I could see the ADA employee (American Diabetes Association, to the un-initiated), resembling a young Harry Potter, sitting at a computer in a dark room. His face is highlighted from the glow of the computer screen as he comprises the e-mail that I received on March 9, 2009. This e-mail announced, and praised, President Obama for signing the order lifting the restrictions on federal funding placed on stem cell research in the United States.      

As I read the ADA e-mail that announced "Diabetes Advocates around the country are rejoicing ...;" and asserted "As Diabetes Advocates, we have long been at the forefront of efforts to end the restrictions...;" I kept thinking "You are not talking to me." I was really put out by this e-mail. Not just because it invited me to "click here" and thank President Obama for his actions, but for the assumption that all of us with diabetes (especially the Diabetes Advocates) are all a like, on the same page, and are in perfect agreement with the ADA's position.

So let me make it official: I, Travis Grubbs, being of questionable mind and diabetically compromised body, am not in favor of embryonic stem cell research. There, I said it! Whew, I have finally come out of the closet! It feels liberating to finally publicly join the minority of diabetics that oppose, or are not comfortable with, embryonic stem cell research. I realize that this can be a very emotional and controversial issue for both sides; which is why I have consistently avoided participating in discussion groups involving embryonic stem cell research. As far as I am concerned, we will have to agree to disagree on this particular issue.

As a Diabetes Advocate I spend my time educating people about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as specifically discussing type 2 diabetes. I make it a point to inform the public that people with diabetes may respond differently to medications, foods, exercise, etc.; and that our condition cannot be treated with some "cookie cutter" type treatment. I normally stay away from discussing stem cell research because I am not trying to convert people to my side or change opinions. I am just trying to educate people about the risk and dangers of type 2 diabetes. 

I have come to learn that we (the type 2 community) are an independent lot. Check out the discussions at the various discussion groups. How about the testing? The number of times recommended for daily testing, by the type 2 community, varies widely. While I test twice a day, I have read others post that they test twelve times a day! How about alcohol consumption? Some folks post that they still consume alcohol. I, on the other hand, abstain from alcohol. How about taking Metformin? I take it and believe it has helped me, while others curse it. What about diet, low carb or low fat? What do you think of Dr. Bernstein, extreme or on target?     

We are individuals. We have our own ideas, beliefs, preferences, etc. which explains why we address our type 2 diabetes in various ways. And, just because we have diabetes, it does not rob of us our ability to have independent thoughts and compel us to run around chanting "We are the Borg."