Diagnosed LADA Type 1

[JueB]

2 1/2 years ago after having Covid I was diagnosed diabetic with a hba1c of 118. I had lost a lot of weight and the dr was convinced I was type 1 but the blood tests confirmed type 2. I was on the full dose of metformin and for a while managed to get my hba1c down to early 50s. Over the past year it has been creeped higher and hit 77 and I was continually losing weight . I have never been overweight and the loss was really worrying for me . I was referred to the diabetic specialist who after blood tests confirmed I was LADA type 1.
Over the past month or so my readings have been around 15 before breakfast and could rise to the mid 20s throughout the day . I would say the lowest reading I had at any time was 12. I started my insulin for the first time yesterday , 10 ml toujeo and continue taking 4 metformin . This morning I tested my bloods and was amazed the reading was 8.7. I know this is still high but such a difference from 14/15 as it has been previously, I thought it would take weeks to see an improvement. Is this normal to see an improvement so quickly ?

 

[Inka]

I’m glad you’ve finally got the correct diagnosis @JueB 🙂 Yes, insulin works quite quickly to bring blood sugar down. I’m Type 1 and was admitted to hospital at diagnosis with blood sugar approaching 30. An insulin drip brought that down within 24hrs.

Hopefully you’ll get a basal/bolus insulin regime set up soon, which will give you more flexibility with food and during times of illness. You should also now qualify for Type 1 tech like the Libre.

 

[Robin]

Same for me, @JueB , once I’d got insulin, after struggling on ineffective Type 2 meds for months, my BGs fell like a dream. If the body isn’t making enough insulin, and you give it some,( even when starting on conservative doses which is the norm) hey presto, instant results!

 

[JueB]

I’m glad you’ve finally got the correct diagnosis @JueB 🙂 Yes, insulin works quite quickly to bring blood sugar down. I’m Type 1 and was admitted to hospital at diagnosis with blood sugar approaching 30. An insulin drip brought that down within 24hrs.

Hopefully you’ll get a basal/bolus insulin regime set up soon, which will give you more flexibility with food and during times of illness. You should also now qualify for Type 1 tech like the Libre.

Thanks for your reply I have an appointment mid January for my Libra .
Was so worried about injecting but it’s so easy. Finger prick is worse !!

 

[helli]

Thanks for your reply I have an appointment mid January for my Libra .
Was so worried about injecting but it’s so easy. Finger prick is worse !!

Libre are pretty easy to work out. I am surprised you have to wait for an appointment.
If you want one sooner than your appointment, you can apply on their website for a 2 week trial.
However, it is very important to know that CGMs do not remove all needs for finger pricking.
Therefore, it is a good idea to work out your pricking technique - finger pricking should not hurt if you ensure your fingers are warm and the depth is adjusted to the minimum you need.

 

[JueB]

Libre are pretty easy to work out. I am surprised you have to wait for an appointment.
If you want one sooner than your appointment, you can apply on their website for a 2 week trial.
However, it is very important to know that CGMs do not remove all needs for finger pricking.
Therefore, it is a good idea to work out your pricking technique - finger pricking should not hurt if you ensure your fingers are warm and the depth is adjusted to the minimum you need.

Thanks for the advice x

 

[rachel1975]

I think this is what I will need, I really hope so as I'm fed up of feeling poop with horrendous high bloods, even on loads of medication. 8 yrs and my bloods Haven't dropped.. roll on my appointment on the 10th Jan xxx

 

[JueB]

I think this is what I will need, I really hope so as I'm fed up of feeling poop with horrendous high bloods, even on loads of medication. 8 yrs and my bloods Haven't dropped.. roll on my appointment on the 10th Jan xxx

Good luck .

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @JueB from another late starter with T1 (diagnosed LADa at age 53)
So glad that you now have the correct diagnosis, and are on a basal (background) insulin.

People are often misdiagnosed when symptoms develop as adults, and people are started on Metformin. It is unusual to continue with Metformin with a T1 diagnosis, unless there is another medical reason to continue with it. It would be worth raising this when you have your appointment in January.

As @helli mentioned you can get a trial Libre sensor. This can help to provide a lot of information which will help you and your team make decisions about doses of insulin to start you on. It is often recommended that people are now started on Levemir as the background along with a quick acting insulin, such as Novorapid.

Let us know ho you get on with your appointment.