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Type 2 Confused Type 2 or Type 1.5?ider

L

Lollipoplea_

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
LADA
Hi, diagnosed Type 2 in 2001. Have always carried excess weight, at Time of diagnosis I was two stone overweight. Started immediately on Metformin as readings were in excess of 20. Developed severe diarrhoea, Glucophage SR ( slow release metformin ) prescribed as well as Glicllazid. OK for many years, weight remained steady for a few years then began to pile on the weight. 2015, four stone overweight!! Experiencing lots of other symptoms. Ie: painful joints, arteritis in knees, carpel tunnel syndrome, balance problems, eye retinopathy. Diagnosed in late 2015 with PMR and Giant Cell Arteritis. Put on 60mg of Prednisolone (steroids). Total loss of control of my blood sugar levels most late afternoon/evening readings in excess of 25. Gradual reduction in steroids, very gradual reduction in blood sugars.
Recommended to consider Bariatric Surgery ( Gastric Bypass) in the hope of reversing my TypeTwo Diabetes. Told upto 98% of Type Two Diabetics have improved or total reversal. Hopefully it would work for me as I was told I would probably be on Steroids for the rest of my life.. now on Humulin I insulin injection. Spent following twelve months following pre bariatric surgery plan. Admitted for surgery May 2017, having lost over two stone in weight prior to surgery. Absolutely no effect on my diabetes. Can’t tell you how disappointed I am. Have been in severe pain in my digestive system. Lost a total of Seven Stone over the last one and a half years. Now an average weight for my height and age. (62). But still diabetic!! Severe diarrhoea (steatorrhoea or malabsorption ) following operation told to stop Glucophage SR. Now I only have Humulin I in morning and NovoRapid at lunchtime and dinner time. Currently taking 12 units of Humulin I and between 4 - 6 units of NovoRapid, depending on how many carbs I have eaten.

Can any one help me! Am I still Type Two or am I now classed as Type 1.5?
 
You need to request your GP/doctor for a C-Peptide and GAD tests done to find out if you’re T1.5 (slow onset T1) or not.

And as far as I know, bariatric surgery would not reverse T1.5!
 
NewTD2 said:
You need to request your GP/doctor for a C-Peptide and GAD tests done to find out if you’re T1.5 (slow onset T1) or not.

And as far as I know, bariatric surgery would not reverse T1.5!
Click to expand...



Thank you for replying so soon, I will certainly request tests at my next routine appointment. Do these test work once you are taking insulin?
 
Sounds like type 2 made worse by steroid medication to me. We have a quite a few with steroid induced type 2 on the forum. But as you already had type 2 before the medication it can't be said to have caused your type 2 but made it more difficult to manage.

Here is some information about the causes of type 1 diabetes

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/causes-of-type1-diabetes.html#insulin

Information on the tests

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/c-peptide-test.html
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/gad-antibody-test.html
 
It is most frustrating to have lost the recommended amount of weight and still be diabetic, and it must be even more so if you have undergone surgery. I have lost about 6 stone and am still diabetic, although slap bang in the middle of my ideal weight range. Unfortunately, for some of us weight loss seems to make not a great deal of difference to the diabetes.
I still spike if I eat just one small scone, my morning bgl can be high for no reason I can see and on the whole I am very careful with what I eat.

I think that your t2d was no doubt worsened by the medications, but I don't think it causes lada. Taking insulin should not make any difference to the tests.

The causes of t2d are still not clearly understood. While weight clearly plays an important role, it is far from the only cause or contributing factor. For example, I have hypothyroidism and a substantial number of people with hypothyroidism also develop t2d., far more than should be expected. But the link unclear.

I feel that although I am still diabetic, which is a bad thing, I am at least much lighter, whichis a good thing! I can move far more easily, I sleep better, walk better and have taken up old hobbies.

How are your other health problems? Is the retinopathy any better?
 
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