Confused regarding Type 1.5 or Type 2

[sam123]

Hello,

Recently found this wonderful website with tons of information. I got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in Dec 2006 with an A1C of 10.6, and high lipid values and high blood pressure. My weight was 197 lbs (I am 5’8” tall), so I was overweight. Now I did my last lab report in April and found that my blood pressure was normal, my lipids were better (though LDL was still high at147), my A1C was 5.4 and I lost 40 lbs. I take Metformin 500mg twice a day. I am a 29-year-old male. My fasting c-peptide level was 2.9 in April and my BG was 93 at that time. The normal range of c-peptide is 0-3. Now I read couple of threads regarding Type 1.5 and I was little confused about that. I am not sure whether I am Type 1.5 or Type 2 now. I have not seen an endo yet, I just trust my GP.

I would be glad if someone can advise me based on my history if it seems like Type 1.5 or Type 2 (as doctor said).

Thanks,
Sam

[ladytaz]

Welcome to DF Sam. I, unfortunately, have no adivce for you, but I congratulate you for bringing your A1c, blood pressure, lipids and weight down!! :five:

[catgalla]

That's great to hear about your success. Congrats to you!!! Takes a lot of hard work to accomplish what you've done!! :congrats: I really don't know the different between types 1.5 and type 2. I think type 1.5 is new. I'm sure there is someone on this forum that has the answer to your question. You've definately found the right place. Keep up the good work!!! :D

[BlueSky]

Type 1.5 is also called "slow onset type 1". It is the same as type 1 in that there is also an autoimmune attack on the beta cells, which eventually destroys them. The big difference is that type 1.5 usually develops later in life and its onset is slower. It can take years for insulin production to finally stop. Which is why, in the early stages, type 1.5 displays similar symptoms to type 2.

The fact that you have responded to Metformin suggests that you are in fact type 2. Being overweight and having having high cholesterol/blood pressure is also consistent with insulin resistance, which is the underlyiong problem with type 2.

Congrats on making such good progress in getting the diabetes under control.

[ant hill]

I would be glad if someone can advise me based on my history if it seems like Type 1.5 or Type 2 (as doctor said).

Thanks,
Sam

Welcome to our website. :)
When you are diagnosed, Did you feel hungry most or all the time, Seeing the toilet more often, Are you losing weight so easily?. If you have these siptems then you are a type 1.5.
type 2 is genially a insulin resistance issue and these people are overweight. ;)

[GhostRydr]

Welcome Sam

[shockme]

hi sam and welcome!way to go!you have really done well-keep up the good work!i haven't got a clue about the c-peptide test results,but it sounds to me like you have insulin resistance,which indicates type 2.plus,1.5's need insulin,and you're not on it and you're doing well...take care,trish

[jenet]

Here is a simple, plain English definition I found some time a while back that may help from diabetesmall (dot) net (not sure if actual link is OK):

"Type 1.5 is one of several names now applied to those who are diagnosed with diabetes as adults, but who do not immediately require insulin for treatment, are often not overweight, and have little or no resistance to insulin. When special lab tests are done, they are found to have antibodies, especially GAD65 antibodies, that attack their beta cells. This sort of diabetes is sometimes called Slow Onset Type 1 or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults or LADA. Compared to Type 1 occurs at an older age where the immune system conducts a slower attack on the beta cells rather than the more aggressive attack encountered in children or teens."

I think of myself as LADA, since I was 39 when originally DXed. Unfortunately, although I had lost 40 pounds in the previous two months, I was still not skinny by any stretch of the imagination, and was mis-DXed as Type 2 in May 1995. I switched from an internest to an endo the following month, but the Type 2 was accepted as accurate. I did not take any insulin until July 2006, just pills. Then a year after that (Nov 1997), I ended up in the hospital DKA to the great surprise and puzzlement of my endo. :confused: A few tests later (C-peptide pretty much non-existent, postive GAD antibodies) and I had a new DX as Type 1. :o

By every standard I checked against, I've never been insulin-resistant - I just like to eat and need to cover those carbs because I prefer books to exercise (aka couch worm). It's very hard to change your lifestyle and long-standing habits after 40 years. ;)

Memory is a funny thing. :) For ages, I've been saying the DKA and new Type 1 DX happened the same year as starting insulin, but it really was over a year later. In my mind, it all got smooshed together. (I also forgot that I did try 70/30 for two weeks that July before I said "no way" and went to Regular and NPH.)

The only reason I'm sure about the dates is a recent review of medical records and old logs with my CDE to try and make sure I have the documentation I will need to apply for the Joslin 25/50 year awards - a goal supporting my desire to live the long and healthy life I've always planned on. I want to be a centenarian. :)

cheers,
j

[grace girl]

Welcome! I'm going to throw in my own two cents worth on the type 2/ 1.5 issue.
I was dx'ed at age 32. I was overweight. They did no tests, said I type 2 and put me on metaphormin. I responded to it for about 6 months, then my b/s began to steadliy climb regardless. I lost 62 pounds eating house and home during this time. I went to a new doctor, who did a c-peptide and GAD-antibodies test and told me I was type 1 and I was put on insulin.
I've since had both tests done AGAIN by two different endos. One told me I was 1.5 because I was 32 at dx. One told me I was type 1 because of the blood test results.

I've been told that there are varying explanations for 1.5. Some doctors simply call it that if you develop type 1 after age 25. Some call it that if you also have insulin resistance. (I do not) Some call it that because the onset is slower. I personally think that the older you are at original dx, the slower it will progress because of the bodies natural tendencies, but that's my own theory.
I wish they would do away with the 1.5 talk because it's confusing the people, and even the doctors can't seem to agree on what it actually is.

The only defining way I know of to find out if you're NOT type 2 is the c-peptide and GAD antibodies tests. I failed them both miserably. I just wish someone had done them sooner, instead of looking at my size and age and just assuming.

[notme]

I am not going to throw in any advice, but just want to welcome you to the forums. I have often been confused about the 1.5 debate.

Anyhow, welcome and hope you stick around and learn lots! :eek:

[sam123]

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful advise. I think I learned quite a bit about Type 1.5 and it seems like I have insulin resistance which indicates towards Type 2 as my doctor said. Anyway I will come to know more about it in the near future.

Thanks again for the warm welcome to the group.

Sam