Type 3c - how many are we?

[Shar67]

@mandy_horsley A blood test and scan determine if you are 3c. Lots of people get the wrong diagnosis especially if there is some time between damage to panc and start of diabetes, it is worth getting checked to see. Being type 2 is no way any less than 3c as there is so many variables with type 2. Well done in keeping BG to single figures

 

[992947x]

I guess I am a 3c? I have been a type 2 for about 8 years, controlled by tablets, but after two bouts of acute pancreatitis (spread three years apart), my pancreas seems to have given up producing insulin, and I am now insulin dependant. After my last bout of pancreatitis, which was last month, my blood sugars wouldn't come below 20, even with my medication, but is now down to about 12 with insulin.

 

[Shar67]

Hi @992947x, welcome to the site, it does sound like you are likely 3c but you will need blood test to confirm. Are you seeing a specialist re pancreatitis?

I will tag @daisy1 to give you information regarding site

 

[992947x]

Hi @992947x, welcome to the site, it does sound like you are likely 3c but you will need blood test to confirm. Are you seeing a specialist re pancreatitis?

I will tag @daisy1 to give you information regarding site

Hi Shar.Thanks for the welcome.

I am not seeing a specialist for Pancreatitis. Compared to others I seem to have got off lightly - I was discharged from the hospital with no follow up at all. I still get some pain, but it is nothing bad, it just seems my pancreatitis isn't working properly - I have been told it may start again when the inflammation goes down, or it might not.

I am seeing a specialist diabetic team, and the person I deal with is saying I am no longer Type 1 or Type 2, but am Stage 2 instead. I have researched this and found nothing.

What blood test would I have to confirm whether I am a 3c or not?

Thanks.

 

[Shar67]

@992947x in 3c the alpha and beta pancreas cells are destroyed and you have no endocrine function that is what they have to test for. My panc is about the size of a grape, it shrivelled up rather than calcified. Scan will show damage.
It is a pity you didn't get any follow up treatment, as diet and alcohol consumption has to be altered for at least 6 months. You shouldnt drink any alcohol for 6 months following an acute pancreatitis attack if the cause was gall stones or blockage etc and never again if it was caused be alcohol.
Diet is important as well, a low fat diet as it is your panc that secretes the enzyme that digest fats and proteins which you need to absorb vitamins and minerals so you need to give it time to heal and get used to damage, unfortunately damage to a panc can not be reversed it works a bit harder to compensate for damaged part so any rest it gets can only be helpful

 

[daisy1]

Hi @992947x, welcome to the site, it does sound like you are likely 3c but you will need blood test to confirm. Are you seeing a specialist re pancreatitis?

I will tag @daisy1 to give you information regarding site

Welcome to the forum. Here in my signature is the link to this basic information we give to new members and I hope you will find it useful.

 

[Susieq123]

As type 3c is a rare form of diabetes, and as we now have our own sub-forum, I'm curious to know how many of us are accessing the forum! So are you a member of the 3c club?? Sue xx

Hi Sue I am another 3c also a Sue!! This is my first time on forum, but couldn't resist replying.

 

[evelygtc]

Hi, I am new to this site.
One third of my pancrease was taken off 20 years ago due to over production of insulin.
Now the Dr put me on gliclacide 80 mg twice a day before breakfast and before dinner + 5mg LINAGLIPTIN in the morning.
Can I also be 3C?
My BG is not well controlled.
My Dr suggested of increasing my glyclacide.

 

[evelygtc]

Does anyone have any suggestion as how to keep my bg at a normal range

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Diabetes.co.uk Forum mobile app

 

[tamar]

As type 3c is a rare form of diabetes, and as we now have our own sub-forum, I'm curious to know how many of us are accessing the forum! So are you a member of the 3c club?? Sue xx

Hi I have never heard of type3c, but I guess I am classed as such having undergone a total pancreatectomy/splenectomy in 2009. Look forward to hearing from other people with the same condition.

 

[Ledzeptt]

I'm 3c following severe, acute pancreatitis (due to gallstones) that almost killed me 18 months ago.

I recovered after 2 months on life support in intensive care and with eternal gratitude to the staff of the NHS.

I've since had a pseudo cyst (since drained) and a badly inflamed duodenum due to chronic pancreatitis which meant I was on a feeding tube for 6 months. I am much better now, but I've been off work more than I've been in.

Ps I was told to avoid alcohol completely, not just for 6 months.

 

[Shar67]

@tamar, yes having a TP means you are 3c
@evelygtc, do you see a pancreatic specialist?
@Ledzeptt, some people who have acute pancreatitis due to gallstones can drink alcohol again, same with if you have a TP, you were very unfortunate to develop chronic pancreatitis as it is still fairly rare. I know what you mean about work, I am ill health retired, in my 1st year of illness I was at work for 6 weeks, not in a row, I had 16 weeks off then worked for 4 days before having another 6 weeks off. It was difficult as I loved my job but I love my health more.

 

[Ledzeptt]

Thanks @Shar67

Similar situation then. I'm hoping I'm over the worst now, and I expect to return to work in a few months. If I'm seriously ill again then I doubt my employer will keep my position open, although they've been very good to me so far.

I'm not that bothered about alcohol: I miss a glass of wine at the weekend or a beer on a hot day, but I'm glad to be alive!

Keep well.

 

[deepikaneb]

Hi..
My doc confirmed that i have type 3c because of chronic pancreatitis and lack of enzymes. I have got stone in pancreas which they are trying to remove in order to improve the condition of pancreas. I am diabetic since 15years when i got operated for cyst in pancreas. I am taking creon daily just 3 capsules, 25000 with every meal. My sugar is little out of control..because its brittle..so looking for some tips to control hypo and hyper. I am quite depressed with the way my life is going these days! I hope one day we have cure for diabetes.

 

[Shar67]

@deepikaneb there is a good support group at http://www.pancreatitis-forum.org.uk/index.php and on Facebook the Pancreatic tree,
The pancreatitis forum have several people that have brittle diabetes, that are not on this site, they maybe able to help with more advice.
I also take Creon, I became a (lapsing) vegetarian and found that helped as well as keeping carbs to as low as possible though I cannot follow a LCHF diet as the high fat doesn't work well with a wonky panc.
It can be depressing just coping with brittle diabetes, getting up and dressed is a major success

 

[deepikaneb]

@deepikaneb there is a good support group at http://www.pancreatitis-forum.org.uk/index.php and on Facebook the Pancreatic tree,
The pancreatitis forum have several people that have brittle diabetes, that are not on this site, they maybe able to help with more advice.
I also take Creon, I became a (lapsing) vegetarian and found that helped as well as keeping carbs to as low as possible though I cannot follow a LCHF diet as the high fat doesn't work well with a wonky panc.
It can be depressing just coping with brittle diabetes, getting up and dressed is a major success

@deepikaneb there is a good support group at http://www.pancreatitis-forum.org.uk/index.php and on Facebook the Pancreatic tree,
The pancreatitis forum have several people that have brittle diabetes, that are not on this site, they maybe able to help with more advice.
I also take Creon, I became a (lapsing) vegetarian and found that helped as well as keeping carbs to as low as possible though I cannot follow a LCHF diet as the high fat doesn't work well with a wonky panc.
It can be depressing just coping with brittle diabetes, getting up and dressed is a major success

Thank you so much!

 

[macro]

Hi guys, (anyone on here this time of day, lol?)

So what's the count then? (how many of us are there?)
Although up until half an hour ago, I hadn't heard of type 3c, but after reading a bit about it, it appears that you can add another one to your group, since CFRD is also in what's called 3c nowadays.

 

[Shar67]

@macro, hi welcome, don't have an exact number of 3Cs as more are joining every month, CFRD does come under type 3, 3 has a lot of subs, a,b,c,d,e,f&g. It is still rare to get a GP or doctor to say 3c as it is thankfully rare in itself. We are slowly getting it out that diabetes has many subs and 1 & 2 are just as complicated, hopefully in the future doctors will treat the patient not the type theyve been given.

 

[macro]

I've been diagnosed as having CFRD, so I suppose I'm in.

 

[macro]

Sorry, didn't see that my post from a month ago had eventually been posted, lol.

What I meant to ask, is, if any of you guys use any natural means (herbs, supplements, diet, etc.) to deal with it and if so, WHAT?