Where Have All The LADAs Gone?

Jan2306 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 12:51 PM

I hardly ever see any 1.5 folks posting or even visiting here. They all seem to be participating in the Type 1 forums. Is it that we're basically the same as a sub-group of Type 1? Are there not enough of us to keep interesting threads going? I notice other diabetes forums don't even have a Type 1.5 group. Not a big deal, just really curious since I think there are some things that do set us apart from Type 1 in terms of disese duration, timing of insulin, maybe cause, etc. Wonder if anyone will even see this to respond

Cyborg · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 01:13 PM

We are just type 1's. Treatment is the same once the beta cells are gone... Other than the honeymoon period, what other differences are there?

Jan2306 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 01:43 PM

Not sure about all the differences since I'm still a newbie. I think, if all things are equal meaning we're in tight control, that we have a lower incidence of complications due to complications being a result of control and duration although with how far along diabetes treatment has come, that will be less the case with younger generations. I also think our emotional experience is different being that we're an adult when we're dx which is a very different place in life and experiences than a kid or young adult. Just my thoughts.

Cyborg · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 02:29 PM

I can see how you might have a different outlook, living with diabetes from childhood versus getting it later in life. Maybe some things are more a normal part of life, such as testing and dosing. At the same time, I can see how someone with diabetes since childhood might come to take some things for granted and not be determined to keep tighter control. Burnout might come into play.

With the complications part, I suppose it depends on not only control, but also on how soon you were diagnosed, whether you were misdiagnosed, etc.

Funnygrl · #5 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 03:52 PM

Eh...I seem to be getting closer and closer to plain old type 1. That's what my chart says.

TAutry · #6 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 06:13 PM

I recently attended a diabetes health fair in the county where I work. In casual discussions with both a doctor and a diabetes educator, I mentioned that I was a type 1.5. Both of them smirked.

I told them "Yes, I know. . .you don't believe in 1.5s, but I can assure you that we exist." That, of course, let to discussions about my numbers and my management system. They both concluded that I knew what I was doing. The doctor even said he wished more of his patients would take more interest in their own care.

While I developed diabetes after age 21, I grew up with some chronic medical condtions. I think there are distinct advantages to being diagnosed in early adulthood. Hopefully, the maturity is there to help one realize what the condition is, the seriousness of it, the potential consequences and the necessity to take care of it.

On the flip side, having grown up with chronic conditions I find that I tend to take diabetes more in stride than many others I've met.

As with diabetes iself, it depends on the individual.

okchockeynut · #7 (**permalink**) 05-17-2006, 11:09 AM

Hi,
I have been diagnosed as an LADA for over 2 years now. First as Type 2 because of my age (48), and then type 1 when pills were not helping after 6 months and more tests. My beta cells are apparently hard to give up. I only take 12 units of Lantus and Starlix when I eat over 35 grams.
I do not look forward to having to take more shots. I still dread the once a day shot every day and hate the bruises they usually leave.
I don't feel like I belong in a type 2 or type 1 support group. I don't understand why I even have it as there are no type 1s in either side of my families and only type 2s on my mom's.
I hate that I have tried so hard to take care of myself and keep my weight down all my life and still got high blood pressure at 40 and then diabetes.
Cindy

July2005 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2006, 01:31 PM

Cindy,

Don't ever give up. I am type II and I don't have any family members from both sides with diabetes, but I got it. I am skinny, but I have it. Thus, I know your frustration, but see the bright side at least if we control it we can live equally longer as any body else. Getting diabetes is NOT a death sentence, it is just a wakeup call to take care ourselves.

jeggeman31 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

Eh...I seem to be getting closer and closer to plain old type 1. That's what my chart says.

And I feel I am going the other way.

lottadata · #10 (**permalink**) 05-19-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okchockeynut

I still dread the once a day shot every day and hate the bruises they usually leave.

Sounds like you might be using the wrong needles.

My doctor's diabetes nurse is so used to obese type 2s, that she wanted me to start out with a huge, thick 1 inch needle. Fortunately, I'd read in Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution that there were short, thin guage needles available.

I switched to BD 5/16ths 31 guage needles, and as long as I avoid a couple spots on the tummy that seem to be more richly supplied with capillaries than others, I don't bruise.

Plus, the very thin needles, if tossed towards the fat like a dart (held by 3 fingers) don't hurt.

What are you using?

rzrbks · #11 (**permalink**) 05-19-2006, 08:52 AM

Actually, I just consider myself 1 since that's the way the PCPs treat me. I know more about it than all the PCPs I've been to and they, as in TAutry's case, put T1.5 up there with flying Saucers.

Quote:

jeggeman31

And I feel I am going the other way.

Don't Go INTO THE LIGHT

Quote:

TAutry
On the flip side, having grown up with chronic conditions I find that I tend to take diabetes more in stride than many others I've met.

LIke being from N.C.?