Hi

[Camperman]

Hi I'm a newbie here. Diagnosed ?type 2 about 3 years ago. Completely out the blue, I don't really fit into the 'normal' criteria. I'm very slim, have always been athletic, running etc, ate a healthy diet, it doesn't run in my family, so I was a little gobsmacked when I found my blood sugar to be high! Good to be here hoping I may find some answers and help as I'm struggling like mad to keep my blood sugar within normL parameters, despite meds.

 

[helli]

Hi I'm a newbie here. Diagnosed ?type 2 about 3 years ago. Completely out the blue, I don't really fit into the 'normal' criteria. I'm very slim, have always been athletic, running etc, ate a healthy diet, it doesn't run in my family, so I was a little gobsmacked when I found my blood sugar to be high! Good to be here hoping I may find some answers and help as I'm struggling like mad to keep my blood sugar within normL parameters, despite meds.

Welcome to the club,

Were any blood tests taken to confirm you have type 2. Unfortunately, many adults are misdiagnosed because doctors still believe Type 1 is a childhood disease although more than half the people with Type 1 were diagnosed over the age of 20. There are quite a few of us here who were diagnosed as adults including some who were initially misdiagnosed.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where our bodies decide they don’t like insulin producing cells and kill them off. As adults, those insulin producing cells seem to be a little more robust so Type 1 can come on slower. Some call this LADA.

If your type 2 was confirmed with blood tests and meds are not helping, many find a change in diet improves things, especially when reducing carbs and testing blood sugars to find what your body can tolerate.

 

[Camperman]

Welcome to the club,

Were any blood tests taken to confirm you have type 2. Unfortunately, many adults are misdiagnosed because doctors still believe Type 1 is a childhood disease although more than half the people with Type 1 were diagnosed over the age of 20. There are quite a few of us here who were diagnosed as adults including some who were initially misdiagnosed.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease where our bodies decide they don’t like insulin producing cells and kill them off. As adults, those insulin producing cells seem to be a little more robust so Type 1 can come on slower. Some call this LADA.

If your type 2 was confirmed with blood tests and meds are not helping, many find a change in diet improves things, especially when reducing carbs and testing blood sugars to find what your body can tolerate.

Hi, thank you and thanks for your reply.
Yeah had loads of blood tests, all within normal parameters, with the exception of my glucose. I've also had my gad antibody test, and I must admit was a little dubious about the reply from the gp, he said it was borderline! So to me that shows a problem. I have read about LADA and I agree with you I've had similar thoughts that sounds absolutely like me! And the gp and consultant have said 'probable' type 2. Very frustrating and whatever I do my blood sugar is high! If I stick to a low carb diet it helps a little but God I lose even more weight, so I'm not keen on this method, I do limit my carbs still though, so to have high sugar with my diet and meds is concerning me.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about the lack of clarity around your diagnosis @Camperman

Must be very worrying and frustrating for you

I wonder if it might be helpful to have a more robust chat with your Dr about the lack of effect of your current meds, and the difficulties you have to manage BG with a low carb meal plan.

Do you know if they measured cPeptide as well as screening for GAD antibodies? This would show how much insulin production you still have (which may explain why some of the meds are not working - particularly those which are designed around encouraging your pancreas to release more insulin).

If low carb was helping, but you were worried about losing additional weight, have you experimented by increasing ‘good fats’ (olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocado etc etc). This is quite a common strategy among members, and usually does not negatively impact their cholesterol profile.

I wonder if it might be worth asking to try a basal:bolus insulin regime to see if it would have better outcomes for you than the meds that are currently not working? Since there remains uncertainty over your diagnosis and atypical presentation - and your BG is not responding to your current meds?

 

[EmmaL76]

Hi, thank you and thanks for your reply.
Yeah had loads of blood tests, all within normal parameters, with the exception of my glucose. I've also had my gad antibody test, and I must admit was a little dubious about the reply from the gp, he said it was borderline! So to me that shows a problem. I have read about LADA and I agree with you I've had similar thoughts that sounds absolutely like me! And the gp and consultant have said 'probable' type 2. Very frustrating and whatever I do my blood sugar is high! If I stick to a low carb diet it helps a little but God I lose even more weight, so I'm not keen on this method, I do limit my carbs still though, so to have high sugar with my diet and meds is concerning me.

Same boat as me. My antigad was slightly raised at 55. Interesting to know what your number was, and one doc said that was fine but another said different. Most folks can have up to about 11, type 1’s can be into 100’s or 1000’s , saying that some 1’s don’t have it at all and some people without diabetes can have them. It can also fluctuate if you have had an illness etc. I’m skinny, fit etc, so they settled on type 1. However my cpeptide showed insulin resistance so that characteristic of a 2. I don’t take insulin / meds but I have to be so strict with myself and trying desperately not to lose anymore weight. Which is hard when I have to get on the treadmill after every meal! It’s proper getting me down at the minute. Hope your doing ok, my diagnoses was last sept.

 

[EmmaL76]

Also you say your BG numbers are still high even on low carb, how high on average? How regularly are you testing ? When was your last hba1c ? Also does anybody know if freestyle do a free trial for type 2’s ? If so and you haven't already tried it, that might be worth a go. You could then at least have some data for doctors if you keep notes next to your results stating what you have eaten and the impact on your sugars. If it’s totally impossible for you to stay in range with your current diet/meds then surely they would need to investigate further? We don’t want you wasting away! If your anything like me bet your energy levels are zero… this has a big impact on how you feel day to day. Your not the only one that’s sitting grey area that nobody really understands. It’s a nightmare !

 

[grovesy]

Abbottts have got on offer on for a free sensor to new customers.

 

[ianf0ster]

Hi @Camperman and @Emma76
Testing your body's reaction to foods containing some carbohydrates is extremely useful. You don't need to be able to afford a Freestyle Libre for that.
Some myths:

Only overweight people get Type 2 diabetes. -No, as many as 10% of Type 2 diabetics are 'normal weight or under weight'.

'Cardio' exercise makes a big difference to your Blood Glucose figures. - No. although it helps, the best exercise for diabetes is strength training which build muscles which absorb glucose.

Medication alone can control Type 2 diabetes. - No, not for many/most unless they start injecting Insulin.

The Government/NHS advised 'healthy diet' (EatWell Plate and 5 a Day) are good for preventing/controlling Type 2 Diabetes. - No , those contain far to many carbohydrates for us since we are particularly sensitive to carbs they are more likely to actually make us Type 2 diabetic in the first place. (15yrs of then did in my case and also made me gain weight which I then lost along with excess Blood Glucose when eating Low Carb).

 

[EmmaL76]

Yes it’s expensive if you self fund. But having the freestyle data helped me show to the DN that I don’t need insulin right now. I totally agree that you can be skinny with type 2 but they don’t agree that’s the case with me and I’m almost positive I’m not type 1 like they say. I won’t bore you with all the reasons why. I know folk will say don’t get hung up on labels but if I take insulin I have too many lows even on small amounts and the sukkarto well… you don’t wanna know what that did. I speed walk on the treadmill after evening meal, if I didn’t, my fasting would be raised. I just do what works for me to keep me in range.

 

[Camperman]

Sorry to hear about the lack of clarity around your diagnosis @Camperman

Must be very worrying and frustrating for you

I wonder if it might be helpful to have a more robust chat with your Dr about the lack of effect of your current meds, and the difficulties you have to manage BG with a low carb meal plan.

Do you know if they measured cPeptide as well as screening for GAD antibodies? This would show how much insulin production you still have (which may explain why some of the meds are not working - particularly those which are designed around encouraging your pancreas to release more insulin).

If low carb was helping, but you were worried about losing additional weight, have you experimented by increasing ‘good fats’ (olive oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocado etc etc). This is quite a common strategy among members, and usually does not negatively impact their cholesterol profile.

I wonder if it might be worth asking to try a basal:bolus insulin regime to see if it would have better outcomes for you than the meds that are currently not working? Since there remains uncertainty over your diagnosis and atypical presentation - and your BG is not responding to your current meds?

Yeah that's what I'm going to do, it is frustrating, but I do feel they have misdiagnosed me, especially looking on this forum at others experiences.
Thanks for reply

 

[Camperman]

Hi @Camperman and @Emma76
Testing your body's reaction to foods containing some carbohydrates is extremely useful. You don't need to be able to afford a Freestyle Libre for that.
Some myths:

Only overweight people get Type 2 diabetes. -No, as many as 10% of Type 2 diabetics are 'normal weight or under weight'.

'Cardio' exercise makes a big difference to your Blood Glucose figures. - No. although it helps, the best exercise for diabetes is strength training which build muscles which absorb glucose.

Medication alone can control Type 2 diabetes. - No, not for many/most unless they start injecting Insulin.

The Government/NHS advised 'healthy diet' (EatWell Plate and 5 a Day) are good for preventing/controlling Type 2 Diabetes. - No , those contain far to many carbohydrates for us since we are particularly sensitive to carbs they are more likely to actually make us Type 2 diabetic in the first place. (15yrs of then did in my case and also made me gain weight which I then lost along with excess Blood Glucose when eating Low Carb).

I agree with most your points. However my dilemma is eating lower carb diets drastically reduces weight, I cannot gain anything sticking to it! In fact I lose weight and for me that's really not good! Also short term low carb is ok but whilst I agree limiting carbs is a good thing, I think trying to I've long term.on a low carb diet messes with at of other systems and leads to other serious problems. I realise not everyone believes this, but it certainly does have some credible people giving that advice.
I agree cardio training sometimes raises sugar as it puts a lot of stress on the body producing more glucose, and strength training is usually better
Thanks for your reply

 

[Camperman]

Yes it’s expensive if you self fund. But having the freestyle data helped me show to the DN that I don’t need insulin right now. I totally agree that you can be skinny with type 2 but they don’t agree that’s the case with me and I’m almost positive I’m not type 1 like they say. I won’t bore you with all the reasons why. I know folk will say don’t get hung up on labels but if I take insulin I have too many lows even on small amounts and the sukkarto well… you don’t wanna know what that did. I speed walk on the treadmill after evening meal, if I didn’t, my fasting would be raised. I just do what works for me to keep me in range.

I tried a freestyle for a month, really really good! But yeah as you say expensive.
It's difficult isn't it? I really don't seem to fit the mould of Type 2 in every way at all, but maybe I am ‍♂️ I'd just like to put some weight on again and feel strong again like I used to!
Thanks for your reply

 

[EmmaL76]

I tried a freestyle for a month, really really good! But yeah as you say expensive.
It's difficult isn't it? I really don't seem to fit the mould of Type 2 in every way at all, but maybe I am ‍♂️ I'd just like to put some weight on again and feel strong again like I used to!
Thanks for your reply

Your welcome. Tell me about it… the whole thing is exhausting. Think the medical terminology for our sort is “oddballs” I keep being told I’m honeymooning, well I know I haven’t been away for a while but this certainly does not feel like a holiday ! Unless it’s supposed to mean the really good bit before it all turns to s**t!

 

[Camperman]

Your welcome. Tell me about it… the whole thing is exhausting. Think the medical terminology for our sort is “oddballs” I keep being told I’m honeymooning, well I know I haven’t been away for a while but this certainly does not feel like a holiday ! Unless it’s supposed to mean the really good bit before it all turns to s**t!

Yeah it really is! I initially thought my shifts were playing a part in it all so I've swapped everything around and no longer do full nights, and altered my pattern, loads better but absolutely made no difference to my sugar. Tried all sorts of stuff, no real improvement.
Haha oddballs haha yeah sounds about right!
Hmm maybe you're right! But no.. surely there's a way out of this without being a rake that lives on nuts and avocado 😱O

 

[EmmaL76]

Yeah it really is! I initially thought my shifts were playing a part in it all so I've swapped everything around and no longer do full nights, and altered my pattern, loads better but absolutely made no difference to my sugar. Tried all sorts of stuff, no real improvement.
Haha oddballs haha yeah sounds about right!
Hmm maybe you're right! But no.. surely there's a way out of this without being a rake that lives on nuts and avocado 😱O

I hope so because avocado is vile! The one thing I cannot stand. You mentioned night shifts well I’ve had insomnia on and off (mostly on) for many years and the do say lack of sleep contributes to insulin resistance don’t know how true that is.

 

[ianf0ster]

Yeah it really is! I initially thought my shifts were playing a part in it all so I've swapped everything around and no longer do full nights, and altered my pattern, loads better but absolutely made no difference to my sugar. Tried all sorts of stuff, no real improvement.
Haha oddballs haha yeah sounds about right!
Hmm maybe you're right! But no.. surely there's a way out of this without being a rake that lives on nuts and avocado 😱O

'Nuts and Avocado' ? Did you forget to mention that you are vegetarian or vegan ?

There is no reason to avoid either Protein or Fat on a Low Carb way of eating. I eat loads of veg each day, but without expensive supplements if I didn't eat eggs, cheese, cream, fish, fowl, meat with all the fat that nature packages those with, then I wouldn't get all the nutrients I need and would not be healthy.
It is almost impossible to eat Low Carb and Lo9w Fat at the same time (particularly if you are also avoiding meat and fish).
Still some people put their love of fellow creatures before their own health.

 

[Camperman]

I hope so because avocado is vile! The one thing I cannot stand. You mentioned night shifts well I’ve had insomnia on and off (mostly on) for many years and the do say lack of sleep contributes to insulin resistance don’t know how true that is.

Haha I don't mind avocado, but there's a limit to how much I want
Yeah I've read the same, and it was one of the reasons I came of complete through nights, I still do 3 till 3 twice a week though, but its nowhere near what I was doing. Lack of sleep is bad for your body full stop! And day sleeping is nowhere near as good as night sleeping. So there's a chance we just needed a good night's sleep and could have avoided all this! ‍♂️
I'm off the GPs in a bit to pick my meds up and I'm.going to try to get an appointment closer than the 8th of Sept! Wish me luck

 

[EmmaL76]

Well I was hosting a wake yesterday, I got up at 4am to start the food. I ran around all day and by 10pm I was exhausted. Went to bed ..4.20am I finally got to sleep and alarm went off at 6.15. Feel like dog poo today. It’s soooo annoying. Anyway. Hope you got on okay at the doctors, that’s if you managed to see them which I doubt you did as you have more chance plaiting fog these days !

 

[Camperman]

Well I was hosting a wake yesterday, I got up at 4am to start the food. I ran around all day and by 10pm I was exhausted. Went to bed ..4.20am I finally got to sleep and alarm went off at 6.15. Feel like dog poo today. It’s soooo annoying. Anyway. Hope you got on okay at the doctors, that’s if you managed to see them which I doubt you did as you have more chance plaiting fog these days !

Wow bet you were exhausted to! 😱O what prevented you from sleeping? It's a horrible feeling! You'd have thought you'd have slept really well because you were exhausted and had a busy day, I'm presuming you saying 'hosting' it wasn't your family, so you didn't have the emotional side of the wake? But either way, not good not sleeping.
Actually I did manage to bring my appointment forward! I'm good at that 😱D telephone of course but isn't that the new normal! Drives me mad! So hopefully I can get my meds sorted and diagnosis! That'd be nice!

 

[EmmaL76]

I have no idea why I don’t sleep, when the diabetes came about i thought once my sugars got better that would help but It’s still no better. Yes unfortunately the wake was for my nan bless her. I was the host because we have a large family and I have the most outdoor space (considering covid ). mind you, she was 90 and drifted off gently in her sleep. I’d be happy with that at this point! Well good luck with your telephone appointment.. I’d ask them to repeat antigad etc and c-peptide. Keep us informed 🙂