Comments on: Would You Believe… Doug Burns Going to Trial?

By: Jack Sprat

Jack Sprat — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:28:37 +0000

As stated above “a week-and-half later one of the policemen suddenly reported an injury — “strained arm and shoulders.”
Amazing. This sleezy, “Pig” slob humping son-of-a V.D. infested whore, this…this…degenerate so called “cop” reports and injury he may or might not have had…but IF he did in fact sustain injury…..What? During the beating of this physically “sick” defensless man, the worthless bastard pulled a muscle, while using his club? Awwww….poor lil’oinky doink’r.
As for the D.A. , in a typicall manner of steaming ahead with a so called case (all at tax payers expense, of course) even though all evidence points to the mans innocence. Not only is this a text book example of (“malicious prosicution”) but this D.A. isn’t worthy practicing law and be fired……and dis-barred for life. The officers involved should be fired, arrested, and charged with gang related assult, convicted, jailed, and lose any and all pensions. Plus they should personally pay the mans medical bills + pain and suffering. This, besides the lawsuit the man should file against ALL involed parties. The entirety of this whole episode totally and completely disgusts and disturbs me on multiple levels. *pukes*

By: James

James — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:58:13 +0000

I apologize for posting twice.

By: James

James — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:44:23 +0000

Thank you for this informative blog, it has been very informative!

The Tuolumne Co., CA DA is filing charges against me for actions during an episode of insilin shock last August.

My wife had called 911 for assistance as I was past the point of “no return” the sherrifs dept arrived a half hour later and laughed at my condition?

To make a long story short, ..I fell into a coma.

By: James

James — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:00:37 +0000

Thank you, this article gives me some hope!!

I am being charged this week by Tuolumne Co., Californis for actions during an insulin shock episode last August.

My wife had called 911 for assistance, the sherriff’s arrived a half hour later and laughed? I ended up in a coma.

I have been a brittle type-1 diabetic since 1967 and keep good to excellent control.

By: julie

julie — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:57:09 +0000

Personally, I agree with everyone saying Doug should sue. There is no way that the county would win… there’s this thing called the Americans With Diabilities Act and people with diabetes are covered. It’s pure discrimination and I’m totally outraged by the whole ordeal. I’ve had type 1 diabetes for 7 years and work for a nonprofit diabetes organization, i know diabetes like the back of my hand but it seems like we are the only ones. Diabetes affects 5 times more people than AIDS but continues to receive minimal attention. It is time we do something about that! Don’t let the UN Resolution on Diabetes mean nothing. SUE SUE SUE!!!

By: Jerry Nairn

Jerry Nairn — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:51:59 +0000

Hey, Doug,
I totally agree that it is unfair to see “diabetes” referred to as a “lifestyle disease” and to be blamed for having it. However, it is nearly as unfair to blame Type 2 diabetics as it is to blame Type 1.
I have been a type 1 diabetic for over 30 years, so I am not saying this to defend myself.
There is almost always a genetic component to diabetes, type 1 or 2. Many people live their entire lives grossly overweight, but don’t develop any diabetic symptoms. Others develop “type 2″ while being only moderately overweight.
In your particular case, your C-peptide test indicated an extremely low or non-existent insulin production. For some, their insulin production is just reduced.
Just like you and I, it’s not because of anything they did.

Sure, there are many type 2 diabetics who could and should live healthier lives. But the same is true for the rest of the population.
No diabetic is to blame for having the disease.

On a different topic, there’s a side of your case that I think bears some thought.
What if there was a drunk outside the theater? Would the actions of these cops have been correct? Was it only wrong because you didn’t want to be incoherent?
The usher walked you out of the theater without incident. You were unable to put up a fight. And a group of armed police maced you and beat you.
I can’t see the excuse for their actions, even if we take diabetes out of the situation.

I’m glad everything worked out with the DA’s office.
You have my deep respect for your accomplishments.

By: william

william — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:59:44 +0000

I would like to add a comment. 4 years I was very fit and normal weight and height (5′10″ and 170) 35 year male in the active Army. I had high blood pressure since I was 25 and taking atenonlol, HCTZ, and adalat. I was having vision problems at night and had perfect vision at daytime (20/400 corrected to perfect with no glasses), I was elated, I thought it was great. I starting losing weight and had to drink and pee all the time. I worked in Fort Richardson, Alaska and Delta Junction, a 330 mile drive that I did 2-3 times a week. I had to drink about 24 bottles of water on each drive because I was so thristy. I remember thinking the drive was good cause I could pull off anywhere and pee because it was so remote here in Alaska. The thrist was so intense and very annouying to my girlfriend. I thought I was dehydrated and it would pass. Our unit had a physical fitness test (PT) and for the first time in my then 16 year career, I failed the 2 mile run because I was so dead tired. I went to the medics and the PA did blood test and my glucose level was 900. My A1C was 17.

This is the point where my life has been a nightmare. After immediate insulin, oral meds and diet changes made no effect. A C-peptide test was done and I was a rare Adult onset type 1. Try to tell that to most doctors and almost all lay people. “you have diabetes as an adult because you are overweight or eat badily” is the response from most, including the majority of “diabetes educators”. I then started a regime of Lantus and Novolog that worked, but I was having fits of rage that I could not explain.
During PT runs, I would pass out and stumble home. My physical activity was limited and my weight grew. This fits of rage went for 2 years cuminating in my separtation from the Army and 5 minor misdeamnor convictions for telephonic threatening calls that I regret but have little or no recall on making. After each time I was stumbling and my sugar was very low.

I just learned about beta-blockers from my former boss who saw a show on Discovery-Health who was a Type 1 and on a Beta-blocker and charged with manslaughter road rage. She was aquitted. My doctor stopped the atennolol (beta-blocker) and for the first time since I have been diabetic, I felt hypoglcemia with the rapid heartbeat and sweats. I am know a criminal due to something could have been totally prevented.

I am so sick of hearing people say that diabetes is an epidemic and we caused it by bad lifestyle and eating. Type 1 is genetic plain, pure and simple, at any age diagnosed. I agree that Type 2 is “Chunky Butt and twinkle and Ho-Ho disease”, but they need a different name from Type 1 diabetes.

By: Doug Burns

Doug Burns — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:08:56 +0000

Hey Everyone,
Apologies, I’m a day late and a dollar short on my response! Thank you…every one of you! Anne, I would have taken you up on the offer had I read it early enough. The March would have been wholly accepted had this gone to trial Lauren, you’re right, we should look out for each other and that is exactly what you all did. Somehow I will make it up to you guys. Spar, could have used your support that night! Sarah, I understand your dismay and you are correct Type 2’s should get another name. Hank I could have used you there too! As well as you Oz-Sco and you’re right, having a low can make you step into realm you never thought existed. If I do partake in the new video we are discussing I want to use the segment from “A Beautiful Mind” in which R. Crowe is intentionally subjected to insulin shock as a treatment for bi-polar. Pretty graphic. Bernard again apologies for not responding sooner I will in the future both here and at Sugarfitness in the near fututre.
Chloe, they attempted to use that line about the unfortunate situation in San Jose against me. Kim when the paramedic tried to get me to drink the gluco-drink, I moved my eyes under the stream, because they were on fire, of course it found its way into my mouth, fire hot glucose ☺. Kerri, please don’t worry too much about your child, I sincerely think & the treatment I received will help bring light enough to the subject that your daughter will be OK, please encourage her and tell I said “hello”.
I had stated earlier that the support I received from you all made this a virtual walk in the park, (even though there were a few droppings we hit:) Initially I may have simply pushed the issue aside, but some of the remarks made at the scene and after hearing the claims the da was pushing, “he forgot to take his insulin” “had he just told the officers his condition”, etc, I became a little irate. On the night before the trial Micah and I discussed the bargains they would be offering but they all included charges. When you all and the community stood up it became apparent that I couldn’t back away. The struggle was that I didn’t want to involve my children any more than they had been already. They too encouraged me to stand up for the other kids. Little kids newly diagnosed who’d maybe feel guilty for ever getting low, you guys and everyone of us being charged here it became very apparent no charges could be accepted. I stated earlier that all of us with T-1 know the hardship it can create but it’s people like you who, instead of complaining, stepped up and over the hardships that face us. Your perseverance shines like a light to people who sometimes can’t express their difficulties. Once again, you did shout your support, I heard it loud and clear and am indebted to you all.
Very truly,
Doug Burns

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 30 May 2007 06:12:18 +0000

If the charges against Doug aren’t dropped, I say that we Bay Area diabetics SHOULD stage a protest.

I am in my twenties and have recently been diagnosed as I mentioned above. This is already a scary time, made worse by the realization that type 1’s can’t count on help and proper medical care when an emergency happens in public. I bicycle and take the train to work, two things I have been loath to relinquish due to diabetes. I carry glucose tablets and do less insulin when I know I’ll be active; however, I am definitely at risk for a low in a public place. I will have type 1 for the rest of my life, 65+ years if I’m lucky. I think we need to take a stand on this NOW and pave the way to a safer world for all diabetics. We’re all human beings, diabetic or not, and we should look out for each other!

By: Kerri

Kerri — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:28:35 +0000

I am appalled, disturbed and as a mother of a type 1 diabetic, frightened that my daughter will one day be at the mercy of such ignorance. It is the duty of those with diabetes and those who love them to educate, educate, educate!! Doug, I am so sorry this happened to you but I am grateful to you….any awareness your terrible ordeal has created, serves my daughter, thank you for your endurance and good luck to you.