confused about my type of diabetes

[mrsb2b]

diagnosis of diabetes happened after going to GP with urine infection - checked for glucose and it was present in urine. Also had excessive thirst and urination. Sent for blood test.

Diagnosis confirmed by helpful (?) secretary who told me to book up at diabetes clinic - at which I told her I had no idea I actually had diabetes! Work in a school so straight away thought worse case scenario.

Levels were about 14 and was told I had type 2 however I am 27 eat fairly healthy diet and am nowhere near being overweight - so don't fit stereotypical candidate. I was put on gliclazide 2 in morning 2 at night but levels have ranged from between 13 - 18 (apart from on my hen do when they were higher!!!). Don't feel too unwell apart from I am knackered - thirst and urination is much better too. Am now on Metformin which I wll increase to 3 tomorrow.

Nurse has now referred me to Consultant and have to have blood test to check for insulin antibodies ? Nurse has told me to expect to move on to injections but she is still puzzled by my case as I am in her words too well to have type 1.

I am so confused it has all been quite quick ... added to that I have my wedding on 9th August and a dress fitting next week - and I have lost quite a lot of weight since Jan due to the diabetes.

Can anyone offer advice ... what should I ask the consultant... I thought you had to have hypos or hypers to be type 1. Does stress add to the complications as I am fairly stressed now!

Thanks

 

[HOT FUZZ]

hello mrsb2b,
welcome to the forum.

There is a condition, which is becoming increasingly common in the UK, called "Double Diabetes".
This condition shares symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, making it tricky to treat.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/86826.php

Hope you get sorted out, one way or the other.

the very best of luck,
fuzz.

 

[Nellie]

Nurse has now referred me to Consultant and have to have blood test to check for insulin antibodies ? Nurse has told me to expect to move on to injections but she is still puzzled by my case as I am in her words too well to have type 1

The antibody test ( antiGAD and possibly others) if positive would suggest type 1 but possibly with a slow onset, LADA latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood sometimes called (unofficially) type 1.5.
It can take several years to become insulin dependent but eventually oral drugs don't work.
Because it is much slower onset you don't have the classic dramatic symptoms of type 1. The older you are the slower it tends to develop. see http://www.locallada.swan.ac.uk/what.html
As for being too well, my experience was that I lived with it for nearly 3 years before being forced to visit a doctor. (long story and not a course I'd advocate since I ended up in hospital for 10 days )
If you do need to take insulin, don't worry it isn't the worst thing in the world. From what I read it is also a bit easier to keep control whilst you have some residual pancreatic function and using insulin may help to prolong this.

 

[janabelle]

Hi I'm not surprised that you're stressed.
I was diagnosed at the age of 19. I too was slim, and apart from the thirst and frequent urination, tirednessI felt quite well. At the time of my diagnosis I had what I thought was flu for 2 days. My blood sugar was only 17 when I was diagnosed. I'm quite sure things came to a head because I had a craving for sweet things and constantly stuffed my face with cakes and sugary drinks. The doctors were in no doubt that I was type-1 and I was put on insulin straight away.
Type-1 is an automimune condition- your body no longer produces insulin, although up to a year after diagnosis you can experience a "honeymoon period" when your need for injected insulin drops drastically, if not altogether. However this doesn't last,and does not mean your diabetes has gone. You will need more insulin again and for life.
Type-2 as far as I am aware occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin it produces, and oral medication helps the insulin work effectively. It is more common in older overweight people.
As for type-1.5, I am dubious about it's existance. Prob the invention of a confused GP.
I hope your specialist can advise you better, but I think you are type-1.
Let us know how you get on at the hospital and good luck.
Jus

 

[LittleSue]

Since there are different genes involved in T1 and T2 respectively, theoretically you could inherit both genes and develop both types. Or have genes for T1 and take meds/have pancreatitis which also triggers T2. Or maybe there is a 1.5, after all cystic fibrosis-related diabetes is neither T1 nor T2, has features of both and can come with/without deficiency of other pancreatic enzymes. But I suspect type 1.5 is rare, I think most likely GPs say T1.5 if you don't fit either stereotype, eg slim T2, older T1.

Don't think type can be decided purely on your BG level at diagnosis, or how well you are. I've had T1 for years and I feel fine!

Hopefully the blood tests and specialist consultation should resolve it for you.
Good luck.
Sue

 

[mrsb2b]

Just a quick update and also to say thanks for all your help - I always forget to ask all the questions at appointments. However what with this forum and the wedding forums I am hardly off the computer!!

Have been to see the nurse again today and she has put me on insulin. She said that my average levels over the last 3 months had risen despite full dose metformin and gliclazide also that I had 1 + on the keytones (whatever that means). I am now on Levemir 8 units at bed. NovoRapid 4 units before each meal.

I am a bit gutted ... wanted to wait until after the wedding but am starting to think that atleast I will be used to it by then. The thought of doing all these injections etc in Bali on honeymoon I must admit is scaring me slightly and how the hell I will inject under my dress stumps me!

2 weeks to go til the consultant and 1 week til dietician.

A couple of questions .....
I have hen do next weekend what is the deal with drinking - I don't want to drink loads but I still want to have a good time.
How do holidays work (please tell me they are ok) :?

 

[Katharine]

You can have a couple of alcoholic drinks but any more does put you at risk of hypoglycaemia that can come on from soon after drinking to even 12 hours from drinking.

What a party pooper !

Of course you can have holidays and enjoy them. You still have to keep to your usual testing and eating routines though and when you go on a day out you have to have your kit handy and spare food/drink.

Have a lovely time at the do.

 

[LittleSue]

Don't forget that "wedding night activity" is exercise too and likely to reduce your blood sugar. :lol:

Sue