offensive. I find it very offensive, just because Christmas happens it doesn't mean that I check bg less, it means I am twice as diligent so that my DD can enjoy the day without any complications. She is not a little piggy and that is how it came across.

Thanks to those of you that were supportive of my vent and understood.


Did she even know that your daughter was type 1? The comment was just made in general, wasn't it? I don't think it was intended to imply anything about your daughter.

And I agree...all of us *here* are most likely MORE diligent on special occasions such as holidays. Unfortunately, those of us here don't represent the majority of the population. Many older people with type 2 (and maybe type 1) have a myriad of excuses why they have trouble keeping their blood sugar under control. Some of those excuses are just that..."excuses"....while others are more valid and understandable (for example they have poor eyesight and rely on others to prefill syringes for them, but those "others" have been too busy with the holidays to keep up with helping them). Our little family here is such a small part of the overall diabetic population...there are thousands of diabetics out there who don't even see a doctor regularly! I do think that they could easily have changes in their routines over the holidays that could result in them ending up in the hospital for whatever reason.

And, as much as people here tend to deny it...for basic purposes, a carb is a carb, but a person who eats a healthy balanced diet is going to have a far easier time controlling blood sugars than those who eat crap all the time.

I am sorry that her comment offended and upset you. I don't think you should take it so personally.

*and I'm really not trying to start a fight here...I respect your opinions and feel that you often give great advice. :)

[funnygrl]

I know I'm one of only a few here that feel this way, but I really don't understand what is so offensive about that comment. :confused: I'll agree it wasn't real tactful, but don't ya think there may be some truth to it? Overeating + less diligent BG testing on "special" days + out of a normal exercise routine can equal real trouble for diabetics. Granted more so for type 2's, but I'd suspect that's what she meant.
That's true. The VAST majority of patients are type 2, which is why type 1s often feel like medical professionals aren't to par- they're not, with type 1.

[caspi]

Did she even know that your daughter was type 1? The comment was just made in general, wasn't it? I don't think it was intended to imply anything about your daughter.

And I agree...all of us *here* are most likely MORE diligent on special occasions such as holidays. Unfortunately, those of us here don't represent the majority of the population. Many older people with type 2 (and maybe type 1) have a myriad of excuses why they have trouble keeping their blood sugar under control. Some of those excuses are just that..."excuses"....while others are more valid and understandable (for example they have poor eyesight and rely on others to prefill syringes for them, but those "others" have been too busy with the holidays to keep up with helping them). Our little family here is such a small part of the overall diabetic population...there are thousands of diabetics out there who don't even see a doctor regularly! I do think that they could easily have changes in their routines over the holidays that could result in them ending up in the hospital for whatever reason.

And, as much as people here tend to deny it...for basic purposes, a carb is a carb, but a person who eats a healthy balanced diet is going to have a far easier time controlling blood sugars than those who eat crap all the time.

I am sorry that her comment offended and upset you. I don't think you should take it so personally.

*and I'm really not trying to start a fight here...I respect your opinions and feel that you often give great advice. :)


Beth, very well said!

[Momof4gr8kids]

Did she even know that your daughter was type 1? The comment was just made in general, wasn't it? I don't think it was intended to imply anything about your daughter.

And I agree...all of us *here* are most likely MORE diligent on special occasions such as holidays. Unfortunately, those of us here don't represent the majority of the population. Many older people with type 2 (and maybe type 1) have a myriad of excuses why they have trouble keeping their blood sugar under control. Some of those excuses are just that..."excuses"....while others are more valid and understandable (for example they have poor eyesight and rely on others to prefill syringes for them, but those "others" have been too busy with the holidays to keep up with helping them). Our little family here is such a small part of the overall diabetic population...there are thousands of diabetics out there who don't even see a doctor regularly! I do think that they could easily have changes in their routines over the holidays that could result in them ending up in the hospital for whatever reason.

And, as much as people here tend to deny it...for basic purposes, a carb is a carb, but a person who eats a healthy balanced diet is going to have a far easier time controlling blood sugars than those who eat crap all the time.

I am sorry that her comment offended and upset you. I don't think you should take it so personally.

*and I'm really not trying to start a fight here...I respect your opinions and feel that you often give great advice. :)

It's the way she said it that implied all persons with diabetes are pigs, and that upset me, plus I'm probably extra sensitive because I had the beegies scared out of me the way the medical staff was so on top of things (no long waits between testing) and the sense of urgency they had, plus I feel like crap.

Yeah, people would probably have better bgs if they balanced their fat/proteins/ carbs better, but ya know the comment was still uncalled for. She didn't mention the accidents that are seen. There were stacks of flyers all over telling about the accidents and prevention for the accidents that are the top reasons people are seen over the holidays.

Anyways, I guess I just needed to vent, and needed the support of the group.

[Boo]

It's the way she said it that implied all persons with diabetes are pigs, and that upset me, plus I'm probably extra sensitive because I had the beegies scared out of me the way the medical staff was so on top of things (no long waits between testing) and the sense of urgency they had, plus I feel like crap.

Yeah, people would probably have better bgs if they balanced their fat/proteins/ carbs better, but ya know the comment was still uncalled for. She didn't mention the accidents that are seen. There were stacks of flyers all over telling about the accidents and prevention for the accidents that are the top reasons people are seen over the holidays.

Anyways, I guess I just needed to vent, and needed the support of the group.

Well one of the problems with computers is that you cannot hear "tone of voice", so I can see how her comment could rub you the wrong way depending on how it was said...particularly on a day when you're already on edge.

I hope you are feeling better soon, and that nothing is seriously wrong. :(

[twodoor2]

It's the way she said it that implied all persons with diabetes are pigs, and that upset me

I think again, there is a misconception that keeps confusing Type 1 with Type 2 diabetes. In many cases, Type 2 can be avoided by losing weight, improving diet, and so forth. However, the poor Type 1 people didn't ask for this, and could do nothing to prevent it. What upsets me more is that people continually think I did something wrong to give my DD diabetes because 90% of diabetics are Type 2, and that's all we ever hear about. I'm ALWAYS having to explain the difference to people. It's really frustrating, but I look at it this way, at least I'm giving people a mini-education. I myself was extremely ignorant about diabetes before her dx, so I really can't judge people too harshly.

I am so sorry that you felt upset by that comment, I totally and completely understand. Usually when something like that happens, I give my big shpeel about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2, but considering the agony you were in, I probably would have been silient as well.

[wendyc]

I hope you feel better soon. Nothing worse than having GI issues during the holidays (been there, done that...last year).
Most people in labs don't have advanced medical knowledge like nurses or docs. Their job is to draw blood. Most likely, they only have basic knowledge of d like so many others out there. For example, my friend is a cardiac nurse and while she knows everything in and out about the heart, she only knows the basics about T1/T2 and all it entails. It's not her specialty.

I can see where it bothered you more than normal, you're on edge because they don't know what's going on with you, so of course you are more sensative. Of course, it was a bit insensitive to just assume that people with d are going to pig out. I mean, we all do it, d or no d, it's the holidays.
I hope you are feeling better soon!

And of course, this is the best place to vent away, because we do understand!

[deafmack]

That's true. The VAST majority of patients are type 2, which is why type 1s often feel like medical professionals aren't to par- they're not, with type 1.

Don't worry those kind of comments are not needed either by people with type 2. And besides we know that Diabetes has nothing to do with eating sugar anyway. This whole thing goes to remind me how "human" doctors and nurses really are.

[czardoust]

she was probably overworked, and ready to chop someones head off for bleeding all over her before she came to you. she shouldnt have done that, im not excusing it. but i can see where shes coming from. what with illnesses that spike ketones, flus and viruses that just happen to coincide with holiday seasons where lots of junk soulfood is eaten......i can see an uneducated person, who doesnt take one step in what life is like for any of us, making a mistake and lumping all D together. also, not all parents are as diligent as others about BS taking! some D do end up on IVs because of that. :(

[Momof4gr8kids]

Don't worry those kind of comments are not needed either by people with type 2. And besides we know that Diabetes has nothing to do with eating sugar anyway. This whole thing goes to remind me how "human" doctors and nurses really are.

I'm glad you gave your input here (I was hoping you would). Thanks for chiming in.

[momofphoenix]

Jamie I'm so sorry you are not feeling well and on top of that you had a comment like that made to you.

Not to off set your post or to over take your thread, I had to go into the Naval Clinic to get my blood drawn and I had Phoenix with me, he had his medic alert on him and the lady looked at him and looked at his alert and say's to me "Oh great we will be seeing him on the 24th" :eek: I hate needles and getting my blood drawn so I didnt say anything at the time (she had the needle in my arm) but once she was done I told her no they wouldnt be seeing him cause I AM A GOOD MOM!!! That shut her up quick!! Maybe the stupidity is just in the air... Seems like all the medical facilitys are making stupid/uneducated comments lately... HMMMMM

I hope you are feeling better soon and that you and your family have a great holiday!!! HUGS TO YOU!!!!!!

Some people just dont have a clue...