Pancreas scan

[TashT1]

I’ve just had a relatively good telephone consult with endo. My type 1 diagnosis is still a bit up in the air, I had anticipated being put forward for a c-peptide test and was please not to have to make a case for it but the dr also wants to do a pancreas scan.

From what I’ve read this isn’t a typical procedure for diabetes diagnosis. She mentioned wanting to rule out gallstones or other complications that could affect insulin production, but there’s not really any symptoms other than those common to hyperglycaemia.

So I’m wondering if many others have had a pancreas scan?

Useful background - diagnosed 7 weeks ago with a hba1c 97, 28u Lantus, 28u novarapid split between meals & negative antibodies for all 3 tests.

 

[DCUKMod]

I’ve just had a relatively good telephone consult with endo. My type 1 diagnosis is still a bit up in the air, I had anticipated being put forward for a c-peptide test and was please not to have to make a case for it but the dr also wants to do a pancreas scan.

From what I’ve read this isn’t a typical procedure for diabetes diagnosis. She mentioned wanting to rule out gallstones or other complications that could affect insulin production, but there’s not really any symptoms other than those common to hyperglycaemia.

So I’m wondering if many others have had a pancreas scan?

Useful background - diagnosed 7 weeks ago with a hba1c 97, 28u Lantus, 28u novarapid split between meals & negative antibodies for all 3 tests.

Did you lose a lot of weight in a short period, prior to diagnosis?

 

[Flora123]

I’ve just had a relatively good telephone consult with endo. My type 1 diagnosis is still a bit up in the air, I had anticipated being put forward for a c-peptide test and was please not to have to make a case for it but the dr also wants to do a pancreas scan.

From what I’ve read this isn’t a typical procedure for diabetes diagnosis. She mentioned wanting to rule out gallstones or other complications that could affect insulin production, but there’s not really any symptoms other than those common to hyperglycaemia.

So I’m wondering if many others have had a pancreas scan?

Useful background - diagnosed 7 weeks ago with a hba1c 97, 28u Lantus, 28u novarapid split between meals & negative antibodies for all 3 tests.

Yes I had a scan but it ended up being almost every organ! They were looking to see if I had a pancreatic tumour.

 

[TashT1]

Did you lose a lot of weight in a short period, prior to diagnosis?

Not a huge amount, about 9kg steadily over 6 months. Being thirsty, urinating a lot & exhaustion kicked in about 10 weeks before diagnosis. Ketones were 2 at diagnosis, I didn’t end up in hospital though.

 

[Tophat1900]

Not a huge amount, about 9kg steadily over 6 months. Being thirsty, urinating a lot & exhaustion kicked in about 10 weeks before diagnosis. Ketones were 2 at diagnosis, I didn’t end up in hospital though.

That does seem to lean in favour of your diagnosis. You're getting a c-peptide soon?

 

[TashT1]

Yes a urine c-peptide. I’m not really sure why it’s a urine test when there is a blood test version.

They’re also doing a new hba1c & renal function blood tests, all within the next 6 weeks.

 

[Tophat1900]

Yes a urine c-peptide. I’m not really sure why it’s a urine test when there is a blood test version.

They’re also doing a new hba1c & renal function blood tests, all within the next 6 weeks.

I'd be wanting the blood test version.

 

[Flora123]

Yes a urine c-peptide. I’m not really sure why it’s a urine test when there is a blood test version.

They’re also doing a new hba1c & renal function blood tests, all within the next 6 weeks.

I had a urine c peptide test too and no one can tell me why it was urine rather than blood.

 

[Flora123]

I'd be wanting the blood test version.

@Tophat1900 Do you know any info about the difference please? Always wondered why everyone seems to get a blood test but I had a urine test. Thanks.

 

[Tophat1900]

@Tophat1900 Do you know any info about the difference please? Always wondered why everyone seems to get a blood test but I had a urine test. Thanks.

My assumption is a blood test costs more then a urine test. I have doubts about some urine test reliability compared to blood tested results, but that's all.

 

[TashT1]

I tried changing it, doc said it’s not necessary as it should show a reliable result but did agree that if there was anything borderline about the results we would confirm with the blood test.

 

[Tophat1900]

I tried changing it, doc said it’s not necessary as it should show a reliable result but did agree that if there was anything borderline about the results we would confirm with the blood test.

That sounds a bit odd, stating it's a reliable test, but would do the blood test version if there were doubts. Sounds to me like the blood test is regarded as superior or you'd just do anther urine one.

You can get c-peptide blood test done in the UK privately, tag @bulkbiker would probably know who to go through. If you are interested that is.

 

[Buzzer81]

I’ve just had a relatively good telephone consult with endo. My type 1 diagnosis is still a bit up in the air, I had anticipated being put forward for a c-peptide test and was please not to have to make a case for it but the dr also wants to do a pancreas scan.

From what I’ve read this isn’t a typical procedure for diabetes diagnosis. She mentioned wanting to rule out gallstones or other complications that could affect insulin production, but there’s not really any symptoms other than those common to hyperglycaemia.

So I’m wondering if many others have had a pancreas scan?

Useful background - diagnosed 7 weeks ago with a hba1c 97, 28u Lantus, 28u novarapid split between meals & negative antibodies for all 3 tests.

I was put forward for a pancreas scan. First one got cancelled and then I had a three month hba1c test which showed I had reduced levels from 91 to 46 through diet alone. I cancelled the test as felt that proved I am type 2...... but I’m worried that was a naive decision.

 

[ert]

I had a gallstones scan (GP) and a pancreas scan (private Specialist) when I was first diagnosed, just to rule out anything sinister.

 

[TashT1]

That sounds a bit odd, stating it's a reliable test, but would do the blood test version if there were doubts. Sounds to me like the blood test is regarded as superior or you'd just do anther urine one.

You can get c-peptide blood test done in the UK privately, tag @bulkbiker would probably know who to go through. If you are interested that is.

It’s to do with CCG commissioning. In my trust the urine test is the standard & considered reliable but as with most things if you push you can get exceptions. We came to a compromise, urine first as per the rules & if it’s not conclusive I can have a fasting blood test & a glucagon sensitivity test. Which according to the papers I read is the gold standard for c-peptide. Depending on how that goes I could consider going private.

 

[TashT1]

I was put forward for a pancreas scan. First one got cancelled and then I had a three month hba1c test which showed I had reduced levels from 91 to 46 through diet alone. I cancelled the test as felt that proved I am type 2...... but I’m worried that was a naive decision.

You could ask for it to be rebooked. My DN described the booking of the test as “very thorough” indicating it’s not standard practice. Do you take insulin? My need for 50+ units of insulin a day & quick on set is why I’m pushing for the right diagnosis.

 

[Tophat1900]

It’s to do with CCG commissioning. In my trust the urine test is the standard & considered reliable but as with most things if you push you can get exceptions. We came to a compromise, urine first as per the rules & if it’s not conclusive I can have a fasting blood test & a glucagon sensitivity test. Which according to the papers I read is the gold standard for c-peptide. Depending on how that goes I could consider going private.

Ah, fair enough.... god luck in any case!

 

[bulkbiker]

It’s to do with CCG commissioning. In my trust the urine test is the standard & considered reliable but as with most things if you push you can get exceptions. We came to a compromise, urine first as per the rules & if it’s not conclusive I can have a fasting blood test & a glucagon sensitivity test. Which according to the papers I read is the gold standard for c-peptide. Depending on how that goes I could consider going private.

Medichecks do one for £107 plus £30 for the blood collection.
https://medichecks.com/products/c-peptide-blood-test
If I find any cheaper I'll let you know.