OMG, I have beaten type 3C diabetes, has this ever happened to anyone ever?

[conanthewarrior]

Hi everyone, I noticed about a month ago I kept having hypos when using my insulin as instructed by my diabetes nurses, so decided to eat without insulin, and was not having spikes at all and staying in range, so also left off my basal insulin.

For 3 weeks my blood sugar stayed completely in range, whereas before it would spike to 18-20 MMOL after eating even a cereal with insulin. Now I can eat anythinig without a spike happening and stay in range.

I had a medication review earlier and told the Dr about leaving off the insulin, so they contacted the diabetes nurses. They phoned me, and where they can view my freestyle libre 2 plus sugar levels the diabetes nurse said I no longer need my insulin as my levels have been perfect, and they will just do HBA1C bloodtests every 3 months to monitor me.

I was told type 3C diabetes was for life, but somehow my pancreas seems to have recovered from the damage I caused too it.

Has this ever been heard of happening, as I was in hospital when first diagnosed on an IV insulin pump for a week to bring my blood sugar and ketones down from 28 MMOL and ketones at 4.1, and have gone from that to recovery.

I am completely stunned about this, and want to know if it is heard of at all.

Thanks everyone, Conan.

 

[Antje77]

This is so interesting!

I saw from your older posts your T3C was caused by recurring bouts of pancreatitis, and you were diagnosed at the same time as you quit problematic drinking last october. So by now your body has had 9 months to recover from the long term alcohol abuse. Who knows, this may even have enabled your pancreas to recover enough to do its job.

But whatever the cause, long may it last!

I had a medication review earlier and told the Dr about leaving off the insulin, so they contacted the diabetes nurses. They phoned me, and where they can view my freestyle libre 2 plus sugar levels the diabetes nurse said I no longer need my insulin as my levels have been perfect, and they will just do HBA1C bloodtests every 3 months to monitor me.

I wouldn't rely solely on those 3 monthly hba1c's, at least not until it's been a bit longer.
I'd still use the Libre if you can, or else some fingerprick testing to make sure things keep going well in between.

 

[conanthewarrior]

This is so interesting!

I saw from your older posts your T3C was caused by recurring bouts of pancreatitis, and you were diagnosed at the same time as you quit problematic drinking last october. So by now your body has had 9 months to recover from the long term alcohol abuse. Who knows, this may even have enabled your pancreas to recover enough to do its job.

But whatever the cause, long may it last!

I wouldn't rely solely on those 3 monthly hba1c's, at least not until it's been a bit longer.
I'd still use the Libre if you can, or else some fingerprick testing to make sure things keep going well in between.

Thank you very much!

I was advised to wear the Libre 2 Plus for a few more months until I rely on just the HBA1C's so will do that and keep monitor of things, but if this continues I will be astonished.

 

[Antje77]

Thank you very much!

I was advised to wear the Libre 2 Plus for a few more months until I rely on just the HBA1C's so will do that and keep monitor of things, but if this continues I will be astonished.

I'll have my fingers crossed for this continuing indefinitely!

And if not, well, you already know how to work with your diabetes, should it return.

 

[grantg]

don't know much about type3c some traits are simular to type1 and its known both ways to occassionally be misdiagnosed. really depends on tests etc which were done if that could be case. with type1/lada there can be a honeymoon stage. where you can come off insulin altogether. the honeymoon stage could last days/weeks/months or even in some circumstances years.

definately would keep eye on things as best as you can
good luck and best wishes

 

[wes.w]

There was a German study in the 2000s decade that concluded that a significant percentage of type3c folk were being diagnosed as type2. I was myself, but via private health insurance, and the fact that standard NHS type2 treatment for 2 years hadn't produced the expected results, type3c was diagnosed after extensive tests.

The main feature was that, as well as reduction in insulin production, damaged pancreases often reduce stomach enzyme production, which stops food being properly absorbed, so causing weight loss or inability to maintain weight properly. This is usually treated with pills like Creon. Type1 etc friends don't seem to have this problem.

Fingers crossed that you continue as you are now, Conan

 

[Little Bird]

Well this is fascinating.
My husband had pancreatitis, Feb 2024, caused by gallstones. He had to start using Creon immediately and his blood glucose levels began to climb. He was diagnosed with type3c a few months later and prescribed metformin and a low carb diet. But my husband being a bit of an ostrich frequently forgets his medication and often eats inappropriately.
His hba1c has been tested every three months since diagnosis, and what is surprising is that the last three tests have consistently decreased. Can't remember the exact numbers off the top of my head, but each test lower than the previous one. The Doc hasn't offered any explanation but wants to keep monitoring it a while. It's early days obviously and no doubt there are other explanations but I too have been wondering if my husband's pancreas could be regenerating!I
So I find it particularly interesting that you have had a similar experience Conan. It's a few months since your original post, have you found out anything more about this?
I would be fascinated to learn anything about this phenomenon and whether it not it is possible!

 

[conanthewarrior]

Well this is fascinating.
My husband had pancreatitis, Feb 2024, caused by gallstones. He had to start using Creon immediately and his blood glucose levels began to climb. He was diagnosed with type3c a few months later and prescribed metformin and a low carb diet. But my husband being a bit of an ostrich frequently forgets his medication and often eats inappropriately.
His hba1c has been tested every three months since diagnosis, and what is surprising is that the last three tests have consistently decreased. Can't remember the exact numbers off the top of my head, but each test lower than the previous one. The Doc hasn't offered any explanation but wants to keep monitoring it a while. It's early days obviously and no doubt there are other explanations but I too have been wondering if my husband's pancreas could be regenerating!I
So I find it particularly interesting that you have had a similar experience Conan. It's a few months since your original post, have you found out anything more about this?
I would be fascinated to learn anything about this phenomenon and whether it not it is possible!

I am so glad to hear about your husband, you said maybe my pancreas is regenerating so are you also type 3C or is it your husband?

My glucose levels have stayed good, a spike for me now is after a big meal and it only hits about 11 Mmol whereas at first even a breakfast cereal would spike me to 20-24 easily and that was with insulin.

I have followed the advice of the diabetes nurses and not taken my insulin, and I am still amazed but my blood glucose levels are good.

 

[Little Bird]

I am so glad to hear about your husband, you said maybe my pancreas is regenerating so are you also type 3C or is it your husband?

My glucose levels have stayed good, a spike for me now is after a big meal and it only hits about 11 Mmol whereas at first even a breakfast cereal would spike me to 20-24 easily and that was with insulin.

I have followed the advice of the diabetes nurses and not taken my insulin, and I am still amazed but my blood glucose levels are good.

My husband is type 3C as a result of pancreatitis. But oddly his hba1c levels seem to be falling on their own, but it is too soon to know if his pancreas actually is regenerating. I certainly hope so but only time will tell. May well be a vain hope.

It does seem like you have beaten the odds though Conan. That is amazing and I hope it is fully and permanently resolved for you!

As for myself, I joined the forum a few years ago when I was diagnosed with type2. I dropped five and half stone and it completely disappeared, I tend to think of myself as an ex diabetic. Thought I was free of the torture that is a low carb diet and my husband goes and gets type3c. Here's hoping he's as fortunate as you Conan. It must be such a relief for you!