Diabetes Type

[janeliz]

I had a GAD test in June this year which came back as Type 1. I understand that the test only detects either type1 or 2. My diabetes was caused from severe acute pancreatitis. How do they test for Type 3c ? Does anyone know?

 

[mrspuddleduck]

Hi @janeliz, type 3C is when the pancreas is so extensively damaged that both the beta cells and the alpha cells are destroyed, so not only is there no production of insulin but there is no production of glucagon. This causes a brittle form of diabetes which means you can move rapidly from severe high to severe hypos, and vice versa, without warning or for no obvious reason. It can be extremely hard to control and is usually accompanied by some level of exocrine insufficiency. It is usually caused but either having your pancreas removed or in my case my pancreas was completely destroyed but a rare disease. Some people who have chronic pancreatitis or partial removal can develop it depending on the extent of the damage. Diagnosis is usually made initially by examination of the pancreas via MRI and endoscope, blood tests etc in someone with a history of the above who is presenting with uncontrolled diabetes, but type 3c is usually an expected consequence to pancreatic death (partial or full). Sorry for the long winded answer!! Sue x

 

[FNDodd]

A c-peptide fasting blood test can help determine if your beta cells are dead or dying and a pancreatic polypeptide test can be done.

 

[janeliz]

I was admitted to hospital last week (6 time since april) and during the stay they got the diabetic team to see me. They changed all my insulins, for the better I hasten to say. They said I was not really TYPE 1 but one of the others but the treatment was as a Type 1.. They don't think I produce Ketones when high or sick. Not sure what I am.

 

[mrspuddleduck]

For me it was pretty obvious cos my pancreas was completely dead, but even so the specialist diabetes team still ummed and arrrd and initially tried to say I was a LADA type 1. The pancreo- gastrologist had to write to them in the end and explain it to them!!! Problem is type 3C is so rare that many diabetic consultants have never dealt with it (including my current one!). Hope you're doing OK, and things start to get better now they're sorting your insulin. Sue xxxx