Re: Letter: Help drug users live a relatively normal life, Aug. 19 Both diabetics and drug addicts can take steps to improve their conditions. However, the letter writer says "society assists diabetics by providing insulin." For the most part, we pay for it ourselves. Those lucky enough to have insurance don't pay as much as the uninsured. Most diabetics I know have made healthy changes in their lives, but they will always be diabetic, no matter how well they manage it. There is a genetic component to diabetes. It's not just a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle. I realize addicts don't choose to become addicts, but diabetics are not at fault for their diabetes, either. [continues 55 words]