Slow burn Type 1

[Gooner9]

Hi all, docs yesterday, a new GP, he agreed with the diabetic nurse completely, called in my normal GP who unusually was most interested! Been referred to the diabetic specialist at my local hospital, did a urine sample which presented something that that tied in with type 1.5 and am having an antibody blood test on Monday. Also been put on Glicazide 80mg x4 daily, along side metformin 500g x4 daily and been advised to check my BS levels to make sure I don't drop too low, can't see that happening. Yesterday fasting blood was 25.4 and today was 11.1 so maybe he's right!! Will let you know how I get on,

 

[Gooner9]

I am also a type 1.5, only that diagnosis didn't come until 3 years after I was diagnosed type 2 and ended up in hospital with DKA. Trust me, you don't want to go down that route so I would agree with Northerner and ask your GP about the antibody tests, rather than having to (possibly) waste time trying other tablets that it sounds as though your nurse doesn't think will help.

Hiya, sorry, what is DKA and what should I look out for? Thanks 🙂

 

[grovesy]

It is very high blood sugar's along with the presence of Keytones. You would most probably feel very unwell.

 

[Gooner9]

It is very high blood sugar's along with the presence of Keytones. You would most probably feel very unwell.

Thanks, how high is very high? I can reach late 20s with no notable effects, the doctor said that I've just got used to it which is a tad worrying

 

[grovesy]

Well that is very high I think most montiors only record into the low 30's.

 

[Northerner]

Thanks, how high is very high? I can reach late 20s with no notable effects, the doctor said that I've just got used to it which is a tad worrying

Although your blood sugar levels are very high, you must still be producing some insulin which is helping to reduce the risk of DKA. DKA is Diabetic Keto-Acidosis, and is a situation where, in the absence of insulin, your body cannot use the glucose from carbs for energy and has to burn fat and possibly protein (like muscle fibre). This process produces something called ketones as a by-product. People produce these ketones naturally when they are losing weight on a diet, but when you don't have sufficient insulin they can build up in your blood, turning it acidic. This can make you VERY sick and also put all your major organs at risk and is a medical emergency 😱

Have you been given anything to allow you to check for ketones? They can be detected in urine, using a pee stick, but it is better (more accurate and timely) to check for ketones in the blood, using test strips similar to glucose test strips - there are a couple of meters that can test both glucose and ketones, the Abbott Freestyle Optium is one I'm aware of. If not, ask your GP for a meter and ketone strips. Most people have a low level of ketones at times, they are only a danger when they build up. I had DKA at diagnosis because my body simply was not producing enough insulin to help clear away the ketones. It's a particular problem for undiagnosed children because their Type 1 can strike very quickly.

Gliclizide stimulates your pancreas to produce more insulin, this is how it helps lower your levels. However, I've heard it said that it can increase the speed at which your pancreas deteriorates by forcing it to overproduce. Conversely, I've heard it said that starting on insulin injections can 'rest' the pancreas to some degree, thus preserving the beta cell function you currently have. Hopefully, your test on Monday will provide confirmation of your type and you will get the appropriate treatment very soon after 🙂

 

[Rosiecarmel]

Well that is very high I think most montiors only record into the low 30's.

This is true. Most meters go up to 33mmol. Anything over that and it just reads HIGH.