I don't understand?

[R2112]

I have a question.

I'm still waiting for my A1C test result to come back and for my doctor to meet with me a let me know what I need to do, wait is killing me.

My question is for the T2 members that have to take multiple shots per day. Reading the thread "How many insulin shots do you take a day?," has me wondering how quickly can a T2 get to this point? Also, If you're having that much of an issue with insulin and need multiple shots, what is the difference between T1 and T2 at that point. Aren't you pretty much a T1.5 or T1...

Excuse my ignorance, I'm pretty much a greenhorn at this and my mind is racing about all this.

[princesslinda]

In a person with T1 diabetes, they produce NO INSULIN. It is an autoimmune disorder.

In a person with T2 diabetes, they produce insulin, but the cells do not effectively utilize it, that's why so many are on metformin, as it helps the cells better use the insulin we make, decreasing our insulin resistance.

A person with T2 diabetes can have the disease progress to where they need insulin, but they are still T2, just an insulin-dependent type 2.

As for how long it takes for a T2 to progress to insulin....some start insulin immediately at diagnosis, some start within a few years and some go many, many years without it. Diabetes is a progressive disease, therefore most of us T2s will need insulin at some point.

Don't worry about having to take insulin. Most people are started on oral meds first before insulin is implemented unless their numbers are extremely high. Many T2s are able to diet/exercise control their diabetes for awhile, esp. if it is caught early. Our main objective is to keep our blood sugars normalized, whether by diet/exercise, oral meds or insulin, as this will help keep complications at bay.

[beau91]

R2112 I'm a type 2 diabetic.I take insulin around 4-5times a day Homalog before meals have to count the carbs and before bed Humalin N slow insulin.I was on med's for at least 4-5 years but at the end the results were'nt there '.So started insulin but i do take meds Metformin and glyburide I,'m a bit insulin resistant.But since on insulin numbers are better and easier to control By Ricky

[orpy]

I'm so discouraged. Today I got my A1C and it is 7.2 and I knew it would be. No matter what I do, it continues to creep up. (I know folks have worse but I've been really trying hard for years to control my carbs).

I've been struggling for 3 years now and still no successful treatment. I'm on metformin and I hardly think it's doing anything. The only reason I feel that I am at all in any kind of control is because I starve myself. I'm down to 115 pounds and still my A1C is over the accepted level. If I "cheat" one bit, even a small amount, my blood sugar goes up into the high 200s.

I see my doctor this week (or should I say nurse practitioner). That's something that's irritating me; I haven't seen the actual endocrinologist in years. Can someone tell me why it is that I only get to see the nurse practitioner? Thursday I'm going to ask if I can see the doctor. Is it normal to always see the nurse practitioner? I have good insurance so I'd expect to see the actual doctor once in a while.

Can someone tell my why I shouldn't beg for insulin? I'm very tired of all of this and I'm wondering why I'm not on insulin. Besides having to inject and calculate, etc, why shouldn't I be on insulin? Is it harmful?

I'm 52 and so depressed about my A1C going up in spite of all I do. Tomorrow I'll feel better but for tonight, I'm upset and discouraged. Geez, the highlight of my day is eating sugarless jello with a dab of cool whip.

[pdxdennisj]

There are different types of insulin with different action profiles. The type and frequency of the injections depends on the treatment profile developed by your doctor. BTW, I was on oral meds alone for 15 years before I added insulin.

[R2112]

Thanks for all the information...I feel like a deer caught in the headlights right now.

The nurse called me awhile ago and my A1C results came in at 5.6, that's pretty good right? I've been reading under 7 is average and under 6 is good?

I'm still waiting to hear what I need to do from here so I wonder if I'm T2 or pre? I know my fasting was at 117.

orpy- I'm sorry I can't be of any help, I'm to new to all of this. You should be proud of loosing your 115 pounds though regardless of the numbers the weight should make you feel some sense of accomplishment, I'm impressed. As for the doctor vs. Nurse Practitioner, same thing happens to me. If I make an appointment within a week of the visit I get the Nurse, If I make it a few weeks out I'll get the doctor. Both are pretty good at my office though.

I hope you feel better soon!

[Jill-O]

As I understand it, the main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 is the cause, not really the treatment.

Some people who are only recently diagnosed may have had Type 2 Diabetes for many years (as I think I did).

Insulin, imo, shouldn't be thought of as a worst case treatment at all. I love my insulin. I find it very easy to use and manage.

[davef]

R2112,

It's great that you found this forum, it has been a great source of information and most importantly support for me. It can be daunting when you are first diagnosed, this coupled with coping with all the various emotions you go through. The fact that you are here and asking questions is great as it would seem that you want to take control. As was said to me when I joined, remember, you control your diabetes, it doesn't control you.

There is a really good book "The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes" by Gretchen Becker, which was recommended to me by PrincessLinda. I found it very easy to read and full of interesting/useful information.

Orpy, Could you call the doctor's office in advance of your appointment to explain how you are feeling/struggling and say you really need to see the doctor this time?

[orpy]

Yes, I am so grateful that I found this forum...it's been 3 years now so I don't really feel like I'm newly diagnosed but I guess three years isn't so long.

I can talk to the nurse practitioner when I get there...she's pretty good about listening to me and I will tell her my concerns. I'm just experiencing another bout of depression and feeling unable to control my outcome. What's most frustrating is how hard I try; to the point where I sometimes run up all 26 floors of the building I work in just to lower my BS.

Thanks for the support, all of you.

[orpy]

orpy- I'm sorry I can't be of any help, I'm to new to all of this. You should be proud of loosing your 115 pounds though regardless of the numbers the weight should make you feel some sense of accomplishment, I'm impressed. As for the doctor vs. Nurse Practitioner, same thing happens to me. If I make an appointment within a week of the visit I get the Nurse, If I make it a few weeks out I'll get the doctor. Both are pretty good at my office though.

I hope you feel better soon!

No, no! I AM 115 pounds. I've never been overweight at all! That's my point...that I have type II diabetes and have never been overweight. I meant in my message that I am down to weighing 115 pounds due to restricting my carbs! :-) My frustration comes from being thin...everybody seems to think that I'm faking diabetes because I'm skinny; they think I'm perfectly fine because I'm thin.

[Real4]

No, no! I AM 115 pounds. I've never been overweight at all! That's my point...that I have type II diabetes and have never been overweight. I meant in my message that I am down to weighing 115 pounds due to restricting my carbs! :-) My frustration comes from being thin...everybody seems to think that I'm faking diabetes because I'm skinny; they think I'm perfectly fine because I'm thin.

Your not a typical Type II (metabolic syndrome and all that). You might even be a type 1. Insulin is something you and your doctor should surely look into. The best to you.

[orpy]

Well, I did see my practitioner and I am starting Lantus once a day! I will gradually increase the dose. Hopefully, eventually I will get to inject before meals so I can eat better. However, she still told me to restrict my intake...blah! I am praying that Lantus helps...

[princesslinda]

Orpy, glad you are trying something new. Hopefully this will work well for you. Keep us posted on how things go!

[davef]

Orpy,

Good to hear that you are getting to try another plan of attack, hope it works out for you, keep us updated.