21years old and diagnosed with diabetes

[Katie1996]

Hi, today I found out I have diabetes
My doctor is unsure if I have Type 1 or Type 2.
A few of my symptoms are;
Tired all the time
Rapid weight loss (2stone in 6weeks)
Constantly thirsty

I was also told I have a high cholesterol (around 50 I think)
My doctor has put me on metformin and something for my cholesterol.

Anyone can help ease my mind would great.
Thank you

 

[chlsybwnx]

Hey girl!!

I too was diagnosed with diabetes the day before my 21st birthday! They didn't know whether mine was T1 or T2 but, after 4 months I was found to be T1. I lost 2 stone in those 4 months which suuucked! I also had high cholesterol at time of diagnosis, my GP tried to put me on statins but, my diabetic nurse said otherwise. Apparently your cholesterol rises as a result of having high blood sugars, and after 6 months of being fully under control, my cholesterol dropped to where it should have been without any meds, or dietary change etc. just like the nurse said it would!!

The best thing is, once diagnosed you can get this all under control. Whether type 1 or type 2 there will be something to help you. Be it dietary control, low carbs, metformin, carb counting & insulin injections, you will be able to do it and a year from now you will completely weirded out by the fact that you ever lived without diabetes!!

good luck with diagnosis! you can do it!!!

 

[Diakat]

Your symptoms sound more like t1, but they will check.
It is a shock whatever type.
Have they given you a meter and further appointments?

 

[Katie1996]

Currently waiting to see the diabetic specialist at the hospital

 

[Diakat]

Currently waiting to see the diabetic specialist at the hospital

That's good. They have more knowledge than a go on diabetes and the different types.
Ask us any questions you have. Good luck with everything.

 

[ringi]

Given the doctor has put you on mataforin they think you have high inslin resistance, hence a low carb diet is likely to help you.

 

[paulus1]

i hope thats a very urgent appointment sorry but giving metformin to a 21 year old is risky. the chance is your type 1 or lada. in which case your medication wont work. what were you bg readings. if at any minute you start to feel unwell go to the hospital. are you very overweight. because its rarre for a 21 year old to get type 2

 

[DCUKMod]

i hope thats a very urgent appointment sorry but giving metformin to a 21 year old is risky. the chance is your type 1 or lada. in which case your medication wont work. what were you bg readings. if at any minute you start to feel unwell go to the hospital. are you very overweight. because its rarre for a 21 year old to get type 2

@paulus1 - Bearing in mind Katie has been referred to a specialist, at the hospital, it looks like further investigations are likely to take place. I wouldn't necessarily see Metformin as a risky medication, bearing in mind it could be just an interim measure.

@Katie1996 - I do hope your appointment with the specialist come through quickly. Has your Doctor given you a meter and strips so that you can measure your day to day blood sugars for yourself?

 

[Katie1996]

My doctor has given me nothing apart from the medication. I don’t know hold long until I go to the specialist.

 

[ringi]

Remember Metformin is not a treatment for Type2 diabetes, it's a treatment for insulin resistance regardless of the type of diabetes, or if someone has diabetes at all. Provided kidneys work well (and the GP would have done the test) there is no risk.

The risk of a miss-diagnoses is covered by monitoring BG and taking action if it does not start coming down.

Given that @Katie1996 is 21 years old, the GP must have good reasons to expect Type2, the default action for a GP at that age would be to assume Type1.

The high cholesterol (Trigs I assume) also point strongly towards insulin resistance is an issue, and hence Type2. It also indicates that a low carb diet is likely to be of great benefit and get fast results.

@Katie1996 I am assuming you are overweight, please tell us if you are not. If I was you, I would get a copy of "New Atkins For a New You" and keep 100% to the induction phase until your BG readings get towards normal.

 

[gilllsmaad]

oh bless you hunni
This is a fantastic site and although i cannot advise you as am only newly diagnosed myself there will be lots of lovelies on here that will point you in the right direction.
Good luck with your appointments
hugs
xx

 

[Katie1996]

Thank you so much. Only been a day and everyone is telling me what to eat and what not to eat

 

[Diakat]

Who is everyone? You really need to see the consultant and get a firm diagnosis to know what you can and cannot eat in future.

 

[Katie1996]

Mainly family

 

[Diakat]

They are probably trying to help. But you need a proper diagnosis first.

 

[DCUKMod]

Thank you so much. Only been a day and everyone is telling me what to eat and what not to eat

I always find it astonishing how many "experts" there are out there.