Could I be LADA?

[SueJB]

I thought matters were pretty clear from your other thread but asked an experienced type 1 to comment hoping it would be helpful to you https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/bamboozled.134882/#post-1686235

Perhaps discussing these test results from the research project with your Consultant would be the best way forward.

I'm just an interested amateur. My grandmother had type 1 and my Dad has LADA. I'm pretty certain I have type 2 but not completely. Loads of information on the forum, website and further.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/gad-antibody-test.html

http://www.practicaldiabetes.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/07/TT-Misra_P.pdf

http://www.southend.nhs.uk/pathology-handbook/test-directory/test-directory-g-index/gad-antibodies/

Thanks. Is GAD the same as Hb1Ac?

 

[Alison Campbell]

No. The GAD antibodies test can be used to tell whether your immune system is attacking and destroying your own insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. The presence of these antibodies suggests type 1 or 1.5 rather than type 2. But only a doctor with access to your medical history, family history and test results should diagnose you.

HBA1C just measures how much sugar has stuck to the red blood cells in the previous 8-12 weeks. The more that has stuck the higher the blood glucose has been. HBA1C will not tell you what type of diabetes you have just how high your levels have been.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/hba1c-test.html

Please have a look at the links I posted previously, particularly the practical diabetes one which has a interesting case study on the first page.

 

[davestretty]

Oh wow, you could be my twin. Same drug reactions (you stuck with Byetta for a month !!?, I quit after two shots), same slow increase of insulin resistance, totally unable to lose weight, and the icing on the cake, first referral to an abysmally **** consultant. Also beginning with diabetic-related problems, but I'm 17 years in, so....

First thing you have to do is get yourself a diabetic team that YOU are happy with. Your GP can refer you to any hospital diabetes department that you are willing to travel to, so shop around, find a good consultant (word of mouth or web reviews etc.) and get referred there. If you're happy with your gp and nurse that's good, otherwise, again, shop around. My doctors surgery has one gp who is extra interested in diabetes and willingly takes all diabetic transfer patients. Some places you get a choice of who does the diabetic eye screening and some you don't. Oh, and ask your consultant to cc you on all letters to your gp - amazing what you find out that way.

Never listen to a dietician. Mine told me to eat more carbs and reduce insulin too. I asked her if she also recommended alcohol to patients with liver failure, and got kicked out of the clinic.

You have to be in charge of your treatment. If you want to go on a dafne/desmond type course, you have to demand that from a doctor.

Most important, though, regardless of past damage, you need to stop more damage being done. Keep your blood glucose within limits. Test and test again (I can't believe I'm saying this, I hate testing, it hurts and its messy). You might want to consider if a pump would be helpful, I found the ability to change basal rates for different levels of exercise made a huge difference - something to discuss with a good consultant.

Good luck.

Thanks for reply and info seacrow, if only! I've moved (thru work) and changed doctors and consultant 4 times in the 10 years since diagnosis, only found a GP diabetes specialist last year who did the GAD test, previous GPs / Consultants refused or said the test was unnecessary. Also asked for a pump 4 years ago but was told (without any tests) that I wasn't eligible. This GP has now left the practice so I'm back to square 1. Seeing a new Consultant tomorrow, but of course it's too late correct the wrong early treatment (that didn't work!) My experience is that only 2 years with each doctor, with reviews only every 6 months, isn't compatible with diabetes treatment but I had no choice. NHS treatment of diabetes overall is not really acceptable, but I guess there is no money for improvements.

 

[Providence 62]

I am wondering if I may have LADA. I have persistent problems trying to get my blood glucose down. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with an HB1ac of 122. Because I am middle aged and fat I was told I was a type 2 and given metformin. The metformin took the blood glucose down, but again, its been a real struggle to get it below 60.

Before I was diagnosed, I lost a shed load of weight (about 4 stone) because I was packing a lot of weight at the time, everyone just said 'how wonderful! you have lost weight!'

I am now on Glicazide and Sitagliptin and its a real struggle to get my blood sugar below 9. I have put on about a stone from my lowest weight.

Should I be asking for the GAD test?

Would appreciate some advice.

Regards,

P

 

[Burlsygirl]

Thanks for a your replies, and sharing your stories. Been a while... Gad test was positive so now diagnosed Lada and new over-active thyroid!! Think I am very fortunate as meds now reduced and still respond well to metformin and gliclazide... anyone else had night hypos though? Feeling positive and very grateful my docs are so supportive and knowledgeable! If yours aren't then I encourage you to change...

 

[SueJB]

I am wondering if I may have LADA. I have persistent problems trying to get my blood glucose down. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with an HB1ac of 122. Because I am middle aged and fat I was told I was a type 2 and given metformin. The metformin took the blood glucose down, but again, its been a real struggle to get it below 60.

Before I was diagnosed, I lost a shed load of weight (about 4 stone) because I was packing a lot of weight at the time, everyone just said 'how wonderful! you have lost weight!'

I am now on Glicazide and Sitagliptin and its a real struggle to get my blood sugar below 9. I have put on about a stone from my lowest weight.

Should I be asking for the GAD test?

Would appreciate some advice.

Regards,

P

I don't know about LADA but just had to congratulate you on the brilliant weight loss. MAGIC!!!

 

[Providence 62]

I don't know about LADA but just had to congratulate you on the brilliant weight loss. MAGIC!!!

Hi Sue

Very kind of you but really the weight loss had nothing to do with me. I was eating loads and still losing weight. The weightloss stopped when I started taking medication to try and control my blood sugar. This is why I am wondering if I may be LADA.

P

 

[Circuspony]

I am wondering if I may have LADA. I have persistent problems trying to get my blood glucose down. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with an HB1ac of 122. Because I am middle aged and fat I was told I was a type 2 and given metformin. The metformin took the blood glucose down, but again, its been a real struggle to get it below 60.

Before I was diagnosed, I lost a shed load of weight (about 4 stone) because I was packing a lot of weight at the time, everyone just said 'how wonderful! you have lost weight!'

I am now on Glicazide and Sitagliptin and its a real struggle to get my blood sugar below 9. I have put on about a stone from my lowest weight.

Should I be asking for the GAD test?

Would appreciate some advice.

Regards,

P

I think the antibody blood tests are expensive which is why GPs don't order them routinely. In your case I think it is worth asking why they are sure you are type 2 and how you would go about confirming that? What is your HBa1C these days?

 

[Providence 62]

I think the antibody blood tests are expensive which is why GPs don't order them routinely. In your case I think it is worth asking why they are sure you are type 2 and how you would go about confirming that? What is your HBa1C these days?

Hello @Circuspony - my HB1ac was 58 in December. I am due for my next set of tests, but I am not hopeful that it is going to go any lower.

P