Questioning diagnosis

[Roy Gardiner]

I agree with dbc in that doctors and clinics are really lax in how they diagnose diabetes. If your doctor did not do a complete panel of tests - blood and the glucose tolerance test then it could not be type 2.My numbers: Age 54,male, 183.5cm (6’ ½”), 79kg (174lb), recent BG tests 252 and 180, A1C 8.7%, BMI 23.5, BFI around 17%.

What further tests are needed?

[DeusXM]

There are also tests that measure the antibodies present in your system, which would tell you whether you have T1 or T2. Given the results you've presented so far, I'd say you're a very clear case of T2 - and I'm not even a doctor, just an interested amateur.

[Roy Gardiner]

There are also tests that measure the antibodies present in your system, which would tell you whether you have T1 or T2. Given the results you've presented so far, I'd say you're a very clear case of T2 - and I'm not even a doctor, just an interested amateur. Thanks, I've seen several qualified people and, as you say, the question doesn't even arise. Just wanted to check (and in case there's others here wondering).

[Cyborg]

I'd say you're a very clear case of T2

Why type 2 and not type 1.5 or LADA?

[DeusXM]

To be honest I hadn't really considered LADA, given its comparable rarity. But yeah, I suppose given that obesity isn't a factor, it's a possibility. Get a C-peptide test done, that should settle it.

[JasonSmithMT]

Contrary to what 4519 no further laboratory testing is required to definitively diagnosis you as diabetic. Just from the blood glucose levels you have posted there is clear evidence of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). A glucose tolerance test is rarely needed as most can be diagnosed from fasting and/or random glucose results.

I agree with James, a c-peptide and/or insulin level test might be a good idea if you haven't had one already. Either of these can help (but not definitively) distinguish between type 1 or type 2 and will help guide appropriate therapy.

Jason

[Funnygrl]

To be honest I hadn't really considered LADA, given its comparable rarity. But yeah, I suppose given that obesity isn't a factor, it's a possibility. Get a C-peptide test done, that should settle it.
Not really, c-peptides can be normal is early stages of Lada.

[DeusXM]

Not really, c-peptides can be normal is early stages of Lada.

Yes, but if they're abnormal then it would provide clarification.

[dbc]

If I remember right, the C-peptide test is moderately expensive?? The GAD antibody test should give the answer (T1 or T2) at less cost...

[4519]

I did not mean further testing was required to determine IF he is diabetic, only what type. I corrected that in the next post. I think he is type 2, but with the poor medical training today you hear of mis-diagnosed type 1.5's a lot. That is all said.

[DeusXM]

If I remember right, the C-peptide test is moderately expensive?? The GAD antibody test should give the answer (T1 or T2) at less cost...

It'll be free on the NHS though, so I guess that's not really a problem.

[HelenM]

To be honest I hadn't really considered LADA, given its comparable rarity. But yeah, I suppose given that obesity isn't a factor, it's a possibility.
Its not really that rare, possibly 10% of adults diagnosed with diabetes in the UK according to the Swansea University LADA website.http://www.locallada.swan.ac.uk/treat.html

Incidently before I lost weight through diabetes I was moderately overweight so I'm sure that if I had a checkup at that time I would have automatically been diagnosed as having type 2. ( In fact I did so myself )

When you (Roy) first posted I did think that there was a possibility of LADA but was reluctant to suggest it.(after all your doctors are better qualified than I) but now that its been raised you might consider asking for a test for GAD antibodies.

[JasonSmithMT]

If I remember right, the C-peptide test is moderately expensive?? The GAD antibody test should give the answer (T1 or T2) at less cost...

Places I have worked the GAD antibody test is much more expensive than c-peptide.

Jason

[Roy Gardiner]

OK. Looks like I have more work to do, no change there then...

Thanks everyone.

[kimbo]

I asked about the antibody test when I was diagnosed because they were not sure if I was t1 or t2.I was told it is not available in the uk as it is too expensive. They just waited to see how i did on meds.

Sad fact.