Hi there,
I’ve been diabetic since 2005 when age 42. Following a horrible burglary attack when I was living in South Africa, I was in deep shock and was all over mentally and physically. I was diagnosed a few months later with my BG through the roof, infections and I could not stay awake in the day and was drinking a mass through the night. Seemingly my autoimmune had kicked in as a result of the trauma and that was the explanation for my diabetes onset. I was immediately put on Metformin.
Prior to this, I was very fit and health and a regular runner and walker. I continued the running when I moved to the UK, but was on insulin within 6 or 9 months as the metformin was insufficient to control the BG. For many years I lived with daily swings of Lows (sub 3.5) to highs (20+).
Last year, I was referred to a DSN as part of the GP’s annual review. This was brilliant, for the first time in 15 years, I worked with someone whom really understood and helped get me on track. She suggested using the Freestyle Libre (self funded) and I’m now under great control - HBA1c ~ 6 from ~10.1. The DSN discharged me because of my good control, which disappointed me, but I understand she has very limited capacity.
Under the DSN, I also started balancing my insulin to Carbs and she helped my tune this. As part of this I started a low carb diet, with the BG Insights from the Libre and the balance of insulin. I’ve lost about 15 kg and feel so much better.
I’m now taking between
- 0 and 8 units of NovoRapid with meals depending on Carbs
- 20 units morning and night of Levemir background.
But something was nagging in my mind from my original diagnosis re the autoimmune in South Africa and then being treated as Type 2 when in the UK. So I asked the Diabetic Nurse at the GP if I could be tested to see what type of Diabetic I am.
With so much insight in my BG tracking form the Libre, I see that sometimes by BG is flat, but floating at 6 to 10 but will not come down over time on its own unless I take 2 units of NovoRapid but without eating. This brings my BG nicely in range. But should I need to take Insulin even when not eating ? If I’m type 2 should the BG come down slowly when not eating ?
Ive now had the ANTI-GAD AB test in January. It came back as 7 u/ml which is a Low POSITIVE. I understand this is a test for Type 1 diabetes.
The Diabetic Nurse said if it came back positive, then I would need to change medication, but there has been no follow up on this yet.
I have asked for a follow up call and this may be in the next week.
Sorry for the long post, but I’m wondering if anybody has similar experience in their condition and thoughts if I’m Type 1, 2 or LADA. ?
Many thanks for any advice or insights of similar situations.
I’ve been diabetic since 2005 when age 42. Following a horrible burglary attack when I was living in South Africa, I was in deep shock and was all over mentally and physically. I was diagnosed a few months later with my BG through the roof, infections and I could not stay awake in the day and was drinking a mass through the night. Seemingly my autoimmune had kicked in as a result of the trauma and that was the explanation for my diabetes onset. I was immediately put on Metformin.
Prior to this, I was very fit and health and a regular runner and walker. I continued the running when I moved to the UK, but was on insulin within 6 or 9 months as the metformin was insufficient to control the BG. For many years I lived with daily swings of Lows (sub 3.5) to highs (20+).
Last year, I was referred to a DSN as part of the GP’s annual review. This was brilliant, for the first time in 15 years, I worked with someone whom really understood and helped get me on track. She suggested using the Freestyle Libre (self funded) and I’m now under great control - HBA1c ~ 6 from ~10.1. The DSN discharged me because of my good control, which disappointed me, but I understand she has very limited capacity.
Under the DSN, I also started balancing my insulin to Carbs and she helped my tune this. As part of this I started a low carb diet, with the BG Insights from the Libre and the balance of insulin. I’ve lost about 15 kg and feel so much better.
I’m now taking between
- 0 and 8 units of NovoRapid with meals depending on Carbs
- 20 units morning and night of Levemir background.
But something was nagging in my mind from my original diagnosis re the autoimmune in South Africa and then being treated as Type 2 when in the UK. So I asked the Diabetic Nurse at the GP if I could be tested to see what type of Diabetic I am.
With so much insight in my BG tracking form the Libre, I see that sometimes by BG is flat, but floating at 6 to 10 but will not come down over time on its own unless I take 2 units of NovoRapid but without eating. This brings my BG nicely in range. But should I need to take Insulin even when not eating ? If I’m type 2 should the BG come down slowly when not eating ?
Ive now had the ANTI-GAD AB test in January. It came back as 7 u/ml which is a Low POSITIVE. I understand this is a test for Type 1 diabetes.
The Diabetic Nurse said if it came back positive, then I would need to change medication, but there has been no follow up on this yet.
I have asked for a follow up call and this may be in the next week.
Sorry for the long post, but I’m wondering if anybody has similar experience in their condition and thoughts if I’m Type 1, 2 or LADA. ?
Many thanks for any advice or insights of similar situations.
