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type 1 after 24 years type 2

S

sallyanna

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi just joined this forum so please forgive me if I do this wrong. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 24yrs ago did the usual metformin gliclazied etc gradually increased most review then went on victoza eventually as well. In September last year my husband came home to find me quite unwell and fortunately did a blood test showing 30 also my ketone were off the scale so he phoned ambulance just as I went into cardiac arrest and fell into a coma having a dka. All my organs failed and basically he was told I would most probably die overnight anyhow I was in a coma fir 6 days and obviously I didn't die. I was in hospital for another month and was basically told was now type 1 and probably had been for sometime how my doctor missed this I have not a clue. Now under the care of the hospital and feeling better about this. The first thing my consultant said was with my stats I should have died scary. Now carb count and take novarapid and toujea for overnight. I am about to embark on the low carb diet and appreciate any advice on how to keep the hunger pangs at bay as I work outside and am constantly starving! Thanks
 
Welcome @sallyanna

How terrifying - for you and your husband! I hope you're feeling a lot better.

Sadly, misdiagnosing/assuming adults are Type 2 is shockingly common. Most don't get as ill as you though. I'm going to tag @Kristin251 as I believe she became quite ill before her Type 1 was diagnosed.

My advice for controlling blood sugar is to test lots, get the fantastic book Think Like A Pancreas, and understand that perfecting control (as much as that's possible) is a long term thing and a learning process. Knowledge is power

When you're ready for a bit more info, check out the Type 1 section here where you can read about things like basal tests and advance boluses. For now, be kind to yourself and take it slowly and steadily

For hunger, I eat a normal moderate carb diet and have two snacks a day. That and judicious use of insulin keeps my blood sugars good. I personally eat 180g carbs a day but you must find a level that works for you. You might also want to bear in mind that the starving feeling could be due to your undiagnosed Type 1. I remember feeling ravenous for weeks until my body adjusted and 'rebuilt' itself.
 
wow. 24 years! I can't imagine how you survived.
Saying 'well done' seems totally inadequate, so I will say 'thank goodness' instead!

Re low carb, I think you need input from low carbing T1s on insulin to ease you into it, so I will tag in @robert72 who is a veteran T1 low carber, with the most impressive blood glucose control. Likewise @tim2000s who has seen both sides of low carbing from a T1 perspective and has excellent insight.

As a diet controlled T2, my only comment is take it slowly, and don't be afraid of fat. If you are working outside, you need fuel from somewhere, and if you are cutting down on carbs, then fat is the best alternative source.

Good luck!
 
I would back up the fat is not bad for you message - I started back on Atkins as soon as I was diagnosed and my numbers all went in the opposite direction to the predictions - plus my blood pressure is lower than the numbers we should be striving for.
Either I am a medical miracle or Dr Atkins was right all along.
 
@sallyanna Low carb can be up to 130g carbs a day. The important thing is that you understand how to adjust your insulin for the amount of carbs you eat. Do check with your DSN if you're in any doubt at all.

I low carbed at around 120g carbs a day and it was very do-able. As Brunneria says, if you don't need to lose weight, then you can consider adding in fat
 
sallyanna said:
I was in hospital for another month and was basically told was now type 1 and probably had been for sometime how my doctor missed this I have not a clue.
Click to expand...
It was probably assumed to be Type 2 due to age. Unfortunately medical systems are quite willing to sacrifice some patients, if it reduces short-term costs in the form of testing to see what type they actually have.
 
Hi @sallyanna - I've been low-carbing for just over three years and my levels are so much flatter than before. Been Type 1 for 45 years (and one day). My advice would be to work your way down over a few months to a level of carbs that suits you. It will be easier to find out how to adjust your insulin that way - obviously in consultation with your DSN.
 
Hi @sallyanna, welcome and wow! That's one hell of an entry to T1! I'd echo what the others have said about learning to adjust insulin. It's very important in getting on with eating lower carbs. I've eaten very low (<30g per day and generally now stick around the "low" zone - 50g-80g per day) and it does help with glucose level management, a lot!
 
Welcome @sallyanna - sounds like you had a rough time. I hope that now you are correctly diagnosed and getting the right treatment that you are feeling better now.
 
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