Discussion: Regarding the DIABETES theory

"I don't know about Henry's relatives all dying of consumption, I don't think that's accurate. There is a discussion about it his sister Mary's death here: http://tudorhistory.org/queryblog/2008/07/question-from-kelly-cause-of-death-for.html

Henry's mother definitely died in childbed I believe, the cause of Henry Fitzroy's death is not certainly known and neither is Edward VI.'s
His brother might even have died of the sweating sickness.
I think people back then were quick to call an illness consumption and it's nearly impossible today to determine what they all really died of."

"Still on this fascinating subject of urine ... some people swear by it, and drink their own. It is actually chock full of vitamins and minerals excreted by the kidneys, apparently, so in theory at least could be pretty good for you. Maidens in Tudor times used to rub it into their skin, too, in order to keep a glowing complexion. I can't imagine it would be the most attractive perfume, however. Perhaps that was how they stayed maidenly!
Regarding consumption - or tuberculosis as it is now known - I think it is considered mostly to be a contagious disease. So it would not be too surprising if family members passed it on and it cropped up frequently, therefore, among the Tudors.
"

"Well Nofretete, they certainly looked like the real artifacts. He points out the embroidery done on the covers as well as the writing of Bess herself in the 2 books she made for Henry and KP. They didn't look like copies to me. (sorry folks, I have to say it...Pompous Ass!!!) LOLOL!!! I really believe he had the originals, because of the ink and the pages and the handwriting on them were from Bess and he notes how her writing improved inside of a year. No, I'm afraid he had the originals, and the thought makes me cringe! Even w/artifacts that are only 200 yrs. old here in the US, they have to use gloves while reviewing them. Like the Constitution and other documents from that time. Everyone must wear protective gloves when handling them, and I just don't see how Starkey, even as a noted historian, could touch a 500 yr. old book w/no protection. Again, Pompous Ass!!! LOLOL!! Sorry, but that's what I think of him, especially for handling Bess' books the way he did. Heck, the Brits don't even touch the crown jewels w/out gloves, and acid from fingerprints aren't going to bother gold the way it bothers paper. I hope w/any future series on English History he does and he's given artifacts, he has the common sense to wear gloves or is told he can't have them unless he's wearing them!

Regards,
ETR"

"I so agree. Starkey got me mad on the other thread about historians opinions of the series The Tudors. He was very pompous, especially as a man that famous as a historian should know the difference between a documentary, and a mini series
soap opera. He had no consideration for the hoards of books he sold due to the book sales increases after the series aired.
As far as Arthur having testicular cancer, that is absurd. He was sick all his life, and I don't think you can get testicular cancer until you have reached puberty. It is much more likely that his poor immune system was overtaxed when his father sent him to Wales with Katherine. I've been to Wales, and it cold as hell. And when I went there was heat. Yes Starkey grips me too."

"In his book 'The Six Wives of Henry V111', Dr. Starkey quotes from the contemporary description of Arthur's illness made by the herald who announced his death "the most pitiful disease...that with great violence had battled and driven in the singular parts of him inward (so) that cruel and fervent enemy of nature, the deadly corruption, did utterly vanquish and overcome the pure and friendful blood". He goes on to say that it is not easy to extract a modern diagnosis from this statement, but that the phrase 'the singular parts of him inward' has been interpreted to indicate testicular cancer. He does not state definitely that this was the cause of Arthur's death.
It may be that Arthur's fatal illness was the sweating sickness but that he was also suffering from cancer which has weakened his system. Starkey also accepts the theory that the sweating sickness was a mutuated form of influenza. As you said, it seems to have been a disease that was confined to England (unless other countries called it by a different name). It also seems to have died out by the middle of the sixteenth century, so presumably the virus mutated into a less serious strain."

"Thanks for the info Juliana. Couldn't 'singular parts of him inward' refer to his eyes, mouth and hands/feet? They too can draw inward in a serious disease, such as MS/Diabetes. My brother in law had both and his hands were becoming claw-like, drawing into himself as were his legs and feet. But that's a great explanation and thanks for posting it.

Regards,
ETR"