A question about Type 1 or Type 2

[Katieb]

Hi all

Can anyone shed any light on something that's been puzzling me? My dad was a diabetic. He was diagnosed aged 29 when in hospital for a routine op. He was put on medication, but was put on insulin some years later, which he remained on for the rest of his life. Admittedly in his middle years he did not take very good care of himself - basically in denial. He eventualy ended up an amputee aged 75, then died aged 78 from complications with his diabetes (kidney failure etc). His mother was also an insulin dependent diabetic. I have impaired glucose tolerance. Was my dad Type 1 or Type 2? My understanding is Type 2 diabetics have impaired pancreatic function (like me) or can you move from Type 1 to Type 2? What does this history's impact have on my genetic make-up? I have been told by my GP that the likelihood is that I will move to full blown diabetes but can slow the processd down through lifestyle changes, but probably not stop it. Anyone else have a similar set of circumstances? Katie

 

[Northerner]

Hi Katie, you don't change types from one to the other (unless you were originally misdiagnosed) as Type 1 and Type 2 have different causes. Type 1 is autoimmune where the immune system attacks the beta cells of the pancreas which produce insulin resulting in a (usually) total insulin deficiency. There is thought to be a genetic factor behind this, as well as other, unclear factors. Type 2 is also genetic in origin, which is why a family history of it makes it more likely. Weight gain can be a factor in when Type 2 manifests itself.

In Type 2 there is usually plenty of insulin initially, but the cells of the body cannot respond and use it properly - known as insulin resistance. The pancreas tries to produce more and more insulin to try and overcome this resistance (which can also cause weight gain - a vicious circle), but may eventually start failing, at which point the person with Type 2 will need to inject insulin to make up the shortfall. This is most likely what happened with your father - he progressed to insulin fairly quickly. No doubt less was known back then so the treatment regimes were probably less successful at keeping blood sugars under control.

Losing weight, eating an appropriate diet and exercising will improve your body's response to the insulin it is producing, meaning that you can keep your blood sugar levels under control without needing to inject. However, it may be that your pancreas will eventually begin to fail, at which point you may need insulin.

 

[Ellie Jones]

Hi Katie

No you can't go from T2 to T1, even though a T2 may need to go onto insulin therapy.. T1 the pancreas fails to produce insulin, With T2 the body becomes resident to insulin and the pancreas can't produce enough, so either got to be helped by oral medication or when that isn't enough injecting Insulin it needs..

With your dad being diabetic you will be genetically more predisposed, but your GP says lifestyle changes etc now will either hold your impaired function at bay for as long as possible..

I'm sorry to hear that your dad didn't fair well with his diabetes, but this doesn't mean that the same will befall yourself, as in many ways your are in a much better position than your dad... As not only does the medical profession understand diabetes a lot better than they did, but there drugs and treatment regimes are a lot better than what your dad had available to him.. Which will make a big difference to out come and your own knowledge etc will also stand you in good stead and help you to maintain control, so you remain fit and healthy avoiding complications etc.

 

[Newtothis]

Hi Katie, are you worried about something....xx 🙂

 

[Katieb]

Thanks for the replies -am much clearer now. Interestingly my dad was not overweight when diagnosed, nor was my grandmother ever overweight, so I guess they were just genetically predisposed. My dad had a reasonably good lifestyle before diagnosis (I think) but ignored his condition in mid life which accounted for his later complications. I, however, was quite overweight but have shifted over 2 stones and a stone to target! Hoped to do this by Christmas, but a 'big' birthday and holiday means my weight has stood still for a couple of weeks! Am trying so hard to be good now though! Thank you all again! Katiex

 

[Katieb]

Hi Katie, are you worried about something....xx 🙂

Hi Amanda. You're very perceptive! Just a bit down that my birthday and holiday have prevented me from reaching my Christmas target. My BG has been brill recently - 5.5 fasting readings on average, but I had a couple of glasses of wine and a snack last night and 6.7 this morning followed by a 9.3 after porridge! Scared the hell out of me! Have felt rubbish all day and have a written uni exam on Wednesday! I don't think I can get away with treats any more, so need to reign myself in before Christmas! Will post you my pre and post photos though! Love Katiex

 

[Northerner]

Hi Amanda. You're very perceptive! Just a bit down that my birthday and holiday have prevented me from reaching my Christmas target. My BG has been brill recently - 5.5 fasting readings on average, but I had a couple of glasses of wine and a snack last night and 6.7 this morning followed by a 9.3 after porridge! Scared the hell out of me! Have felt rubbish all day and have a written uni exam on Wednesday! I don't think I can get away with treats any more, so need to reign myself in before Christmas! Will post you my pre and post photos though! Love Katiex

Try not to panic too much about that 9.3 Katie, it's only slightly above the recommended 8.5 mmol/l after eating, and is only a 2.6mmol/l rise from your pre-breakfast reading, so not bad at all! And the main thing is that you know the likely cause of the 6.7 mmol/l so have an idea of how to avoid this in future (although agian, it's really not that bad!) 🙂 You're doing great! 🙂 Good luck with your exam!

 

[Katieb]

Try not to panic too much about that 9.3 Katie, it's only slightly above the recommended 8.5 mmol/l after eating, and is only a 2.6mmol/l rise from your pre-breakfast reading, so not bad at all! And the main thing is that you know the likely cause of the 6.7 mmol/l so have an idea of how to avoid this in future (although agian, it's really not that bad!) 🙂 You're doing great! 🙂 Good luck with your exam!

Thanks, Alan! As many on this forum have said, I feel so much better after sharing my worries with others and the support is invaluable🙂 Thanks for the exam wishes - scary when you haven't sat an exam in 30 years or so😱LOL

 

[Newtothis]

Hi Amanda. You're very perceptive! Just a bit down that my birthday and holiday have prevented me from reaching my Christmas target. My BG has been brill recently - 5.5 fasting readings on average, but I had a couple of glasses of wine and a snack last night and 6.7 this morning followed by a 9.3 after porridge! Scared the hell out of me! Have felt rubbish all day and have a written uni exam on Wednesday! I don't think I can get away with treats any more, so need to reign myself in before Christmas! Will post you my pre and post photos though! Love Katiex

Hi Katie,
We all have off-days so please don't beat yourself up; you have done so well - fantastic weight loss and I'm sure with your determination you will get to where you want to be - you so deserve it. Just take each day as it comes and if you have a bad day just remember where to come....plus you can always text me. I have emailed you my mobile number. Looking forward to seeing those yummy mummy photographs....Big hug {{}}, Amanda x 🙂