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type 1 or 2

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flydavidj

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Will someone please help me ! I went for a regular flying medical 4 days ago and suddenly my blood sugar level was 13.5, whereas its always been normal (about 4 to 5) when checked every 6 months for the last 6 years! I have made an appointment with my GP but meanwhile am trying to find out if that level automatically means I have type 1, or may it still only be type 2 ? Father has had type 2 for 3 years (he is 82) and I am over weight by about 20kg, but am now obviously taking all the right steps.

Can anyone answer? Automatic type 1 at that level, or possibly just type 2?

Thank you
 
Hi David

Only the doc can give you a definitive diagnosis.

13.5 is high but could be either T1 or T2.

T1 tends to be in younger people and lots of symptoms like thirst, weeing lots, blurry vision
T2 tends to come on gradually and sometimes you think there are no symptoms, or you could get the same symptoms as above.

Then to confound the problem, there is LADA - late onset T1. Very commonly mis-diagnosed as T2 at first but then the numbers don't start coming down with diet or light meds

Whatever the diagnosis, it's best to know and deal with it. It's not the end of the world although it may feel like it for a while.


Mary x
 
Hi What did you have before you went for the medical. You might be worried about diabetes , when it's not. If you had an energy type drink, and had a large carb meal just before that could be the answer.
I assume that they will not issue your medical certificate until you have had further tests.

Your readings are not very high, a pre diabetic having something like 300ml of an energy drink is likely to have numbers higher than yours.

You need to go and get checked out properly. If by chance you are diabetic and they want to put you on meds, be careful as ther only one that does not attract restrictionss is Metformin.

Best of luck with your medical
 
Thank you. Unfortunately the medical was first thing in the morning and I had purposely had absolutely nothing since a very light meal the night before, early in the evening! So, as the examiner said, we couldn't put it down to that. Also, I've been monitoring the level ever since! It SEEMS to be going in the right direction (was 11.3 earlier today) having been eating in accordance with everything I've read. I have no idea how quickly you are able to see the results of a lifestyle change...just trying very hard!
Thanks for replying,
Any more thoughts massively welcome
David
 
Hi. If you are noticeably overweight it is more likely you are a T2 rather than a LADA (late onset T1). A 'normal' T1 will usually be diagnosed within the first few years of life. A GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) and/or Hba1C test are good ways of diagnosing diabetes. It is likely you are insulin resistant, but not possible for me to confirm this, and a low'ish carb diet should bring your weight and blood sugar down.
 
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