I am a little older than your correspondent, Helen Maltby (Letters, June 18). Unfortunately, she seems to be under the illusion that everyone who has type 2 diabetes has inflicted this disease on themselves by “letting themselves go”.

I was 57 when I was diagnosed with type 2. I had not let myself go, was not overweight, I ate properly and kept on the go most of the time. There seems to be a general opinion that anyone who contracts type 2 is obese. Also, as soon as the diagnosis is given, we take on a new tag – diabetics – as if we’ve just landed from another planet! Our body is diabetic, we have diabetes, but we are not some alien creatures.

When I queried how and why I could have got this disease, I was told it was a genetic thing, I had done nothing wrong.

I am now a bit overweight because of various associated medications, which now include insulin. It’s difficult to lose weight when being prescribed medication which actually encourages weight gain!

I really resent the intrusion of this nuisance in my life, but realise I have to deal with it, so just get on with it, and can do without ill-informed comments.

So, Ms Maltby, things happen, often for no apparent reason, so please don’t think all we “type 2s” have brought it on ourselves.

Janet S Kitchen-Cooper, Ashley Park Road, York.