Husband's Responses to My Type 2 Diagnosis Have Hurt Me Deeply
Hi. I was diagnosed with type 2 in August 2020. My husband's first action was to order a chocolate dessert at a restaurant and loudly look at me and ask me if I was going to be good... right in front of the waiter. Now, in the 15 years we had been together, I can literally count on one hand the number of times he has ordered ANY kind of dessert, and he hates chocolate. It was so humiliated and shocked as he sat there and ate every single bite.
He has yet to ask any questions about diabetes. He has his opinions, obviously, but no questions about my treatment, complications, or anything else.
My doctor just wanted to do a test to see if I have type 1 (adult onset) because my medicines aren't working as expected. His response was totally different. We have to DO something about that! That is serious! I told him it only means I will be on insulin a lot sooner (the doctor is already talking about it), that everything else will basically be the same... same complications, same risks for heart attack and stroke and blindness. He says, yes, but it means my pancreas has been damaged and not just from me eating junk food too much.
This broke my heart because one form of diabetes gets compassion and care and the other means I'm just reaping the consequences of what he sees as bad behavior.
Has anyone else dealt with this kind of attitude from family and spouse? How should I deal with this?
, My heart goes out to you as I read this. I am so sorry you have been treated this way and faced such judgment and stigma from a loved one that you should be able to count on for support. It can be hard to make others understand that type 2 diabetes is complicated and not anyone's "fault." There are genetic factors to consider! This article might be worth sharing with your husband if he's open to learning more: https://type2diabetes.com/living/support-loved-ones Everyone deserves and needs support on this journey! Sending gentle hugs to you,
Gabby (team member)I am so sorry you are dealing with such judgement from your husband. He sounds like a real jerk.
Although he sounds like a jerk and not supporting you very well, type 2 diabetes is indeed a behavioral issue and can be avoided and put into remission. It’s a carbohydrate intolerance condition born out of hyperinsulinemia.
You can control it very effectively with diet, unlike type 1 which can only be treated with insulin.
I have diabetes supposedly type 2, but it could be other than that or even type 1. I never lived on junk food. I was not over weight . I was active. I got diabetes as a consequence of having Hepatitis C for over 40 yrs, untreated, contributing to insulin resistance. Some auto immune illnesses can cause it as well. Many medications also lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Many antidepressants do this as well and contribute to obesity. Just saying…. 100% you are right. I should not have been so absolute with my opinion.
There are many pathways to Type 2 Diabetes. Many are food related but there is also stress and poor sleep related pathways that could lead to insulin resistance. And no doubt many others.
I'm working on it.
Hi there, I wanted to clarify your response 'I'm working on it'. Do you mean you are dealing with a similar situation of an unsupportive family? Just curious! -Lauren (Team member)
