Sonia Sotomayor and Type 1 Diabetes

Older studies indicated that type I diabetes would decease longevity by 15 years. More recent data suggests that longevity may be decreased by 7 years. It is likely that the longevity numbers are continuing to improve with advancements in care.
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Type I diabetics face less complications with excellent control. Stotamayor is probably at lower risk than those with Type II diabetes who are unaware of their disease.

I'm not sure the extent to which this is a legit issue, but it's clearly a more substantive matter (because it's based in the real world) than the Sullivan "Counting Catholics" post above.

The issue of stem cell research and possible cure for diabetic conditions comes into play. Progress in the US was set back for 8 years, but still subject to challenge in the courts by the religious crazies. She might have a better perspective of the issue.

As I noted yesterday on your post, KT:Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 1:18 pm

I'm intrigued that Obama chose someone with childhood diabetes, not a disease that generally confers long life on those who have it. This suggests to me that the political consideration of "how long will my nominee be on the court" didn't play a big role, as we have been seeing younger and younger justices, presumably to influence the court for longer and longer times.

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Also, Alice Park says above that the disease can be managed "for four or five decades" with no serious health complications, and Sotomayor has been managing it for 4 1/2 decades already.
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Formerly James: I hadn't thought about this, but of course you're right.

Well then the conservatives should stop complaining and be grateful for a potentially short-lived "activist judge."
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Me, I hope she lives to 120.

In the immortal words of Larry David. "I thought she had the good diabetes?"

As a type 1 diabetic, I can say that while the odds of various other diseases and complications increased the disease is relatively easily managed and should not get in the way of her doing her job.

captainnoble: I'm guessing no one is really thinking this will get in the way of her job, other than getting in the way of her longevity.
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As for how well she has her diabetes under control, I'm guessing that shows commendable discipline, considering she's been a diabetic since she was eight.

captainnoble: Well that sounds rather heartless of me, doesn't it. As you well know, early mortality is not inevitable. It just seems to me that must be what the speculation is about. And yet it clearly was not a concern/factor for Obama.

[...] number I was interested in, but one of the only straight reporters left I have respect for, Karen Tumulty of TIME, has more. In this semi-professional opinion, there’s good evidence the nominee is taking extremely [...]

As a type one diabetic for 14 years, I take issue with your article: Sotomayor's Diabetes: Will It Be a Handicap?
To begin with, the picture attached to the article is completely misleading. If you research the places on the body recommended for insulin injections, you will find that insulin is not taken intravenously. Insulin is injected into the subcutaneous tissue. Thus, needles are injected into the back of the arms, stomach, the front or side of thighs, the hips or buttocks. The picture shows someone seemingly taking the insulin intravenously. That, in all likely hood, would be fatal.

You also wrote that insulin pumps were "permanently inserted under the skin." This is also incorrect. Insulin pumps are attached to the body via connective sites that must be changed every three days. And yes, these devices do still require self monitoring.

To imply that this condition will impede her ability to be an effective Supreme Court Judge, because someday she might develop complications is outrageous. Should we eliminate all black people from consideration because they have increased risk of type 2 diabetes, or men due to the threat of prostate cancer? Should we eliminate women from consideration because they have a risk of breast cancer?

Can you imagine the outrage, if you article read "Sotomayor's Breasts: Will They Be a Handicap?"

Recently, I watched D-Life on CNBC. Chris Matthews was being interviewed by Nicole Johnson. She asked him why he thought so many public figures were reluctant to discuss their diabetes. Well, Ms. Johnson....here's your answer. It is the ignorance and shoddy research that goes into articles like Ms. Park's. It is the fact that the media will wait until the worst possible moment and twist it.

If anything, Judge Sotomayor 's achievements show her strength not her vulnerability.

Ms. Park, and her editor and Time Magazine should be ashamed. Your article contributes to a climate of fear that exists regarding diabetes. It is that very fear and misunderstanding that has lead to the high numbers of diabetes related complications and deaths. Because people are afraid to properly deal with their disease. They are convinced that complications are inevitable and thus don't take care of themselves properly.

Your article cannot, however, silence me or the millions like me who fight the good fight every day. Those of us who control our blood sugars and see the doctors, and do what is necessary to prevent the complications of this disease from interfering with our goals.

I cannot believe some of the comments that have been made regarding Judge Sotomayor and her diabetes. Technology has greatly improved over the years and with good control a diabetic can live a long, healthy, complication free life.

I speak from experience, as I have had Type 1 diabetes for 31 years with no major complications.

Judge Sotomayor should be viewed as an inspiration to us all.