T2 for several years, now told I'm actually T1

[jocoll]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed around 13 years ago as T2 and put on medication, always struggled with getting my levels down for a decent amount of time, a couple of months ago my Dr finally referred me to our local Diabetes care team who put me on insulin (and sensors), levels are still a bit spiky but on the whole have been getting much better since then.

At this time she sent me for blood tests as she suspected I was actually T1 and today called to confirm that I was.

I'm trying to cover the practical side of this, (it gives me something to think about other than the emotional side!) I have already told the DVLA when I went on insulin, do I need to tell them of the type change? I have told my travel insurance, already have a prescription for sensors etc, is there anything else that I need to do at the moment? I'm now waiting for the T1 team to contact me to go and see them at some point hopefully soon as they are different team to the T2!

Thank you
Jo

 

[Olddogandgrump]

Oh dear...unfortunately still an all too common misdiadgnosis for adult onset diabetes.

Check the DVLA website, but I'm pretty sure they are only interested in the insulin dependency due to the increased risk of hypos while driving rather than the T1/T2 distinction.

If you are in England do you get free prescriptions for T2? If not, you need to ask your GP for the paperwork to get that sorted.

As for the emotional side of things, hopefully the new diagnosis will help you get a handle on your BG and things will look up.

 

[jocoll]

Oh dear...unfortunately still an all too common misdiadgnosis for adult onset diabetes.

Check the DVLA website, but I'm pretty sure they are only interested in the insulin dependency due to the increased risk of hypos while driving rather than the T1/T2 distinction.

If you are in England do you get free prescriptions for T2? If not, you need to ask your GP for the paperwork to get that sorted.

As for the emotional side of things, hopefully the new diagnosis will help you get a handle on your BG and things will look up.

Thank you, yes already set up with the free prescriptions thank goodness!

 

[CheeseSeaker]

From your original question - If you're T1 then you'll be put on a 3 year renewal driving license (basically then send your GP a form to ask if you're well controlled enough to drive).

From the T1 side - you already have a better foundation (going through the T2 hurdles) than most when diagnosed - keep an open mind to the treatments available when you discuss them with your diabetes team - and ask you GP to be referred to your local hospital (Diabetes and Endocrinology team) to discuss your care - you'll get better support, knowledge and access to all the help we have available (clever syringes, pumps, BG monitors etc etc) which will help you return to normal living.

Most of all keep smiling - Laughter is the best medicine (unless your T1 - then its insulin....<grin>)

 

[In Response]

From your original question - If you're T1 then you'll be put on a 3 year renewal driving license (basically then send your GP a form to ask if you're well controlled enough to drive).

This has NOTHING to do with being Type 1 or type 2. The 3 year license is for people being treated with insulin regardless of type.