Newly Diagnosed

[Goldrun]

Hi All:
My first post here, though I've been hanging out and reading quite a few!
I was diagnosed in early June. Am 37, not considered obese, have always exercised a great deal (avid cyclist), and have a decent diet.

At time of diagnosis (symptoms included 30 pounds weight loss, insatiable thirst and frequent urination), my blood sugar was 376. My doc immediately put me on a 70/30 pre-mix insulin to be injected twice a day. She gave me some reading material, an Accu-check and instructions on monitoring 4X daily. I've had a couple of follow up meetings, and when I asked if I was type 1 or type 2, I got a really vague answer ("don't think you're totally insulin dependent", type 1 and type 2 diagnoses may be outdated and changed soon).

My understanding is that Type 1 require insulin because the pancreas has stopped producing it...while Type 2 may be able to monitor/control with diet and exercise.

I've reduced my carb/sugar intake greatly, but my blood sugar is still outside the normal range if I don't have insulin (I trend up to 170-180 during mid day). So, does that mean (in anyone's layman opinion) that I'm type 1?

My doc has an endo in her practice with whom she consults....am I okay sticking with her, or should I demand an endo referral?

Thanks for any thoughts!

[Del]

Hi Goldrun,

Welcome to the forum. (Have I been around long enough to be allowed to say that :))

That sounds almost exactly like what happened to me, from what your doctor is telling you right down to the 70/30 mixture and the Accuchek!

I was referred to an endo immediately (in fact I got 3 second opinions, all from different endos :)).

In my opinion (and I am certainly no expert, so pls. take with a grain of salt), it sounds like it could be the beginning of type 1 and I would go with the specialist if you can. I think they use a test for a certain antibody to determine type 1 vs. type 2 if it's initially unclear. There's also a C-Peptide test they ran on me which had to do with my t1 diagnosis but I'm not sure what exactly that is.

Del

[duck]

Every diabetic needs to see an Endo--If you were an F1 race car driver, you wouldn't have that car serviced at Jiffy Lube, right? You'd need a special team to take care of--Sort of the same here.

Yes, Type 1's do not/cannot make insulin. Type 2's may make insulin, but various factors hamper their ability to use it correctly. There is also an emerging Type called "Type 1.5"--There are at least a couple members here who say they are Type 1.5, I don't know much about it so I won't go into it.

I personally think it is neglect on a doctor's part NOT to diagnose what type you are. Imagine if you had cancer and the doc chose not to tell you what kind it was? I'd demand an accounting if I were you, and what their concerns are as to why they don't want to label your condition.

BTW, welcome to the forums. :hello:

[klpants]

Duck. Yes, if diabetes was took as seriously as cancer than a lot of things regarding diabetes would be obliterated!!

Goldrun

Remember you can be diagnosed as type 2 and not take insulin in the inital stages but after a certain amount of time have to start injecting to control your blood sugars (either your pancreas stops produignc insulin all together or the insulin being produced is becoming less sensitive).
You also don't neccssarily have to be obese/overweight to get type 2, there are also genetic factors and ethnicity plays a part as well.

But, I would try and get another opinion and see someone who is a specialist in diabetes such as an endocrinologist or diabetoligist, not just your average GP.

Welcome!










Every diabetic needs to see an Endo--If you were an F1 race car driver, you wouldn't have that car serviced at Jiffy Lube, right? You'd need a special team to take care of--Sort of the same here.

Yes, Type 1's do not/cannot make insulin. Type 2's may make insulin, but various factors hamper their ability to use it correctly. There is also an emerging Type called "Type 1.5"--There are at least a couple members here who say they are Type 1.5, I don't know much about it so I won't go into it.

I personally think it is neglect on a doctor's part NOT to diagnose what type you are. Imagine if you had cancer and the doc chose not to tell you what kind it was? I'd demand an accounting if I were you, and what their concerns are as to why they don't want to label your condition.

BTW, welcome to the forums. :hello:

[TAutry]

Hi Goldrun,

Welcome to the forums!

Your diagnosis sounds very similar to mine. I was 22 at the time, had the 30lbs weight loss, thirst, the whole bit.

I was initially diagnosed as a type 2. Later, it was decided that I might be a late onset type one or a 1.5. I am still on the Novolin 70/30 for two shots per day and I am now 38. I apparently still produce some insulin, but not enough.

I try to exercise regularly, test 3-4 times per day and monitor my carb intake closely. My fasting readings run between 85 and 110 on average. This morning I was a little high at 119. Yesterday was my 'cheat' day that I allow myself on my eating plan.

You may, indeed, be one of the few, the proud, the 1.5's.

Travis

[Cinnabon]

Welcome Travis....

All I have to say is....

Endo now! You have no time to deal with a faulty diagnosis.

[Goldrun]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies...I'll definitely start looking for an endocrinologist. I received a call from my doc's nurse just after my post, telling me that my A1C is 10.1, but I've only been trying to regulate my blood sugar for 6 weeks (at time of diagnosis)....I'm averaging less than 120 daily now, so I feel pretty good about my progress.

I do have a question though....I've had some shakiness at <80 ....what levels do people generally get to before they go hypo? I get a little worried at night if I do a bedtime check and find my level is <100....I tend to go right to the kitchen for a bite of bread. I woke up one night with an intense headache, and felt really odd....I tested and was in the mid 70's.....I assumed that I was going low, and food (fairly high in carbs) helped. HOwever, I have a friend with T1 who doesn't feel he's going low until he hits the 50s. Is it just different for everybody?

thanks for the warm welcomes!

[TAutry]

Goldrun,

It isn't unusual for people trying to get their blood sugar down to a more 'normal' level to experience hypo systems at fairly high numbers. Your body had adjusted to running high. It will take it some time to adapt to running at lower levels.

Travis

[Cinnabon]

Yes...
We, T1s are a bit more complicated, lol. Your blood sugar seems to be stabilizing but it will take a while. You are doing good at treating your Hypos. You might want to keep in mind the "15" protocol (15 gms of carbs in 15 minutes.), so you wont over do it.

15 grams of fast-acting carbs (glucose tablets,hard candy, or a half cup of fruit juice/reg. coke)
* Wait 15 minutes after taking the carbohydrate & recheck your blood sugar. If the reading is below 70 mg/dl, take another 15 gms. and recheck till your at a safe level.

[gettingby]

First off, Welcome!!!!! Glad to have you with us.
Secondly, every diabetic experiences low symptoms at different numbers. That's just the way the game goes. It sounds as though you are on the right track. Continue with your monitoring and that should help you decide what your "safe" number may be (though with this ever changing disease, this # could change).
Hang in there. You are now a member of a wonderful, elite group:
THE MANY, THE FRUSTRATED, THE DIABETICS !!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL :D