It can be a scary thing when a doctor looks you in the eye and tells you that you have Type 2 diabetes. Four years ago, I was given that news. Naturally I was upset and scared, but I learned all I could about the disease, got my diabetes under control and have kept it under control.
Pitcher David Wells of the San Diego Padres recently learned he has diabetes. He is in the process of learning what that means. However, in an interview, a quote credited to him made me wonder if his doctors are explaining the disease properly.
A story in the San Diego Union Tribute quoted Wells as saying, "This is a major lifestyle change. I don't want this going to Type 1 diabetes."
Let’s hope his doctor explained to him the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is adult onset diabetes and that Type 1 is juvenile diabetes. Wells was probably referring to the idea that right now his diabetes is being treated with pills, exercise and dietary changes, not insulin. Type 2 is very different from Type 1. Some Type 2 diabetics need insulin; some don’t. I’ve found the Diabetes Self-Management website very helpful with updated info on the disease.