Comments on: Ironman Jay Hewitt to Diabetes: “You’re Messing with the Wrong Guy” http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html A gold mine of straight talk and encouragement for people living with diabetes Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:27:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Zoe http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37464 Zoe Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:31:54 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37464 To those of you who are bitter about having diabetes get over it!! I've been diabetic since age 5 and am now 29. You know what, I've never thought of it as hindering my life. The "Can do attitude" only wears thin if you are a bitter person. I was diagnosed in the early 80s, before Atkins, Splenda and most diet foods. You whinny babies have nothing to complain about. You are living with more choices now, better and faster equipment than when I was diagnosed. Life is what you make of it and I never let my diabetes become an excuse. I have traveled the world, played sports, and am currently competing in Triathlons. AmyT and Vicki need to be thankful for what they have. Diabetes is not a big deal...cancer and AIDS is much worse. To those of you who are bitter about having diabetes get over it!! I’ve been diabetic since age 5 and am now 29. You know what, I’ve never thought of it as hindering my life. The “Can do attitude” only wears thin if you are a bitter person. I was diagnosed in the early 80s, before Atkins, Splenda and most diet foods. You whinny babies have nothing to complain about. You are living with more choices now, better and faster equipment than when I was diagnosed. Life is what you make of it and I never let my diabetes become an excuse. I have traveled the world, played sports, and am currently competing in Triathlons. AmyT and Vicki need to be thankful for what they have. Diabetes is not a big deal…cancer and AIDS is much worse.

]]> By: AmyT http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37462 AmyT Tue, 01 May 2007 13:59:56 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37462 Sarah, Jay was actually diagnosed 16 years ago, so he's had plenty of time to get cynical. He just chose not to. And through his motivational speaking and camps, etc., he is working very hard to make many people's lives better with diabetes -- including the lives of children. So you find him a little too chipper? OK, I respect your opinion. I also think Jay has earned more than his share of respect. Sarah,
Jay was actually diagnosed 16 years ago, so he’s had plenty of time to get cynical. He just chose not to. And through his motivational speaking and camps, etc., he is working very hard to make many people’s lives better with diabetes — including the lives of children.

So you find him a little too chipper? OK, I respect your opinion. I also think Jay has earned more than his share of respect.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37461 Sarah Tue, 01 May 2007 06:33:31 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37461 I agree with Melissa. While everyone should make the most of their lives, their is NO benefit to having Type 1 diabetes. I agree that painting a "Type 1 is manageable" picture will not educate others on how hard it is to daily manage this disease or bring a cure. I find this kind of "can-do" attitude to be in people who are newly diagnosed with Type 1. This guy was only recently diagnosed at 35, I believe. To those who have been living with it since early childhood or infancy, this attitude wears thin. I also felt like I could take on the world after only 8 years of diabetes...at age 10. $100 says this dude will not be as happy after 20+ more years of Type 1. While I think it's great what he has done, most with Type 1 struggle to just live, let alone run marathons etc. Nice story and great inspiring guy, but I would rather get the word out that we need a cure, and that kids are dying from this disease daily. I agree with Melissa. While everyone should make the most of their lives, their is NO benefit to having Type 1 diabetes. I agree that painting a “Type 1 is manageable” picture will not educate others on how hard it is to daily manage this disease or bring a cure. I find this kind of “can-do” attitude to be in people who are newly diagnosed with Type 1. This guy was only recently diagnosed at 35, I believe. To those who have been living with it since early childhood or infancy, this attitude wears thin.

I also felt like I could take on the world after only 8 years of diabetes…at age 10.

$100 says this dude will not be as happy after 20+ more years of Type 1. While I think it’s great what he has done, most with Type 1 struggle to just live, let alone run marathons etc.

Nice story and great inspiring guy, but I would rather get the word out that we need a cure, and that kids are dying from this disease daily.

]]> By: AmyT http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37459 AmyT Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:39:01 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37459 Hi Mary et al, I don't find it the least bit disrespectful if Jay chooses not to view his diabetes as a hardship. In fact, give a little thought to the kind of physical pain that triathletes endure: the only way to achieve such superhuman feats is to have an absolute "no boundaries" attitude. I wish we could all be so strong (myself included). Hi Mary et al,
I don’t find it the least bit disrespectful if Jay chooses not to view his diabetes as a hardship.

In fact, give a little thought to the kind of physical pain that triathletes endure: the only way to achieve such superhuman feats is to have an absolute “no boundaries” attitude. I wish we could all be so strong (myself included).

]]> By: Mary http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37458 Mary Sat, 28 Apr 2007 20:49:44 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37458 I try to ba as positive as possible living with Type 1 diabetes. The interview with Mr. Hewitt was inspiring - anyone who trains and competes in ironman triathalons is exceptional. However, I find the final statement "make diabetes the best thing that ever happened to you" highly offensive. It minimizes the very serious issues we deal with each and every minute of every day. It is disrespectful of each individual who has lost his life to this disease. I have to wonder what Mr. Hewitt would say if he lost his sight. Would that be like winning the lottery for him? What does he say about Hurricane Katrina? The Gulf Coast has a chance to rebuild? I try to ba as positive as possible living with Type 1 diabetes. The interview with Mr. Hewitt was inspiring – anyone who trains and competes in ironman triathalons is exceptional. However, I find the final statement “make diabetes the best thing that ever happened to you” highly offensive. It minimizes the very serious issues we deal with each and every minute of every day. It is disrespectful of each individual who has lost his life to this disease. I have to wonder what Mr. Hewitt would say if he lost his sight. Would that be like winning the lottery for him? What does he say about Hurricane Katrina? The Gulf Coast has a chance to rebuild?

]]> By: Aine Maire http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37457 Aine Maire Sat, 28 Apr 2007 14:53:44 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37457 Hi I have just read this account over here in Ireland. I have a son with diabetes and since he was diagnosed 10 months ago, life has been a roller coaster. He is a wonderful child and is very accepting of this burden. I love to read stories like this one because it gives us hope...the hope that despite the burden, life can still go on with fun and achievements... Thanks Aine Hi I have just read this account over here in Ireland. I have a son with diabetes and since he was diagnosed 10 months ago, life has been a roller coaster. He is a wonderful child and is very accepting of this burden. I love to read stories like this one because it gives us hope…the hope that despite the burden, life can still go on with fun and achievements… Thanks Aine

]]> By: MoHo http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37456 MoHo Sat, 28 Apr 2007 05:37:12 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37456 Hey Sunil, it sure is easy to talk about a condition THAT YOU DON'T HAVE... or at least don't admit to on your site(s). "Lemons into lemonade" jeez, you must live on the same street in Fantasy Land as Dr. Phil, anyway I have not had lemonade in over five years. I challenge you to make hypo unawareness, vision or kidney problems a "lemonade" experience. Amy has a great site for this awful subject and I don't want to pollute it any more, if you have anything else to say about being positive email me directly. And save your pity dude, you are after all just a schlep for BIG PHARMA. Hey Sunil, it sure is easy to talk about a condition THAT YOU DON’T HAVE… or at least don’t admit to on your site(s). “Lemons into lemonade” jeez, you must live on the same street in Fantasy Land as Dr. Phil, anyway I have not had lemonade in over five years. I challenge you to make hypo unawareness, vision or kidney problems a “lemonade” experience. Amy has a great site for this awful subject and I don’t want to pollute it any more, if you have anything else to say about being positive email me directly. And save your pity dude, you are after all just a schlep for BIG PHARMA.

]]> By: Adam http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37455 Adam Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:29:37 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37455 Dr. Bernstein is seeking investors for a cure for type 1 diabetes. Dr. Bernstein is seeking investors for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

]]> By: Melissa http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37453 Melissa Fri, 27 Apr 2007 23:07:47 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37453 I agree with Moho. Not to say that a positive attitude isn't worthwhile, but while we portray ourselves as so perfectly normal, capable and unhindered by this disease is it any wonder hardly anyone knows what type 1 diabetes truly is? Or that it's not the same as type 2 diabetes? Ever wonder why there isn't enough funding for research, or better yet a cure? If people think living with type 1 diabetes is "no big deal", then they will not support funding/research for a cure. And while we can live with type 1 diabetes, it is a fact that from the moment of diagnosis your quality of life drops anywhere from 20% to 35% and no matter how hard we try to be perfect, we will suffer from this disease eventually. Sorry, I'm a realist. I agree with Moho. Not to say that a positive attitude isn’t worthwhile, but while we portray ourselves as so perfectly normal, capable and unhindered by this disease is it any wonder hardly anyone knows what type 1 diabetes truly is? Or that it’s not the same as type 2 diabetes? Ever wonder why there isn’t enough funding for research, or better yet a cure? If people think living with type 1 diabetes is “no big deal”, then they will not support funding/research for a cure. And while we can live with type 1 diabetes, it is a fact that from the moment of diagnosis your quality of life drops anywhere from 20% to 35% and no matter how hard we try to be perfect, we will suffer from this disease eventually. Sorry, I’m a realist.

]]> By: vicki http://www.diabetesmine.com/2007/04/ironman_jay_hew.html/comment-page-1#comment-37452 vicki Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:50:49 +0000 http://diabetesmine.dreamhosters.com/2007/04/26/ironman-jay-hewitt-to-diabetes-youre-messing-with-the-wrong-guy/#comment-37452 Moho: Clearly you're not a lemons into lemonade person. Jay Hewitt is. I am. We're stuck with this disease and it's a lot easier to bear if you think positively. However, I realize this is an attitude you're born with and if you're lucky you landed on the right side. I feel sorry for those who don't. Moho: Clearly you’re not a lemons into lemonade person. Jay Hewitt is. I am. We’re stuck with this disease and it’s a lot easier to bear if you think positively. However, I realize this is an attitude you’re born with and if you’re lucky you landed on the right side. I feel sorry for those who don’t.

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