Type 1 or 2

[Scubamup]

As I said in my first post my GP reviewed my fasting blood test and thought type 2 but suspected there may be an iron disorder behind it. He referred me to another doc, more specialised, but I'm not sure he's necessarily a diabetes guy and he said today the iron issue is a red herring and its type 1. But having made no other tests. I can't work out how he's so sure. This has hit me like a brick and I just want to be sure, but it feels like I've just got opinions not a diagnosis.

 

[Sorted007]

He must have had more details to back this up they must know if it's down to low insulin or the production of zero insulin type 1 I know they have to wait for a change in your bloods and this takes some time for some people or if your type 2 its down to your cells rejecting or blocking your insulin he must have now got full results to be able to tell you your a type 1 my doctor was telling me I was a type 2 then after more tests decided I actually was type 1

 

[Sorted007]

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the immune system (the body's natural defence against infection and illness) mistakes the cells in your pancreas as harmful and attacks them.

 

[Daibell]

Hi and welcome. If the GP has taken bllods to do a GAD and c-peptide test then that will help confirm T1. If you are currently normal or underweight and possibly younger then T1 is a strong possibility. If you have excess weight then T2 is more likely.

 

[Sorted007]

They must have a cleaver test to be able to tell you that will become a full type 1 maybe they know your immune system is attacking your cells

 

[Sorted007]

Hi and welcome. If the GP has taken bllods to do a GAD and c-peptide test then that will help confirm T1. If you are currently normal or underweight and possibly younger then T1 is a strong possibility. If you have excess weight then T2 is more likely.

There you go it was on the tip of my tongue

 

[Sorted007]

A Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies test (GAD antibodies test) is used to help discover whether someone has either type 1 diabetes or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood

 

[Scubamup]

That's just it though, as far as I'm aware I've not had any of those extra tests. This is all off the initial Hba1c and what I've told him.

 

[Sorted007]

You need to find out more from your GP then unless he can look into a Crystal Ball and get your results you have a right to know if your type 1 or type 2

 

[Sorted007]

Can the A1C test be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes?
Yes. In 2009, an international expert committee recommended the A1C test as one of the tests available to help diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.1 Previously, only the traditional blood glucose tests were used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
Because the A1C test does not require fasting and blood can be drawn for the test at any time of day, experts are hoping its convenience will allow more people to get tested—thus, decreasing the number of people with undiagnosed diabetes. However, some medical organizations continue to recommend using blood glucose tests for diagnosis.

 

[Sorted007]

What symptoms do you have ?

 

[CraigDT]

It may depend upon other factors like age and weight. One indicator of type 1 is rapid weight loss before diagnosis. I think that is rarer in type 2. The only test that I know that can differentiate between type 1 and type 2 is an antibody test. When I had that test done it took 3-4 weeks to come back with a result. If you are positive for antibodies then you are type 1. However, you can be negative for antibodies and still be type 1.

The doctor may have decided that you are more likely to be type 1 than type 2 based on your history and is proceeding on that basis. They were unsure when I was diagnosed about 6 months ago and treated me as if I was type 1 and waited to see what would happen.

It is a lot to take in, but as long as you are taking your medication, keeping your blood sugar under control and following doctors advice then you are doing the right thing. Understanding and a firmer diagnosis will come with time.

 

[Sorted007]

Yeah extreme weight loss is a big indication

 

[Sorted007]

I was told I was type 1 by the doctor at the hospital in the same breath she told me I was still producing insulin (this started a argument lol) she further went on to add my body was at a stage where my immune system was attacking my cells in my pancreas and my pancreas would give up producing any insulin but she added that they would keep me topping up my insulin via pens to help my pancreas work less and possibly produce my own insulin longer

 

[Scubamup]

I've lost weight, but how much is extreme. I've lost just over a stone since September, but admittedly without making any changes to diet. Main other symptoms thirst probably for six months, and recently lower leg cramps maybe for three months, and then thigh pain last 4 weeks.

 

[donnellysdogs]

To see what tests have been done just ask your receptionists to give you a printout of them. Do you not to see a professional to request a copy of any results.

 

[Sorted007]

Sounds like me I lost nearly two stone very rapid in about two months eating everything in sight but the weight still dropped off me I feel your more likely to be a type 1 but obviously this still needs to be confirmed I was feeling quite ill by the time I got into the doctors

 

[Sorted007]

I actually did not want to go and a see a doctor I had convinced myself something more serious was going on but I'm glad I did I'm on the up I've put a stone back on in weight and you will do soon welcome aboard hope your feeling better soon

 

[phoenix]

As an earlier poster suggested, what is most important is the right treatment.to reduce glucose levels. If that treatment is insulin then, at least initially,it doesn't matter what label you have.

I would though want to discuss the diagnosis with the doctor..

1) I'd ask for the tests that others have suggested above.
2) I'd also ask why your GP considered that it could be iron related (perhaps blood tests showing high iron levels ) and also why it had been ruled out. There may be a simple reason but in my opinion ,it's better to have an answer than to speculate.

. Too much stored iron can cause a type of diabetes http://www.diabetes.co.uk/hemochromatotis-bronze-diabetes.html The condition is genetic but requires both parents to carry the gene that causes it ( they won't necessarily have the condition ) It's sometimes called the Celtic disease since is much more common in Ireland and other 'Celtic' areas than elsewhere)

 

[Sorted007]

As an earlier poster suggested, what is most important is the right treatment.to reduce glucose levels. If that treatment is insulin then, at least initially,it doesn't matter what label you have.

I would though want to discuss the diagnosis with the doctor..

1) I'd ask for the tests that others have suggested above.
2) I'd also ask why your GP considered that it could be iron related (perhaps blood tests showing high iron levels ) and also why it had been ruled out. There may be a simple reason but in my opinion ,it's better to have an answer than to speculate.

. Too much stored iron can cause a type of diabetes http://www.diabetes.co.uk/hemochromatotis-bronze-diabetes.html The condition is genetic but requires both parents to carry the gene that causes it ( they won't necessarily have the condition ) It's sometimes called the Celtic disease since is much more common in Ireland and other 'Celtic' areas than elsewhere)

Are you sure to be sure Phoenix sorry I could not resist