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Recently diagnosed,type 2

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Jamie M

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all,I was diagnosed type 2 just after lockdown in March.Last August I was diagnosed
with pancreatic cancer and was operated on in September.The surgeon left me with
the head of the pancreas in the hope that it would prevent diabetes but unfortunately
it didn’t so I’m now diabetic.I have been on the site many times and can see there is a lot of help out there for newbies like myself and I hope to participate in the forum from time to time.
 
Welcome to the forum @Jamie M

Glad you have ‘de-lurked’ 🙂

And well done for surviving pancreatic cancer - that’s no mean feat!

I think diabetes as a result of a full or partial pancreatectomy would make you Type 3c, which is one of the rarer and snazzier types. We have a few 3cs on the forum to compare notes with, along with several ‘creonistas’ who need to take Creon as their pancreas cannot supply enough.

@eggyg, @Hepato-pancreato and @mikeyB might have some thoughts to share 🙂

Feel free to ask any questions you may have, nothing will be thought of as too obvious or ‘silly’.
 
Hi Jamie and welcome.

It sounds like you are more Type 3c than Type 2 and should probably be treated as a Type1. We have a few Type 3c members here so hopefully some of them will also be along to welcome you and perhaps explain things from their experience.... @eggyg I am sure is one of them.

What have they given you medication wise? I assume you have been given insulin. If so, which ones and how are you managing with it/them.... hopefully they have started you on a basal/bolus system of injections.

Your remaining pancreas picked a right bad time to grind to a halt that's for sure. Lockdown must have been really difficult for everyone newly diagnosed as there has been so much less support available but the forum is certainly here to take up the slack.
There is a huge wealth of experience and knowledge so feel free to tap into it and ask anything that you get stuck with.
 
Hi Jamie - if you tell us a bit more about the things that others have already asked, you'll be more than likely to get much more relevant assistance from everyone here - so fire away!
 
Thanks for the replies,first time I’ve heard of 3c.The diabetic nurse who I’ve seen twice was quite emphatic that it was type 2 as I had asked her was I type 1 or type 2.I am on insulin humilin m 3 I believe.I have been testing myself twice a day,about a half hour be breakfast and the same before my evening meal.In the morning I take 9mmol
and evening it’s 14mmol.Since March my bloods have been between 5 and 9 which the nurse told me was fine.I do excercise,I run in the mornings and cycle in the evenings.I can find the time as I am furloughed at the moment but will be pushed to keep it up when I’m back at work.Any help on the site would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks for the replies,first time I’ve heard of 3c

There is some more information on 3c here

 
Do you happen to hold a driving licence?
 
Yes,I’ve sorted it out with Swansea .My license has been downgraded to a 3 yearly license then I must be reassessed.
Although it is irritating, it is now hassle doing this every three years, and providing allis well with your levels it causes no problems.

Welcome to the forum. Glad that you have found us.
Do fire away with any questions. There is plenty of help available on here.
 
Morning @Jamie M. I too have had a distal pancreatectomy and just have the head of the pancreas left, it’s almost 13 years since mine and the head is useless now, but I’m still here and that’s what’s important. As the others have said you are definitely Type 3c, like you I was told I was Type 2 but really it makes no sense does it? I’m sharing my story with you to give you ideas of what to do next, it’s not surprising that you haven’t heard of Type 3c as most health care professionals haven’t either! If you need any questions answered please, please ask. Elaine.
PS keep educating yourself, push for the correct treatment and keep coming on the forum, this is where I have learnt most of what I know, if it wasn’t for this forum I don’t know what sort of state I would be in!

 
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Although it is irritating, it is now hassle doing this every three years, and providing allis well with your levels it causes no problems.

Welcome to the forum. Glad that you have found us.
Do fire away with any questions. There is plenty of help available on here.
Yes tbh Iwas a bit worried I may have lost it all together.
 
Morning @Jamie M. I too have had a distal pancreatectomy and just have the head of the pancreas left, it’s almost 13 years since mine and the head is useless now. As the others have said you are definitely Type 3c, like you I was told I was Type 2 but really it makes no sense does it? I’m sharing my story with you, link below, and if you need any questions answered please, please ask. Elaine.

Hi Elaine,thanks for the reply.Its good to hear your 13 years down the line.I was completely ignorant of diabetes and I am learning everyday.Only heard of type 3c yesterday so it was a bit of a shock.I am going to speak to the diabetes nurse as soon as I can and let her know what’s been said on the forum.
 
I too was ignorant of diabetes and just accepted what I was told initially, as you do. How is your recovery going from the op, it’s pretty major surgery, did they take your spleen as well? I’m assuming you’re on Creon with your meals/ snacks etc. I bet you haven’t been told that it can mess with your blood glucose levels, I only learnt that during a Google search, it’s possible you will still be producing some of your own insulin, I did for almost three years, and so trying to control your BGs could be a bit more troublesome than most. It’s all a learning curve and we’re here to help you. No question is silly ( some of the answers might be, we didn’t lose our sense of humour when we were diagnosed!) and if we don’t know the answer we can point you in the right direction. Elaine.
 
I too was ignorant of diabetes and just accepted what I was told initially, as you do. How is your recovery going from the op, it’s pretty major surgery, did they take your spleen as well? I’m assuming you’re on Creon with your meals/ snacks etc. I bet you haven’t been told that it can mess with your blood glucose levels, I only learnt that during a Google search, it’s possible you will still be producing some of your own insulin, I did for almost three years, and so trying to control your BGs could be a bit more troublesome than most. It’s all a learning curve and we’re here to help you. No question is silly ( some of the answers might be, we didn’t lose our sense of humour when we were diagnosed!) and if we don’t know the answer we can point you in the right direction. Elaine.
Hi Eggyg.I made a good recovery from the op.Was back at work after 4 months.Sure I was tired when I came home but I seen that as part of my recovery.I was never put on creon although it was mentioned.Apart from being really dry I had no other signs of diabetes.I mentioned this to the oncologist during a phone conversation and he made the arrangements with the diabetes nurse.Yes they did take my spleen away as well.I have wondered if my pancreas is working just a little,I suspect it is. I’ve been lucky and never experienced any hypos and my blood sugars have never been under 5 and over 9 since I started on insulin.
 
So you know when you drive, do you only ever drive within 2 hours after testing your blood?
 
That's Ok then, I've never had that regimented a lifestyle to accommodate that.
 
Yes tbh Iwas a bit worried I may have lost it all together.
They will do a check with your consultant and also ask you about hypos during the day and your awareness. Alllimportant for our ability to drive, so it makes sense.
 
Hi Jamie

I think very few know much about Diabetes before diagnosis. I knew so little which is why it is such a steep learning curve at the start. Just take things step by step and keep the questions coming.
 
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