The new guy

[themrkoala]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ross.

I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes. Originally it was a type 2 diagnoses, then I got a call from my doctor to say it may actually be type one.

I think I'm going to be type 1.5 to be honest.

I'm not going to lie here guys. It's really hard. Life was throwing my curveball after curveball already but this has hit me harder than I would like. My wife, my friends and colleagues have all be really supportive but I just fid it really hard.

I'm hoping that if others have been through similar feelings you have some words of encouragement or advice because things are really hard right now.

 

[helli]

Welcome @themrkoala
I think it is important to get the right diagnosis.
You may find it easier to focus on Type 1 as type 1.5 is at best ambiguous and at worst unknown.
The important thing is getting the treatment you need which should include a referral to a dedicated diabetes clinic rather than a GP based DSN.
Once you have the right treatment for the right type of diabetes, things should get easier.

Are you willing to share a little more about your current treatment?

 

[themrkoala]

Welcome @themrkoala
I think it is important to get the right diagnosis.
You may find it easier to focus on Type 1 as type 1.5 is at best ambiguous and at worst unknown.
The important thing is getting the treatment you need which should include a referral to a dedicated diabetes clinic rather than a GP based DSN.
Once you have the right treatment for the right type of diabetes, things should get easier.

Are you willing to share a little more about your current treatment?

Hi,

I'm currently on Gliclazide (80mg in the morning, 40mg in the evening) and Metformin (500mg daily). I'm producing insulin currently but the antibody test shows that I'm eventually going to stop and will become reliant on insulin injections.

I've had a meeting with the diabetes clinic at my local hospital and they are in contact weekly to monitor things and update my medication. Hopefully things become a little clearer soon.

 

[lauramwatt]

Hi Ross! I hope you're well this morning 🙂

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with your diagnosis- it's definitely a difficult thing to get to grips with and accept, but having the support of your friends and family will be invaluable throughout your journey with diabetes. I really glad to hear that you have such a good established support network, as being diagnosed can be a very isolating experience.
It can also be very overwhelming, and you have a lot of questions I'm sure, but the people on this forum are fantastic at offering support, advice, and reassurance. Please make sure to ask any questions you have here 🙂

 

[silver minion]

Hi @themrkoala and welcome to the forum. Regardless of what type of diabetes you are diagnosed with, it can be really overwhelming. Be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time as much as you are able to. It's good that you have plenty of support at home.
Does anyone else in your family have diabetes? If not there is lots of knowledge on this forum from people who have been living with diabetes for decades. A lot of us have been where you are and the uncertainty will lessen as you learn more about how to manage your diabetes. Wishing you well on your journey with diabetes. Share your frustrations and your successes with us and ask plenty of questions.

 

[helli]

I'm currently on Gliclazide (80mg in the morning, 40mg in the evening) and Metformin (500mg daily). I'm producing insulin currently but the antibody test shows that I'm eventually going to stop and will become reliant on insulin injections.

I will start with the huge caveat that I have not medical training.
My understanding is that glicazide works by forcing the beta cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin.
My other understanding is that giving beta cells a "rest" by injecting insulin as soon as possible helps them last longer.
Therefore, my understanding is that glicazide is not recommended for people with Type 1 (or which LADA is a varient).

Hopefully, someone with more knowledge than I can correct/confirm my understanding.

You have not mentioned any dietary changes. With your corrected diagnosis, this is not required. Type 1 diabetes does not necessitate a dietary change. Unlike type 2, Type 1 is managed by insulin not diet. Eating a low carb diet will hide the Type 1 symptoms and may delay the appropriate treatment.

 

[Inka]

Hi,

I'm currently on Gliclazide (80mg in the morning, 40mg in the evening) and Metformin (500mg daily). I'm producing insulin currently but the antibody test shows that I'm eventually going to stop and will become reliant on insulin injections.

I've had a meeting with the diabetes clinic at my local hospital and they are in contact weekly to monitor things and update my medication. Hopefully things become a little clearer soon.

If you have the Type 1 antibodies then that’s a big indicator that you’re Type 1. What you’ve described - still producing insulin but will eventually stop - is the same for all Type 1s. The auto-immune attack attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells over time. Initially the remaining beta cells can make up for the loss of the destroyed cells, and it’s only until around 80% of the beta cells have been destroyed that the Type 1 becomes apparent, as the remaining beta cells can no longer control the blood sugar.

Those remaining beta cells will eventually be killed off too, but early introduction of insulin relieves the burden on them, allowing them to rest and often recover a little temporarily. As @helli says, Gliclazide on the other hand can potentially hasten their demise.

You’re only in your 30s. That’s not an uncommon age to be diagnosed as Type 1, so you’re not alone. More adults than children are diagnosed Type1, but a number of adults are mistakenly diagnosed as Type 2 first. So you’re not alone in that either. 🙂

 

[mashedupmatt]

Hi @themrkoala and welcome to the forum - I'm totally with @Inka on this one - The docs initially said I was T2 but immediately did an Antibody test and it was changed (within a couple of weeks) to T1 - and as @helli says, this 1.5 LADA stuff is not very helpful at all IMO - you should be treated as T1 as it is an auto-immune condition - yes you will be producing some insulin but if you have the antibodies this will diminish over time (I have doubled my insulin intake in the past 6 months, as my beta-cell production has deteriorated (the so called "Honeymoon Period" - which it is anything but!)) - However horrible it seems at the moment (And I'm only 2 1/2 years in) it 100% will get easier as you learn more about the way your body behaves (to food, exercise, alcohol etc. etc.) - I'm not going to say its easy, because is it isn't but you will come through it - there are so many helpful and supportive people on this forum who can share their experiences and help you - you are definitely in the right place - good luck, and don't be a stranger - don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have, however trivial you may think they are, you will not be judged here, and remember, you are not alone