Trulicity and LADA

[VickiJ]

Is anyone who has LADA been prescribed Trulicity? It’s really for type 2 but my endocrinologist, GP and diabetes educator have prescribed it and apparently have had good results. I’ve started on first dose 3 days ago

 

[ert]

How were you diagnosed? It would appear that Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas prescribed by GP's. If you are type 1 you should be looked after by a specialist who would recommend a c-peptide test to see how much insulin your pancreas is producing (and not a GP) and recommend treatment.

 

[VickiJ]

How were you diagnosed? It would appear that Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas prescribed by GP's. If you are type 1 you should be looked after by a specialist who would recommend a c-peptide test to see how much insulin your pancreas is producing (and not a GP) and recommend treatment.

I was diagnosed by my endocrinologist and prescribed by my endocrinologist who is a specialist

 

[ert]

I was diagnosed by my endocrinologist and prescribed by my endocrinologist who is a specialist

How were you diagnosed in terms of tests? What was your c-peptide, fasting blood glucose and your antibody test levels? These results are key to your treatment.

 

[Daibell]

I'm surprised Trulicity was prescribed. It is normally used to help people lose weight as T2s. Are you sure you are a LADA? Unless you have had a C-peptide test your insulin production would be unknown and hence being LADA can't easily be determined. LADA is where you have inadequate insulin production and usually goes with being slim due to the lack of insulin causing body fat burning.

 

[VickiJ]

I was diagnosed over 2 years ago. Definitely LADA. I’m on small amounts of Levemir morning and night and Novorapid for bolus if required. Usually eat low carb.

 

[ert]

I was diagnosed over 2 years ago. Definitely LADA. I’m on small amounts of Levemir morning and night and Novorapid for bolus if required. Usually eat low carb.

Ask your specialist what your c-peptide, fasting glucose and antibody levels were. LADA is a term thrown around on this site. A specialist always refer to it as type 1.

 

[KK123]

Ask your specialist what your c-peptide, fasting glucose and antibody levels were. LADA is a term thrown around on this site. A specialist always refer to it as type 1.

Yes, my Consultant said that 'LADA' is a slang term basically as it is all type 1. I wonder whether the term 'LADA' actually shows on a person's record.

 

[ert]

Yes, my Consultant said that 'LADA' is a slang term basically as it is all type 1. I wonder whether the term 'LADA' actually shows on a person's record.

My consultant says it doesn't. Autoimmune diabetes is type 1. The honeymoon period simply varies from person to person.

 

[Daibell]

My consultant says it doesn't. Autoimmune diabetes is type 1. The honeymoon period simply varies from person to person.

A side issue, but the problem is that T1 is assumed to be caused by autoimmunity but in fact beta cell destruction can be caused by viruses and a Google search shows some of these known viruses. In this case GAD will be negative. This is a problem of definition and I believe the definition of T1 needs to be widened beyond auto-immunity as the end result is the same - dead beta cells.

 

[ert]

A side issue, but the problem is that T1 is assumed to be caused by autoimmunity but in fact beta cell destruction can be caused by viruses and a Google search shows some of these known viruses. In this case GAD will be negative. This is a problem of definition and I believe the definition of T1 needs to be widened beyond auto-immunity as the end result is the same - dead beta cells.

You are right. I just pointed out the 'A' in LADA stands for autoimmune. But broadly speaking any rapid killing off of beta cells (within 5 years) is classified as type 1. The 5 year boundary (my specialist quotes) is listed here:
https://www.exeterlaboratory.com/test/c-peptide-urine/ They don't list any causes.