Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erik on December 14, 2010 at 11:47am

The public sentiment seems similar to smokers who have health problems--that is to say if your behavior/lifestyle causes the condition, you should change that behavior/lifestyle to regain your health before you die from your illnesses. The tobacco industry defended itself for decades by arguing that their customers had a "sloppy lifestyle" which included other disease inducing activities (heavy drinking, etc) so tobacco could not be exclusively blamed. T2 Diabetics are similarly judged because even though there may be other factors in play besides BMI, diet, and exercise (i.e. the "skinny people" you know), obesity is a primary cause for insulin resistance. Diabetic Biggest Loser contestants demonstrate this as they get off meds after getting to a normal BMI.

I think this bias leads to policy decisions in some insurance companies. The bottom line is that if your doctor says you would benefit from the pump, you should be able to buy one, and your insurance company should help support it. Best of luck to you.

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Permalink Reply by Type 1 on December 22, 2010 at 10:36am

Many insurance plans will pay for an insulin pump for a type two on insulin.  Check with your insurance company and fine a good medical equipment supply to assist.

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Permalink Reply by Suftroml on December 22, 2010 at 4:43pm

Why does everyone get so mad at the insurance COMPANY for not having morals?  It is a company.  They are there to make a buck.  If they didn't they would be out of business and everyone would be screwed.  If you want to win with the insurance company argue the financial side of things.  Realistically it will cost an insurance company thousands up front to fit you with a pump.  Syringes are cheaper.  When you break the pump they'll spend thousands more.  Syringes are cheaper.  So argue back.  Complications from poorly controlled blood sugars can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Explain that to them.  Back it up with your (hope you've been keeping good track) well logged meter readings, medical history, doses, carbs, exercise regime, etc.  Once you can support to the insurance company that it will be cheaper for them to give you a pump you'll get it.  I had the pre-existing condition policy on my insurance waived from this argument.  Simply told them if we wait nine months my sugars will be out of control again and you'll be spending tens of thousands in hospital visits as opposed to a few thousand (if that) in supplies and Dr. visits.  Make their financial needs work for you.  They are a company.  All companies are about money.

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Permalink Reply by Natalie ._c- on December 23, 2010 at 4:53pm

No, even if you have some of your own insulin left, if you don't have enough to meet your needs, you need to use exogenous insulin. And the pump is just another way of delivering it.

Type 2's are generally less prone to hypos, because they still have functioning alpha cells to secrete glucagon. That doesn't mean they can't go low (anyone can go low in the presence of too much insulin!), but it's not as much a problem as for Type 1's who have lost alpha cell production.

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Permalink Reply by mistressbinky on December 24, 2010 at 4:18pm

Write to insurance company and explain your dilemma, or have doctor write letter.

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Permalink Reply by Fighting for Stephany on December 25, 2010 at 11:38am

There's a lot of negativity towards type 2's and people need to realize that at the end the consequences are equally the same whether you are a type 1 or 2. The loss of functions in the body are the same. Maybe not at the same speed, they are the same. Why do people think that type 2's caused their diabetes? In our case we have type 1's and 2's in both ends of the family spectrum so genes follow. My child was 6 when diagnosed and she was small not over weight at all. So there the question now if she's been misdiagnosed all these years. People need not to be so judgmental.

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Permalink Reply by Suftroml on December 25, 2010 at 4:10pm

People are negative because there is a link (note it's not a proven cause, simply a link) between obesity and T2 (roughly 60% of T2 are obese/overweight).  So they view T2s (actually all) diabetics as having caused their disease.  Can being overweight cause insulin resistance?  Yes.  Does that mean it is always the cause?  NO!  Look at it like smoking.  Does smoking (being overweight) increase your chances of lung cancer (diabetes)?  Yes.  If you don't smoke (be overweight) are you safe from lung cancer (diabetes)?  No.  I'm T1, 5'11" and weigh a shade less than 150.  I run and do weights on alternating days and am in great shape.  I get told nearly daily I caused my diabetes.  When I point out I'm not overweight then it becomes: too much sugar, too much soda, too much beer, too much alcohol, too much partying, not enough veggies, too much meat, need to become vegetarian, etc.  No one in my family has diabetes of any type. It's also worth pointing out that some (not all, and I've heard no statistics simply anecdotal evidence) T2s can control through diet.  But not all, as many will slip down and down even with proper diet and exercise and eventually need insulin (BTW, diet and exercise was the prescribed treatment prior to the 20s when insulin therapy came about and life expectancy was four years after diagnosis if you were lucky).

Anyway, I'm not trying to attack or be negative toward you, your daughter or any others.  Just pointing out what I've seen, heard and read.  I for one think that most of the negativity comes from a lack of education from PWOD and from stereotypes the general public holds towards diabetics. 

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