“Hannah Montana” Diabetes Episode Pulled (”No Sugar, Sugar”)
An episode of Disney’s Hannah Montana has been shelved after network bosses were swamped with complaints parents concerned about the show’s message.
The episode, entitled “No Sugar, Sugar,” focuses with the series’ title character, portrayed by Disney teen sensation Miley Cyrus, dealing with a friend’s diagnosis with diabetes.
The show was scheduled to air on Sunday, but was yanked after it was previewed by concerned parents.
“During the scriptwriting stage of the Hannah Montana episode in question, the matter of depicting a character with diabetes was reviewed by our Standards and Practices executives who consulted with medical experts to inform the story and ensure that it was told responsibly,” a spokesperson for the show tells the New York Daily News.
“Notwithstanding the measures we took, and based on the episode’s preview and early feedback from parents (who saw it on Subscription Video on Demand and/or mobile platforms), we removed the episode from Sunday’s schedule and are now reevaluating it.”
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On November 5th 2008, Dr. Charles Martin wrote:
From the news article, it appears that the show depicts a friend being diagnosed with diabetes and successfully managing the disease. Without having seen the show it’s difficult to know what the objections were. Unfortunately, diabetes is epidemic and leads to major health complications like gum disease, which then makes it hard to manage elevated blood sugar levels. We write extensively about this at http://dentistryfordiabetics.com/blog.
- Charles Martin, DDS
Founder, Dentistry For Diabetics
On November 6th 2008, Alyssa wrote:
She sucks and she can’t even sing.I don’t know why people are even fans of her. She is a spoiled brat. She never would have made it on her own!
On November 7th 2008, ALEXIS wrote:
I THINK THAT HANNAH MONTANA ROCKS SHE IS THE BEST SINGER I KNOW….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
On November 8th 2008, Rosie wrote:
awwww i really was looking forward to see this episode! =( im soooo sad!
On November 8th 2008, Kay wrote:
The episode was pulled because I and a bunch of parents of kids with diabetes did not find it funny. In the least. All the comments below are not my words but this is why they pulled the episode. Thank you michelle.
The parents objected to the following:
1) misinformation about Type 1 Diabetes. The entire show focused on Miley stopping Oliver from eating sugar. Children and adults with type 1 diabetes CAN eat candy - they simply take insulin to match what they eat. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS. Children with type 1 have done nothing to cause this - their bodies have simply attacked themselves.
2)eating a lot of sugar does not cause type 1 diabetes. Oliver, the character with diabetes, was portrayed as a sugar loving fiend - at one point falling into a garbage barrel to get a half eaten and discarded candy bar.
3) Miley called Oliver “sugar boy”. Imagine a character in a wheelchair being called “wheelie boy” or ‘cripple boy”. It just isn’t funny, is it?
4) the show never mentioned Oliver checking blood sugar (children with type 1 typically check blood sugar by finger stick up to 10 times per day) or injecting insulin (children usually need 4 or more shots a day - every time they eat or wear insulin pumps which continuously give them insulin throughout the day).
Type 1 diabetes is a serious medical condition. The parents who objected to this episode applauded Disney for their attempt to bring Diabetes education to the forefront but completely rejected the message that they served up. Considering that Hannah Montana is seen by many school children every day, we felt that this message was a dangerous one to promote. I certainly would not be happy if a fellow classmate of my young child called him “sugar boy”.
We thank Disney for pulling this episode. We also were in touch with the medical expert who consulted on this episode and his feeling was that his “consultation” was not reflected accurately in the script.
On November 9th 2008, change wrote:
i think children are not stupid from the previews it did have some humor as the show always has but when talking about the issue it should remain honest and not humorus but we will never know however, if children are going to be glued to the tv iinstead of a book in should have some education, i mean parents think about it 8th grade your children are having sex education and your crying over the education of diabetes. it amazes of how we put an age on education
On November 9th 2008, tomato wrote:
diabetes are bad
On November 9th 2008, tyler wrote:
You parents are more immature than your children.
Diabetes is a disease, yeah, but it’s nothing to freak out about,
Gee Whiz!
So what if the episode is about Diabetes,
you parents don’t want your children to grow up,
You need to educate them!
Get a life, if you want your kids to stay kids,
Don’t let them watch Miley,
Miley is a young adult,
Let your little “angels” watch the Wiggles or the DoodleBops!
Miley is 16,
And doesn’t need your little 5 year olds watching her show anyways,
So shut your crusty asses up!
On November 10th 2008, pmo wrote:
well Kay, now i know about Type 1 diabetes. i’d still like to see the episode for myself though.
On November 12th 2008, crystal wrote:
You know what? I don’t belive you Kay! You say you’re one of the concerned parents but yet you don’t think about what you and the rest of the parents that stopped the show should think. Docters and alot of other people including phsyciatrists all say that it is better to find humor in a serious situation than to make yourself sick with worry. Now my oldest daughter is only 6 and loves Hannah. She also asks questions about things she doesn’t understand and I tell her. I think what you’re problem really is is that you don’t talk to you’re kids and are too stuck up to want them to learn anything about real life problems. I would rather my daughter ask me about diabetes than ask me what a gun is and why it’s dangerous even though I’ve allready had to explain that one! And that was because of what she saw on TV. She doesn’t watch alot of TV but I personally would rather her learn about things from home rather than what she could learn at school from other kids. Everyone knows that if a kid at school is different including having diabetes that other kids will make fun and what-not. Because I don’t bring up every thing all the time, it gives me the opportunity when she sees something on TV and wants to know about it. Parents like you make me sick! Just because you and those other parents would rather make you’re kids ignorant that doesn’t mean we all do. Personally it’s much better than the other things that are on TV these days! Think about the outcome next time before you do something stupid like this again you moron!
On November 12th 2008, crystal wrote:
On top of that I have also seen with my own eyes on a number of times, that Hannah/Miley was just acting as normal as anyone else has acted in her own shoes. The reason why is because her character doesn’t understand about diabetes to be able to know exactly what to do or say. Often times people who find out a loved one has something in this nature being cancer, diabetes, or something else tipically over react which in my observations is quite normal. Also you need to realize this is not a drama type show on top of the allready mentioned humor is the best medicine this is a COMEDY SHOW!!!!!!! You cannot expect a TV show to change it’s genre just because you think you know it all!!!!! It’s like asking God to play the Devil!!!! Seriously think about it!!! You say you know what having diabetes is like yet you are sooo seriouse about it and it’s not as serious as how you all make it sound considering there are sooo many ways nowadays to control the diabetes. I wish you guys spent as much of an effort trying to get rid of those gangster reality TV shows and games rather than keeping you’re kids informed of more important things such as this disease!!!! Once again you MORON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On November 12th 2008, Tori wrote:
You people make me sick.
You wouldn’t let your children watch this because it has to do with REAL LIFE? Get a grip, morons.
Diabetes happens.
Several people in my family have diabetes, and I’d let my kids watch it.
You’re all idiots, in my honest opinion.
Take offense to that, too.
On November 13th 2008, Jess wrote:
1) Sugar is a not so good thing for all children so personally I see nothing wrong with Miley trying to stop Oliver from eating sugar, regardless of whether or not he has diabetes. I don’t know much about diabetes (would learn more if this episode was allowed to air), but I would think it would be better for diabetics to not eat the sugar. I really wish I could see the episode to give a fully valid opinion — it seems like in the beginning Miley is uniformed, as all kids are. I’m 30 and still uninformed about diabetes! If she learns in the end, isn’t that the point (maybe she doesn’t, maybe she continues to call him “sugar boy” (big whoop, I think it’s cute, she’s not calling him diabetes boy” but I really can’t imagine Disney would let that slip by).
2) While eating sugar doesn’t cause diabetes, isn’t it true that some diabetics crave sugar, especially when in a hypoglycemic state? Falling in the garbage can — that’s called comedy! It’s a tv show, not a documentary.
3) Sugar boy, like I said, cute. Diabetes boy, shot boy, insulin boy? I can understand the issues. But sugar boy? Give me a break.
4) I’m torn on the issue of checking his insulin. Since the characters are not together 24/7 on the show, I can see why it wouldn’t be portrayed. And as a young man, he’d be able to do it on his own and have reasonable control (ie: not have to check it 10 times a day). But the lack of this is definitely not a reason to pull the show. And I definitely agree with Crystal — don’t shelter your children so much. They need to learn the realities of the world. If you want them to have more information, watch the show with them and discuss it afterwards. Hmmm, sounds like what you should be doing with your children anyway. Tell them the facts. Again, Hannah Montana is not a documentary, it’s a kids comedy show. Check your local listings, I’m sure there’s some medical show about diabetes on there somewhere. And if you don’t want your children watching the show, DON’T LET THEM. Perfect time to sit down and read the medical journal with them.
On November 14th 2008, Aubrey wrote:
I agree with Crystal, Tori, and Jess.
There’s no legitimate reason for them to have taken that episode off air.
It was actually one of the ONLY episodes I was really looking forward to seeing.
I watch Hannah all the time (I’m 15) and I was stoked to see that they were trying to make an episode that was informative and then all the “concerned” parents had to go and ruin it.
Seriously you guys?! Its tv.
If you don’t want your kid to watch it
Then turn off the television.
I also agree with Tyler.
She’s not a little kid, she doesn’t have to teach little kid subjects.
I mean, I’m a sophomore in high school and I know about diabetes
I wanted to see the episode.
SO, next time there’s something you don’t want you “precious” little children who are going to end up being completely oblivious to serious things that really happen to people
Turn off the tv and don’t ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks.
On November 15th 2008, melanie wrote:
i didnt get to see the episode but i know it was a very bad one
On November 16th 2008, anon wrote:
Regardless of the show’s good ‘intentions’, just giving information about diabetes does nothing whatsoever if that information is wrong. In fact, it may do more harm than good, as kids will have a false idea about diabetes. Disney pulling the episodes is not a way of telling the producers to not talk about diabetes, but rather to get them to perhaps change the information so that it is at least accurate. Before you all slam me down as a “concerned parent”, just know this: I’m fifteen, and I still agree with Disney’s pull.
On November 17th 2008, Emily wrote:
Seriously people, you need to learn how to disagree without being so vicious! I agree with you, I would love to let my daughter see an actual INFORMATIVE episode of that darn show, as I believe I’m a pretty responsible parent, but if it’s not informing them of the correct facts then it’s not helpful at all. If the disease was switched to cance and Miley called him “radiation boy” or somthing like that it would offend so many people. And as Kay said, eating sugar DOES NOT CAUSE TYPE 1 DIABETES. So I’m glad it was pulled as my little girl would probably believe this and thus have the incorrect view ont his disease. If you really want to bitch,please take it up with the writers and the creators of the show who are ignorant to the facts and are tacky enough to air somthing like this. And please, if you are a parent stick to an old adage my mother told me years ago
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, then say nothing at all.”
On November 17th 2008, Sara wrote:
This completely outrages me. one of my best friends (Age 15) has had Type 1 diabetes for 5 years and it is NOT AT ALL FUNNY or a disease to be made into an inconsiderate child show. yes people should be informed on this SERIOUS disease, but not at all in the way Disney has portrayed. ^Jan is absolutely right. Diabetics NEED sugar to survive too. Disney is giving WRONG and DANGEROUS information to young viewers.
Lets say a newly diagnosed or very young diabetic watches that episode and thinks “oh my god if i eat ANY sugar i will die” or “i can eat anything i want as long as it doesnt have sugar.”! If some child gets that in thier head there is a high chance of DEATH because of low or high blood sugar. Disney has this information all wrong and it can be extremely FATAL for undereducated diabetics.
This is not at all funny and i think kids should not be exposed to false information. maybe if the episode was remade with CORRECT diabetic care cautions, then yes it should be aired as a complete remake. but if they do not correct this problem then i say ABSOLUTELY NOT!
-Hoping for a cure,
Sara
On November 17th 2008, Sara wrote:
This completely outrages me. one of my best friends (Age 15) has had Type 1 diabetes for 5 years and it is NOT AT ALL FUNNY or a disease to be made into an inconsiderate child show. yes people should be informed on this SERIOUS disease, but not at all in the way Disney has portrayed. Diabetics NEED sugar to survive too. Disney is giving WRONG and DANGEROUS information to young viewers.
Lets say a newly diagnosed or very young diabetic watches that episode and thinks “oh my god if i eat ANY sugar i will die” or “i can eat anything i want as long as it doesnt have sugar.”! If some child gets that in thier head there is a high chance of DEATH because of low or high blood sugar. Disney has this information all wrong and it can be extremely FATAL for undereducated diabetics.
This is not at all funny and i think kids should not be exposed to false information. maybe if the episode was remade with CORRECT diabetic care cautions, then yes it should be aired as a complete remake. but if they do not correct this problem then i say ABSOLUTELY NOT!
-Hoping for a cure,
Sara
On November 19th 2008, Adam wrote:
I think that Disney Channel should have episodes of their programs where serious issues are discussed. Issues like disease, drugs, and sex are not mentioned even though they are important and impact children.
Also, this epsiode must have almost made it to television because it was listed on my digital channel guide, offered through my digital cable provider.
On November 20th 2008, crystal wrote:
You all seem to be missing a few facts about this episode:
1) IT’S A FRIKKEN COMEDY SHOW! (Doctors say that laughter is the best medicine)
2) I personally havent seen the episode but i do know disney very well and they would have put some a little but some seriousness into it
3) IT’S A FRIKKEN COMEDY SHOW!
4) Kids need to be talked to about everything in life by their parents or no kid will grow up! As long as your kids know that you will talk to them if they have any questions about anything THEY WILL ASK! that is if you’re a good parent that talks to thier kids anyways!
5) IT’S A FRIKKEN COMEDY SHOW! LET ME SPELL THAT OUT FOR YOU ONE MORE TIME
C O M E D Y !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On November 22nd 2008, Raven wrote:
I really think they should play the episode. I mean wouldn’t you be offened if you had diabeties and you haerd that on HANNAH MONTANA Oliver was going to have diabeties, then you come to find out there not going to show it? I mean I think it would be a great way to get the word out about diabeties to younger kids who don’t know what they heck it is.
On November 22nd 2008, Rebecca wrote:
I noticed that the episode being talked about here never showed and looked it up to see why. When I read how they were portraying diabetics I am glad they pulled it. My daughter is almost 15 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 4 1/2 years old. For all of these years we have had to deal with uneducated people- from school nurses, nurses at our family doctors office to people who, like a lot of you, speak and give advice without any knowledge of what they are talking about. Diabetes is a very serious disease and keeping blood sugar under control is a constant battle that includes more than laying off sugar. But diabetics are allowed to eat anything they want, they just have to take insulin to break down the carbohydrates because their pancreas does not work. And to insinuate that eating too much sugar causes diabetes is really irresponsible. My daughter really needs more people who watch Hannah Montana to be lecturing her on untrue diabetes information. I would be happy if they actually portrayed diabetes factually, I would love to see it put on TV even with a sense of humor is fine! I think that Disney did the responsible thing and I hope they re-do it with true facts and use the opportunity to educate as well as entertain. And to all of you who have made such offensive, uneducated comments condemning “concerned parents”, you should educate yourselves before you open your mouths.
On November 24th 2008, Jordan wrote:
This episode was pulled by parents of children with diabetes, not parents of children concerned that is was too graphic.
On November 26th 2008, A guy wrote:
The true reason this episode was pulled is because they spoke of marijuana. There was no misinformation, and the marijuana talk was related to the Diabetes (Iunno exactly what it is, I’m not the smartest one around).
On November 26th 2008, Rachel wrote:
I thank Disney for pulling the episode. My 2 grandmothers have diabetes (one had passed away 2 years ago from it) and it is occasionally portrayed wrong. You can eat sugar, and you must check your blood. The episode had information which wwas extreamely wrong. This is not comedy, not if shown this way. Disney is an understanding company and that is why they pulled it. i am glad that they are going to fix the episode, because showing it this way is somewhat rude. This is a personal matter for me. This is coming from a 12 year old girl, who wants the message to be shown the right way.
Thank You, Disney. I have grown up with your work and know you will make it better.
On November 28th 2008, caitlin wrote:
hi im caitlin and i have diabetes and i was really looking forward to see that episode but the thing that kind of made me mad was that they made it seem like that if you eat as much sugar as oliver does you will get diabetes wich isnt true becouse you dont get diabetes from eating to much sugar but either way i was looking forward to the episode but in the future if there gonna make it seem like some one has diabetes they should get it right.
On November 29th 2008, Alaysha wrote:
nick has diabetes too!! that show should have come on then he should have watched it!!
On December 6th 2008, Evie wrote:
The Babysitters’ Club had a character in it who was diabetic and could not eat sweets yet there wasn’t a frenzy about that episode. We laugh at diseases all the time, even at members in our own families. For example, “Mom forgot my lunch today. Must be that Alzheimer’s!” We laugh about serious stuff all the time. We can’t go walking around completely serious. Parents shouldn’t scoff about jokes being made about diabetes unless they’re absolutely negative. I mean, their kid may even joke about it. Besides, it was just one episode of Hannah Montana, where it was first being introduced. Of course there was going to be some confusion by the show’s characters as they didn’t particularly understand what was going on. They may have written in more correct information in further episodes on the matter but now we will never know.
On December 12th 2008, daniel wrote:
i think its a really shitty thing of them to pull the episode. i dont need a company tell me what i can watch or what i cant.
On December 14th 2008, michaela wrote:
i think that all the parents that dont wanna give their children a wrong message, then just dont let them watch that episode! seriously guys there is more than one channel on EVERY TV. if there is nothing else on that kids can watch, LET THEM WATCH A DVD! you parents need to think more and just let things happen how they were supposed to happen. tv is not the most important thing in the world, there is the radio, computers, and even a book to read would help them understand things more carefully. (that last sentence was directed to YOU, dumb parents)
On December 15th 2008, djsano wrote:
What about the First Amendment? What about the freedom of speach? America is no more a free country when bunch of parents can pull episode from TV for such a stupid reason.
On December 15th 2008, djsano wrote:
OK so I watched the No sugar sugar episode, and there is nothing bad about it. I think it is perfectly suitable for everyone to watch. Even for kids with diabetes. There are no lies about this disease. It is all taken from right angle, no harm done. All you parents should be ashamed of yourself. You are just so obsessed with your own opinions that you coldn´t see the truth. If you think, that by pulling this episode you gonna help your kids, then your are so naive. Wake up, there thousands of really important things to deal with in your children life, then some stupid comedy show.
On January 2nd 2009, Tara wrote:
I honestly was able to watch the episode on youtube. It is a very good episode but I don’t think it was bad at all! The person that put up the episode said they didn’t want to get in trouble and took it down days later after me viewing it. But I don’t think it was bad.