Old to diabetes type 2, new to type 1.5!

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JohnS

JohnS

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1.5 LADA
Hi all.
I was first diagnosed with type 2 over 40 years ago but had trouble controlling my levels. Some 15 years ago I was put on insulin which was (in terms of control) wonderful!
Being a fit 73 year old ( BMI 23, keen club runner) I have always wondered “why me?” Anyway at my annual check up my doctor announced that I was now a type 1.5 (Latent Auto Immune Diabetes or LADA) having exhibited typical symptoms which was very interesting and provoked much searching of internet sites to learn more about it. It is interesting to read other people’s experiences with this condition.
 
I don't have 1.5 - but it's a sneaky so and so because it frequently mimics T2 for some time - days weeks months years even decades and responds perfectly well to standard T2 treatment including those drugs - then stops doing that and decides to only respond to insulin, just as if they'd labelled it T1 in the first place.

And why 'me' ? Exactly the same reason I was diagnosed with T1 50 years ago - because I was born with the genes I have.

In my case I had a viral infection which caused my body to not be able to cope and sent my immune system into overdrive and kill off my Beta cells as well as the gastric virus. You haven't had that bit.

Anyway, hopefully they've prescribed a sensible basal/bolus regime with nice modern insulins rather than sticking you on mixed insulin that can't be adjusted. Which insulins have they prescribed?
 
welcome to the forum @JohnS, I am late bloomer at 53 my pancreas does join in when it wants to. initally I was told type 2 but my nurse was switched on enough get a GAD antibody test done.

I have learnt so much from others on the Forum.
 
trophywench said:
I don't have 1.5 - but it's a sneaky so and so because it frequently mimics T2 for some time - days weeks months years even decades and responds perfectly well to standard T2 treatment including those drugs - then stops doing that and decides to only respond to insulin, just as if they'd labelled it T1 in the first place.

And why 'me' ? Exactly the same reason I was diagnosed with T1 50 years ago - because I was born with the genes I have.

In my case I had a viral infection which caused my body to not be able to cope and sent my immune system into overdrive and kill off my Beta cells as well as the gastric virus. You haven't had that bit.

Anyway, hopefully they've prescribed a sensible basal/bolus regime with nice modern insulins rather than sticking you on mixed insulin that can't be adjusted. Which insulins have they prescribed?
Click to expand...
I am currently on Lantus (Glargine) insulin that I take daily (and have done for ~15 years. I was also taking 3 metformin daily but that has now been reduced to two, still working out how that will affect my readings now my insulin has been increased to 25 units daily
 
Welcome to the forum @JohnS

Intriguing that your classification has just been switched without you having to implore to have your classification re-checked.

LADA is sometimes seen as a bit of a hybrid between T1 and T2, but many of our members seem to find it most helpful to have both basal (background) insulin, and bolus (mealtime) insulin, so that doses can be adjusted according the carbohydrate content of the meals.

This should also make your running earlier, because you would expect to need far less basal insulin if you also have bolus insulin. And once basal insulin is ‘in’ you can’t turn it off 🙂
 
Thanks, that’s very interesting. Currently having trouble keeping my levels correct since dropping lunchtime metformin.
As you say it will make running easier especially as I have to decide in the morning what dose to inject and can’t change it if I decide to go out in the evening. I will bring it up with my doctor when I see him in 3-4 weeks time.
 
I agree that managing your levels just with a basal insulin (Lantus) will be difficult especially if you run and a quick acting insulin to deal with the food you eat plus a (probably) smaller dose of the Lantus would enable you to balance your levels better. On this 2 insulin system (basal/bolus regime), you would also be entitled to ask for Freestyle Libre sensors which would enable you to check your levels whilst you are running by scanning a sensor on your arm and potentially keep you safer. It also samples your levels every few minutes and stores the data so that you can see what is happening day and night and adjust your doses and the timing of them to keep levels more in range and more stable.
I would mention all this to your doctor and perhaps ask for a referral to a specialist clinic who will be more switched on about your type of diabetes and enable you to access better support and technology. Essentially LADA is a slow onset Type 1 so you should have access to the same support and technology as Type 1s.
 
I had a recent GAD test that showed positive for antibodies, so officially LADA. I was referred to the diabetes clinic at our local hospital and the change in treatment has been incredible!
I now have a Libre 2, am having my insulin changed and I am being monitored for bolus insulin. I feel like I have turned a corner at last!
 
JohnS said:
I had a recent GAD test that showed positive for antibodies, so officially LADA. I was referred to the diabetes clinic at our local hospital and the change in treatment has been incredible!
I now have a Libre 2, am having my insulin changed and I am being monitored for bolus insulin. I feel like I have turned a corner at last!
Click to expand...

So pleased to hear your results have come back and made such a huge difference to you. Great to hear you are getting appropriate insulin and monitoring support at last.

Just a shame the same isn't available to appropriate T2s too :(
 
Hoo flippin rah ! Thanks for telling us your latest, so many people just disappear after asking their first question so it's anyone's guess whether the hive mind of the forum has really assisted them or not.
 
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