Help? Please

[Brian23]

Just got my lab results from Dr. GAD anti-bodies came back >1 , insulin level was @ 3.0, A1C: 6.9(up from 6.4) C- peptide was 0.9. I had the Dr. run my test b/c it was becoming tougher to control my sugar levels with just diet and exercise. The endo told my dr. that i may be LADA so he ordered the test. I am not too sure what to make out of these test and I dont go to the endo until march. I have been sick with the flu since Christmas day where my fasting BG went from 123 mg/dl (on christmas day) to 240's since. I checked for keytones and found a small amount (should i be worried). I told the Dr. today that i am getting over the flu and feeling a little better but was concerned about my sugar #'s. I have been controlling my sugar with diet and exercise but as of today the Dr. gave me an "Opti click" pen with lantus. Dr. told me to start with 6 units or so. How long should it take to see results with the lantus? Any advice.. what do my lab results tell you?

[BlueSky]

I don't know enough about the GAD test to comment on the result. But I would think that a positve result means that an autoimmune attack is going on. Those insulin level and c-peptide results are within the normal range. To me, they suggest that you are not T2. And that you could well be a T1.5 that is still producing a fair amount of insulin. You should see results from the Lantus within a few hours of the first shot. It should lower your between-meal levels, but it won't stop post-prandial spiking. To do that, you will have to cut back on the carbo. Good luck ;) .

[Brian23]

Thanks for the reply. The GAD antibodies came back negative.. or less than 1. The Dr. said that my insulin level is at the lower end of the normal range. What are the chances of me going hypo with lantus? I only took 6 units, but i think i pulled the needle out too soon(did not count the full 10 seconds).

[duck]

If you go hypo on Lantus, it will be slow which in most cases is safer than hypo/fast. The only instance I can think of where hypo/slow is a problem is that it can sneak up on you and you may be hypo for a while without realizing it. Just test a couple few more times than normal.

[BlueSky]

... The GAD antibodies came back negative.. or less than 1. .... What are the chances of me going hypo with lantus? I only took 6 units, but i think i pulled the needle out too soon(did not count the full 10 seconds).
A negative GAD antibody test result does not preclude T1/1.5. The antibodies in your case could be a variant that is not picked up by the test. 6 units of Lantus is a low dose, but you need to test regularly to see how it will affect you. Set your alarm, to wake you in the middle of the night so that you can test. Also be aware that exercise can lower blood sugar for up to 36 hours. With regular testing, you will figure it out quickly.

[Brian23]

Thank you guys, It will be hard to tell if the lantus is working at that dose at this time because I have the flu and taking other meds. Hopefully when i get finished being sick, I can go back to not taking any insulin. I would usually run 95-125 mg/dl on an 8hr fast, and depending what I eat: 120-180 mg/dl after eating (with occasional spikes of 240-300 if i ate too many carbs). I wish I knew if I were type I, 1.5 or type II. I really dont think i am type 2 b/c I am 27, 5'11 and 138 lbs, but then again, i dont know anything.

P.S. I am starting to feel better, hoping this flu is over!

[NoraWI]

Brian, 5'11 and 138 lbs., you are definitely NOT T2! T1 or LADA would be my guess. I would suggest that you stay with the basal Lantus as you are soon bound to end the "honeymoon." Lantus will help your remaining beta cells stay alive. You don't want to be over 140 two hours after a meal. Curb the carbs... cut out the starches. That will keep you going without having to take a bolus (Humalog, Novolog or Apidra) for a while.