newly diagnosed - type 3c?

[angelaofthenorth]

Welcome to the forum @smartie

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and the slightly befuddled way some of it was handled.

As has been suggested the Learning Zone is a terrific resource, and is packed full of information. Members here also frequently recommend Maggie Davey’s Letter to the Newly Diagnosed and Gretchen Becker’s book T2 Diabetes, the first year, which are two personal accounts of people coming to terms with their diagnosis.

Plus do keep asking questions here too. We have literally centuries of lived diabetes experience on the forum, and no question you have will be thought of as too obvious, trivial, or ‘silly’.

Let us know how you get on 🙂

Hi Everyone I am newly diagnosed also. Was having continual bouts of thrush terrible rashes, my dermatologist was baffled until they did a urine test after 12 months. Blood sugar through the roof, did blood test and and just got results of AC1 test - 115. So thats pretty conclusive.
Not had my first appointment about this with my doctor yet, only got blood results today. I'm in shock and scared. Ive managed to overcome addiction to alcohol and now i will have to give up more things that I enjoy

 

[Leadinglights]

Hi Everyone I am newly diagnosed also. Was having continual bouts of thrush terrible rashes, my dermatologist was baffled until they did a urine test after 12 months. Blood sugar through the roof, did blood test and and just got results of AC1 test - 115. So thats pretty conclusive.
Not had my first appointment about this with my doctor yet, only got blood results today. I'm in shock and scared. Ive managed to overcome addiction to alcohol and now i will have to give up more things that I enjoy

Welcome, diagnosis is often a shock but sometimes a relief that you have an explanation for your symptoms. Thrush is often a signal that your glucose level is high as when it reaches the level you have your urine is 'sugary' and the yeast that causes thrush just love that environment.
You may have to cut out some of the things you like but there is plenty you can still have as it is carbohydrates that need to be reduced and they can be replaced with tasty protein and healthy fats. But that does not mean that you cannot have any carbs just a reduced amount that your body is still able to tolerate.
This link may help you find a way of modifying your diet whilst still having normal foods. https://lowcarbfreshwell.co.uk/
I expect with such a high HbA1C you will be put on some medication, the first thing is normally metformin, which is usually started at a low dose and increased over a few weeks so your body can better tolerate it as it is renowned for causing stomach issues in some people. Taking with food will help.
The Learning Zone here is also a good source of information. Do ask any questions you have.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @angelaofthenorth (great username!)

Well done on beating the demon drink - that shows real willpower and stickability.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis with T2.

Diabetes is a potentially serious condition, but it’s also one that can usually be managed well with a few changes and adaptations - it’s something that you can learn to live well with, and it shouldn’t stop you doing things you enjoy. Try not to be disheartened about your diagnosis, many people on the forum later reflect that their diagnosis became a kind of catalyst which prompted them to make positive changes towards a healthier and more active life. Perhaps changes that they had been intending to make for years.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

HI All
Thanks for the replies @everydayupsanddowns and @Leadinglights. I haven't actually been diagnosed with Type 2, it was my dermatologist who discovered ridiculously high levels. He has referred me to my GP so waiting for that. I've bought a blood glucose monitor and just got my first reading and its 21.6!! I'm starting to think this may be type 3 because I have had pancreatitis in the past twice, although that was over 7 years ago.

 

[Leadinglights]

HI All
Thanks for the replies @everydayupsanddowns and @Leadinglights. I haven't actually been diagnosed with Type 2, it was my dermatologist who discovered ridiculously high levels. He has referred me to my GP so waiting for that. I've bought a blood glucose monitor and just got my first reading and its 21.6!! I'm starting to think this may be type 3 because I have had pancreatitis in the past twice, although that was over 7 years ago.

@angelaofthenorth . Do you have a means of testing for ketones, a urine dip sticks can be bought from the pharmacy as that is a very high glucose reading.
I would advise you should contact your GP asap and report that high level.

 

[rebrascora]

HI All
Thanks for the replies @everydayupsanddowns and @Leadinglights. I haven't actually been diagnosed with Type 2, it was my dermatologist who discovered ridiculously high levels. He has referred me to my GP so waiting for that. I've bought a blood glucose monitor and just got my first reading and its 21.6!! I'm starting to think this may be type 3 because I have had pancreatitis in the past twice, although that was over 7 years ago.

I think you need to ring your GP surgery and make an appointment pronto with levels that high. The referral from the dermatologist might get lost or someone not pick up on the necessity to contact you. Unfortunately, with the NHS being in crisis these days, you need to be quite proactive to get prompt and appropriate treatment. Please make an appointment ASAP and get the ball rolling.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

So is that reading very high even for people with diabetes?

 

[Proud to be erratic]

So is that reading very high even for people with diabetes?

Yes.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

Yes.

Hi I notice you have type 3c diabetes presumably because of your pancreatectomy - do think that could be me because people are saying its too high even for type 2. I have had pancreas problems

 

[rebrascora]

So is that reading very high even for people with diabetes?

Yes. It isn't a "Go straight to A&E, do not pass GO" sort of reading ie a reading in the 30s but it is definitely a reading that needs fairly prompt attention and a plan of action to start bringing it down.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

So is that reading very high even for people with diabetes?

Apologies, I should have said welcome and well done for joining dots and musing whether you could be T3c. Pancreatitis can and does damage the pancreas' insulin production capacity and thus the categorisation of T3c.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a very real risk from excessively elevated BG and I echo other comments, seek help promptly.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

im a bit overweight but nothing bad and have been losing weight

 

[rebrascora]

im a bit overweight but nothing bad and have been losing weight

Being a bit overweight can cloud the issue because doctors and nurses tend to assess diabetes based on clinical factors and excess weight (even just a little and lets face it, most of us are carrying some excess) and/or more mature age are indicators of Type 2, so it is an easy assumption to make and most primary care clinicians have not even heard of Type 3c Diabetes so would not even think of it.
Weight loss can be a bit of a concern particularly if it is happening quickly or a bit too easily because it can indicate that your body is going into ketosis where it burns fat instead of carbs. The reason it does this may be because it can't produce enough insulin to use the glucose in your blood for energy, so the body starts to live off it's own reserves. It would be wise to get some Ketostix and test your urine for ketones to keep yourself safe with BG levels persistently above mid teens.. They can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies for about £5.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

The being overweight can cloud the issue because doctors and nurses tend to assess diabetes bases on clinical factors and excess weight and or more mature age are indicators of Type 2, so it is an easy assumption to make and most primary care clinicians have not even heard of Type 3c Diabetes so would not even think of it.
Weight loss can be a bit of a concern particularly if it is happening quickly or a bit too easily because it can indicate that your body is going into ketosis where it burns fat instead of carbs. The reason it does this may be because it can't produce enough insulin to use the glucose in your blood for energy, so the body starts to live off it's own reserves. It would be wise to get some Ketostix and test your urine for ketones to keep yourself safe with BG levels persistently above mid teens.. They can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies for about £5.

Thanks so much. Why is ketosis what people aim for in those diets then? if its so dangerous?

 

[angelaofthenorth]

does anyone know how to change my 'Relationship to Diabetes' status? Just I assumed I must be Type 2 because thought that people who have type 1 have it from birth.

 

[rebrascora]

Thanks so much. Why is ketosis what people aim for in those diets then? if its so dangerous?

Ketosis is fine if you are able to produce enough insulin to keep your BG levels low. It is the combination of high BG and ketosis which is dangerous because the high BG causes the blood to become a bit acidic and this results in a toxic combination with the ketones. This is why it is called Diabetic KetoAcidosis.... usually shortened to DKA and can put people in a coma and cause organ damage in severe cases even death. Testing for ketones is therefore important when BG levels are high.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

Hi I notice you have type 3c diabetes presumably because of your pancreatectomy - do think that could be me because people are saying its too high even for type 2. I have had pancreas problems

I don't know a great deal about pancreatitis, as such. I got here via a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis and surgery. But I have seen several posts from people who have had previous pancreatitis issues that have led, eventually, to diabetes. Some have then been categorised as T2 (erroneously in my non-medical opinion) and struggled under their GP Surgery supervision. Others become T3c and then, usually end up under hospital based spec D teams.

Unsurprisingly, there is a need for a balance between pancreatitis problems, diabetes management and (for some) post surgical problems. I had a lot of post op difficulties for over 2 years and of course there is an underlying cancer threat for me - fortunately very much in the background. There is now an official Pancreatic Cancer (PC) website as well as info findable from the NHS for PC and pancreatitis; but PC is not necessarily relevant for yourself.

 

[Leadinglights]

I have always been puzzled by my other half's mother now 96 years old who had severe pancreatitis requiring surgery to save her life when she was in Rhodesia about 50 years ago, the family are not sure exactly what was done but she has never had any suggestion of any type of diabetes or enzyme deficiency. The only thing was, she found dairy products upset her stomach.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

Struggling to keep up here !!!

does anyone know how to change my 'Relationship to Diabetes' status?

Are you talking about the category you've defined in your signature for this forum - or how the NHS see you on your medical records.

Just I assumed I must be Type 2 because thought that people who have type 1 have it from birth.

By no means T1 just from birth. By chance I replied elsewhere to a thread Type2 or Type1. See

https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/type-2-or-type-1.102577/#post-1205598.

 

[angelaofthenorth]

I was just referring to the status on this forum