GAD Test Results

[cathplum]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in January 2009. In October 2009 I had DKA and was hospitalised. While in hospital I had GAD test but results were lost. Eventually last month my diabetic consultant decided to re-do GAD test as there was still some debate as to whether I was type 1 or 2. Today I saw the diabetic nurse and got my GAD test results. There is no doubt - I have lots of antibodies and therefore I am type 1. This isn't bad news. I have been on insulin since October 2009.

But what does this actually mean?

What effect does my 'new' diagnosis have on me or my life? Do I have to do anything different?

 

[Robster65]

Hi cath

What insulins are you on and have you been carb counting and doing everything a T1 would do ?

If so, then your life is complete ! 🙂

It's a disgrace that they didn't give you the GAD retest until now. DKA should have been the kick up the bum for them. ANyway. I'm sure you've heard all that before.🙄

Rob

 

[Pumper_Sue]

What effect does my 'new' diagnosis have on me or my life? Do I have to do anything different?

It means carb counting courses and a pump when and if you need or want one 🙂
It's very rare to say congratulations on your diagnoses but hey Congratulations 🙂

 

[Robster65]

It means carb counting courses and a pump when and if you need or want one 🙂

...subject to qualifying criteria of course ! 🙄

Rob

 

[cathplum]

Hi Rob,

I'm on Novorapid + Lantus and Metformin SR. Yes to carb counting. I'm on low carb food plan as continue to try and lose more weight (10 stone lighter than when I was first diagnosed.)

So life ain't too bad. My philosophy: One day at a time 🙂

 

[Pumper_Sue]

...subject to qualifying criteria of course ! 🙄

Rob

Rob, depending on how you interpret the criteria anyone can qualify for a pump. 😛

 

[Robster65]

A very sensible philosophy.🙂

It sounds like you're living the life of a T1, so just carry on, lose as much weight as you're comfortable losing, keep up with exercise and try to maintain an HbA1c under 7, preferably under 6.5 if you can.

I can't think of any advantages of a definite diagnosis other than peace of mind and potential humility of your doctor (however unlikely).🙂

Rob

 

[Marc]

Rob, depending on how you interpret the criteria anyone can qualify for a pump. 😛

Really? I used to really want a pump but after today's incident with the CGM I don't know if I want to.

Marc

 

[Northerner]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in January 2009. In October 2009 I had DKA and was hospitalised. While in hospital I had GAD test but results were lost. Eventually last month my diabetic consultant decided to re-do GAD test as there was still some debate as to whether I was type 1 or 2. Today I saw the diabetic nurse and got my GAD test results. There is no doubt - I have lots of antibodies and therefore I am type 1. This isn't bad news. I have been on insulin since October 2009.

But what does this actually mean?

What effect does my 'new' diagnosis have on me or my life? Do I have to do anything different?

Glad to hear you have a proper diagnosis at last Cath 🙂 This might have been my story too if I'd gone to my doctors when I had fairly pronounced symptoms in 2007-2008, but I didn't. If I had I suspect I would have been diagnosed Type 2. Then I ended up in hospital in May 2008 with DKA and was diagnosed Type 1 and put on insulin. Today my consultant said he was going to look back at my notes to find out just what happened at my diagnosis to see if there were any questions asked about my Type as I am a bit out of the ordinary.

If you are managing well then you don't need to do anything different - the only real problem with a misdiagnosis is when you end up with inappropriate treatment and it sounds like yours is fine. 🙂

 

[trophywench]

In a lot of places the T2 label means you can't go on a carb-counting course, you cannot be seen by anyone more expert than a GP, you most certainly cannot have a pump and you may have test strips limited, despite being on insulin. You cannot get past your GP remember, so you are stuck with any decisions they make on your behalf. Once a year A1c and no sneaky BG monitoring in between!