Nervous Newbie :)

[indigoviolet]

Hi all 🙂 I'm a nervous newbie, and this seems like a great place to get some support and speak to people who understand.

I was only diagnosed this past weekend, after I was sent to the hospital by 111 after they got my blood results and realised I was hyperglycaemic and fears of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

My symptoms started only around 3 weeks ago, with a recurrent yeast infection that wouldn't go despite treatment, and gastro-intestinal issues (was originally diagnosed with GERD). I then developed excessive thirst and frequent urination, became super fatigued, lost over half a stone in around 2 weeks, and started getting blurred vision, so went to my GP for full blood tests to try and work out what was going on. 111 called me the evening of my blood test and said I had to go to the hospital as my blood glucose was super high and I had high ketone levels present. I also have a bunch of other chronic illnesses, some being autoimmune.

I have been started on both long and fast acting insulin and have a Libre sensor fitted, in the meantime, and am waiting for the results of the antibody and C-peptide blood tests to find out more and hopefully which type I have - they've said they can take 3-4 weeks to get back to me.

I feel a bit lost with how to move forward, not knowing what type yet, and it hasn't helped that the A&E doctor and the specialist diabetes nurse I saw seem to disagree on which type. The diabetes nurse thinks my symptoms strongly suggest Type 1, but the A&E doctor said he thinks its Type 2 because of my age (33), my BMI shows me as overweight, and because I am from an Afro-Caribbean background - I feel a bit like the doctor was just going on general criteria, and not how I presented, whereas the nurse seemed way more knowledgeable and talked about my actual symptoms.

I wondered if anyone might have some ideas on which type it seems more likely to be based on my symptoms? I appreciate that I should just wait for the tests to confirm, but not knowing is making me more anxious and overwhelmed as I feel like I can't make the proper changes and plans I need to my lifestyle without knowing more. I just want to get a head start and try and make positive changes, but don't know where to start.

Sorry for the rant - this is all quite new to me and I'm trying my best not to be overwhelmed!

 

[Drummer]

Hello @indigoviolet and welcome.
Perhaps the best way to look at things is treating your problems/symptoms rather than looking for a box to be in - even getting a number doesn't mean that the treatment can be laid down exactly - as a type 2 myself, I know that there are variations in what can or can't be coped with. Some type 2s can manage porridge, and for some it is a sure way to spike blood glucose.
By the way - age has nothing much to do with the type, type 1 can appear at any age, even into old age and type 2 is often the anything that isn't easily defined option.
Hopefully your overall wellbeing will improve with greater control of your blood glucose.
My high HbA1c is long gone, but I stick to eating low carb in an Atkins style as the advice on fresh veges and nutritious foods seems to suit me very well even approaching the age of 74.

 

[indigoviolet]

Hello @indigoviolet and welcome.
Perhaps the best way to look at things is treating your problems/symptoms rather than looking for a box to be in - even getting a number doesn't mean that the treatment can be laid down exactly - as a type 2 myself, I know that there are variations in what can or can't be coped with. Some type 2s can manage porridge, and for some it is a sure way to spike blood glucose.
By the way - age has nothing much to do with the type, type 1 can appear at any age, even into old age and type 2 is often the anything that isn't easily defined option.
Hopefully your overall wellbeing will improve with greater control of your blood glucose.
My high HbA1c is long gone, but I stick to eating low carb in an Atkins style as the advice on fresh veges and nutritious foods seems to suit me very well even approaching the age of 74.

Thank you for your reply, it has given me some hope and comfort that I will be able to manage things no matter what type or numbers I am given - I just hope I'm on the right path with the insulin treatment.

I did think that you could develop Type 1 at any age, but the A&E doctor kept telling me that it only occurs in children and adolescents. It's really hard when general doctors/GPs don't seem to have the knowledge or expertise but are in charge of your care and are telling you completely different things than those that specialise in diabetes care.

I think I'm struggling with managing my anxiety and it has caused a spike in my OCD symptoms as I'm just obsessively worrying and thinking about all the possibilities and whether or not I'm "doing things right", which I know is just me trying to control things that I can't right now.

I do need to try not to stress so much about it and not be completely obsessive about what I'm eating or doing, I'm just finding things hard right now as it's all come as such a shock.

 

[goodybags]

Firstly @indigoviolet welcome, it’s common to feel overwhelmed most people do at first, good that you were taken to hospital if you were at the time @ risk of DKA

once you’ve had your results from a c-pep test
people will have a better idea (hopefully of your best treatment)

Pop in the forum anytime and ask, whatever you need

TC

 

[Leadinglights]

The sudden onset of symptoms and weight loss do send up red flags for Type 1 and what they said about age is rubbish. A friend was diagnosed as Type 1 at nearly 80 years old after being treated as Type 2 for 2 years with oral meds which just did not work, weight loss was the main symptom.
In the first instance you probably need to follow what you have been advised about the insulin regime and diet as they will be designed to bring down your blood glucose levels slowly as otherwise you may get problems with your eyes and nerves.
Do contact you clinic or GP for help or ask here. There is plenty of expertise.

 

[mashedupmatt]

Hi @indigoviolet and welcome to the forum - sorry to hear about your recent troubles and you are certainly not alone here - your symptoms do sound like classic type 1 to me - but the additional tests they have done should confirm them (unfortunately they do take a few weeks to come back) - and what the doctor has said about age is absolute rubbish (I was 47 when diagnosed (correctly, but eventually!)) - you will find that Diabetes Specialist Nurses know FAR more than general doctors about Diabetes and are the ones to trust - what insulins have you been given, and what sort of doses have you been advised? It is very daunting at first but try not to worry - you have found the best place here for support and ask as many questions as you like - nothing is considered a "silly" question here as there are lots of us who have been through the same thing, and we "get it" - glad you have found us (and feel free to rant - we all need to from time to time!)

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome from me too. another late starter with Type 1 at the age of 55 although I too was assumed Type 2 at first diagnosis but had the antibody and C-peptide tests a few months later.
My money is on you being Type 1 from what you have described and I am not a gambling person.
We are all here to support you and answer any questions you have, whenever you have them so don't hold back or think you are being a nuisance, because we understand how overwhelming it is at first. It is a really steep and sometimes scary learning curve but slowly and surely it will start to become your new normal and you will start to do things on autopilot and it gradually gets easier but know that you are not alone and we are here anytime you need us. Sending (((HUGS)))