Supporter in need of basic info!

[thetipple4]

Hi all

My husband has Addison' s disease. He has had both adrenal glands removed due to cancer, and is therefore hydrocortisone dependant. The cancer is now in his pancreas which is being removed totally in 2 weeks. We have been informed that he will be a 'Brittle' type1 diabetic.
I am struggling to find basic information about how the two conditions will affect each other, and was hoping someone could recommend a solid basis of information where we can start to learn about diabetes. I am going to look at the abbreviations thread on this form and hopefully that will make a few things a bit clearer!

Any advice would be gratefully received

 

[Arab Horse]

Sorry to read this. You need specialist help for him; I am sure his team will tell you all you need to know. Good luck.

 

[thetipple4]

Sorry to read this. You need specialist help for him; I am sure his team will tell you all you need to know. Good luck.

Thanks
He does have an endocrinologist, oncologist etc but we were hoping to do our own research as well to be as best prepared as possible

 

[catapillar]

He won't be type 1 diabetic. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disease where the immune system gets bored/over enthusiastic and kills off the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Surgical removal of the pancreas will cause type 3c diabetes.

There's nothing to suggest that his diabetes will be "brittle", which isn't a medical diagnosis, it's just a descriptor of the diabetes.

Type 3c diabetes is treated similarly to type 1 diabetes with a basal bolus insulin regieme. But you made need to take additional supplements to replace the digestive processes of the pancreas, like creon. Taking creon can make it difficult to deal with high fat food so approach any advice on here to go for a high fat low carb diet with caution. In addition a type 1 diabetic has only lost their beta cells, they still have their alpha cells working fine. It's the job of the alpha cells to react to a hypo by releasing glucagon and telling your liver to release glucose stores. Have surgical removal of the pancreas will mean your husband won't have alpha cells and will need to be more cautious to avoid hypos.

Addisons is an autoimmune disease. Which means it frequently comes along with type 1 diabetes. Getting the right hydrocortisone dose will impact on what the right insulin dose is. Steroids can make you more insulin resistant, but not enough steroid will risk hypos.

To learn about managing diabetes, get hold of the book "think like a pancreas" for a good read of the basics.

 

[Bluetit1802]

Thanks
He does have an endocrinologist, oncologist etc but we were hoping to do our own research as well to be as best prepared as possible

You must be at your wits end with all this.
I agree entirely with your approach. Doing your own research is a good and proactive way to go with this.
I am just sorry I can't really help you, but if you ask some direct questions it may help with responses.

 

[gilllsmaad]

Good luck with your search I unfortunately cannot help but I can send blessings your way x

 

[Gd485]

Hi tipple4

Sorry to here of the awful diagnosis you husband has been given.

I have Addison's disease for just over 8 years. Mine is auto-immune along with my Hypothyroidism. I have very little output from my Adrenal cortex and I'm dependant on Hydrocortisone and Fludrocortisone to maintain my blood pressure.
The Hydrocortisone helps control my blood sugar. I am told that many auto-immune addison's disease patients go on to have type 2 diabetes.
The lose of adrenal function makes it difficult to handle stress. Illness or physical stress can bring on an Addison's crisis. This is when B.P. drops, heart rate increases. A injection of hydrocortisone can help if the stress is short lived but longer periods of illness may require hospitalisation to control B.P.
An Addison's disease crisis is serious and must be treated quickly. The risk comes from dangerously low B.P.

I hope all goes well for you and your husband. It must be a very difficult time for both of you.