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I really don't expect people to know much about bipolar any more than I expect them to know a lot about other mental illnesses or physical illnesses. I don't feel like 'lay people' are under any obligation to educate themselves and I don't talk about it with most anyone, I don't see the point. They get who they get -me- warts and all, they don't need to know or understand my diagnosis anymore than I need to do research on diabetes because a friend or acquaintance has diabetes (though they can explain to/share with me what they struggle with if they wish). When you think about it, diabetes is very very common and it's a horrendous disease, and yet most people don't know much of anything about it. We all struggle with our stuff. That's my take on it mostly because I don't feel the need to share, if I did, I suppose I'd feel differently.
Also, the conceptualization of bipolar as being on a spectrum is relatively new, in the whole scheme of things, so I wouldn't expect 'lay' people (non-pdocs, etc.) to be familiar with it at this point.
If you feel it would be beneficial for those close to you to understand what you're experiencing better, you have the choice of explaining it to them and/or providing them with links to information if you wish. That might be a good route for you to take. You can do some research and share what you think most describes what you experience and share your own personal experiences with it as well.
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