HOW dare Mr Mitchell come up with comments like that (Letters, August 25). People are overweight not just because of overeating. Various medications put weight on and so can thyroid problems.

Some people may overeat due to depression.

He says the NHS is suffering because of this. No. Start charging drunks and drug users for hospital treatment, especially if they are in two or three times or more a week.

They can afford to go out and buy drink and drugs then expect the taxpayer to pay for their care. They take up beds that are needed, holding up other patients. If they are not seen within a certain time, the hospital gets fined for its failings.

People with diabetes have a hard enough life as it is without unhelpful comments like yours. Give people encouragement rather than have a go at them.

Wojciech Simpson, Chestnut Grove, New Earswick, York

 

TOM Mitchell’s letter (Cut out fatty food or pay the high price, August 25) highlights the lack of knowledge about diabetes.

Type 1 is an auto immune disease, nothing can be done to prevent getting it. It’s not caused by being overweight or eating the wrong foods.

I have Type 1 and am slim and active – I wear a clothing size 8. I know for a fact Mr Mitchell couldn’t pick me out in a crowd as someone with diabetes. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with Type 1 who is overweight.

It’s frustrating to be labelled as someone who is costing the NHS through no fault of my own. Please get your facts right before contributing to the stream of inaccurate information about diabetes.

Name and address supplied

 

REGARDING the letter from Tom Mitchell (The Press, August 25), I should like to know what these symptoms are that indicate that some people walking about are “obviously” suffering with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

I can only assume that he is referring to people who are overweight.

He is clearly of the belief that if you have diabetes it is because you are fat. Ergo, if you are fat than you obviously have diabetes.

Obesity is by no means the only cause of diabetes, any more than overeating is the only cause of obesity.

I suffer from Type 2 diabetes. I have rarely weighed more than ten stone throughout my adult life and never had a waist measurement greater than 32 inches.

Richard Carr, Station Road, Upper Poppleton