• Guest, the forum is undergoing some upgrades and so the usual themes will be unavailable for a few days. In the meantime, you can use the forum like normal. We'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

How Is Type 1 Or Type 2 Determined?

NikkieDuranie

Well-Known Member
How does a dr or nurse determine whether you are type 1 or type 2? Many of the symptoms seem the same.

I don't have my new diabetic appointment for 3 weeks, and am starting to compile a list of questions, any advice would be great.

Thanks
 
NikkieDuranie said:
How does a dr or nurse determine whether you are type 1 or type 2? Many of the symptoms seem the same.

I don't have my new diabetic appointment for 3 weeks, and am starting to compile a list of questions, any advice would be great.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Only certain blood tests can show if you have T1 or are likely to have T1. These tests calculate how much insulin your pancreas makes, and whether you have the T1 antibodies. A nurse can't tell you unless you have had these tests. The normal tests are called the C-Peptide test and a GAD antibodies test.

I may be wrong, but I assume your nurse will do the usual things such as blood pressure, pulse, foot tickling test, measuring you round the waist and height, weigh you, check your urine (if you have been asked for a sample), talk about diet, give you leaflets, explain what happens next such as retinal screening, education courses, and future reviews. She may also prescribe you medication. She should also go through your test results with you, and possibly take more bloods if these have been ordered.
 
Hi @NikkieDuranie The diagnosis of diabetes can be indication of type, so using myself as an example, my symptoms came on suddenly within 1 week, I was on a skiing holiday and could not stop drinking coke, due to insatiable thirst and extreme fatigue, I lost alot of weight so my face became gaunt and I was showing my back teeth, I struggled to speak as mouth was continually dry, had thrush, dry hands and pear breath, within a day of returning from France I was in hospital and learning how to administer insulin. Symptoms with type 2 can be much more subtle and come on over a prolonged period of time.

You can have a blood test to check for the presence of autoantibodies (GAD test) or a C peptide test which can indicate if it is type 1.

Do you think you may of been mis-diagnosed then ?
 
Thank you @Juicyj and @Bluetit1802 this is really helpful.

I have been told I have it but not what type, assuming two at this stage, have already been started on meds.
The tiredness and insatiable thirst, lack of sleep because I am peeing all night along with the thrush are driving me potty. I think I am at that stage of overthinking everything and just need to let it go, but it seems to be taking up a lot of headspace.

I'll add the info to my list of questions and will start the diary and testing this weekend when my machine arrives.

I just want more info from medical team before I explain to children as they both have very complex needs and need to handle this so carefully. So not being able to talk about this at home doesn't help
 
Hi @NikkieDuranie I have to admit the doctor knew straight away what my type was based on my symptoms and 'HI' blood glucose reading which is why I was sent straight to hospital and yes it helped to know exactly what it was to ensure I received the right medication - it did not however help that I was shocked, confused and upset by the diagnosis. So in this respect I sympathise completely with you. The positive is that you are now on the radar so regardless of type you will be monitored and medication can be adjusted/changed where appropriate to help bring your levels down.

Have you got a blood glucose meter ? It's the most useful tool any diabetic can have, as knowing the impact of carbs eaten on your blood glucose results and being able to track your results so you can also take these into your next appointment is really useful.

Also happy to chat today, it's quite an isolating phase to be in but talking about it will help, particularly with your children too, best wishes J
 
Thank you, that's really kind. You are right I am on the radar and very soon will have more answers. After advice on here yesterday I ordered a monitor and it should be arriving today or tomorrow. My fasting BG was 17.3 on a finger tip test, just waiting on the hb one now.

I have downloaded the MySugr app as well so once my monitor arrives I will log them. How often would you recommend testing at this stage?
 
NikkieDuranie said:
How does a dr or nurse determine whether you are type 1 or type 2? Many of the symptoms seem the same.

I don't have my new diabetic appointment for 3 weeks, and am starting to compile a list of questions, any advice would be great.

Thanks
Click to expand...

And still your profile shows you as insulin dependent T2. @Tipetoo ... what do you see on her profile?
 
Mike, I can not do anything about it. It’s not anything I’ve done. This was looked at when you said this earlier in the week
 
@NikkieDuranie - When you go to your account settings, and look at the drop down menu, do you see 2 entries for Type 2, as illustrated here:



If you do, please select the alternative one. If you're not sure which you might have selected at the time, I'm sure the chaps on this thread will let you know when it has changed.

@Mike D - Which region or regions do you consider it impacts?
 
How could I possibly know that? It doesn't affect the UK (obviously) but narrowing it down with some logical thought just might help. I will wait for @Indy51 and if it's 3 outta 3, rather conclusive, I would have assumed unless it's totally left field.

Go ask a US member
 

Mike, it affects many of us. I do not see Insulin dependent. I never have since the big upgrade a couple of years ago. We had a VERY long thread about it. It is random. It matters not which way we look at the forum, which browser we use, which type of device, which region. Purely random. If I happened to be insulin dependent, I couldn't chose it from the drop down list because it isn't there on my list.
 
@Bluetit1802 With respect, it's missing the point. If every Australian member (regardless of device) sees the same thing and the UK does not, then clearly it suggests region. I repeat, I'll wait on Indy. I'm not paid to do the work of the DCUK IT department. What I am saying is the info is misleading and NOT helping the OP ... that's why I made the original comment. And ask three US members ... might narrow it down
 
Hi, OK.. Just to clear this up. I've been using a widows browser & an iPad... (UK based.)

Logged in in black on both show this..



But logged out in red show this.... Both windows & Apple browsers.






@NikkieDuranie , what meds (if any) are you prescribed?
 

Not everyone in the UK sees it, and not everyone in the UK doesn't see it. As I said. It is random. This was thrashed out 2 years ago, and has been mentioned very frequently since.

@Jaylee your demonstration doesn't clear it up. I am logged in, in black, but I see your second example in red. (except mine is in black)

This is what I see - except for highlighting I did for the screen shot.

 
More than constructive @Jaylee ... you just gotta narrow it down. Exactly my intent. My whole point from the start was "why bother offering advice" when the OP was a T2 on insulin when I would never comment on that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn More.…