D-2 or not D-2
“Type 1.5 LADA is one of several names now applied to those who are diagnosed with diabetes as adults, but who do not immediately require insulin for treatment, are often not overweight, and have little or no resistance to insulin. When special lab tests are done, they are found to have antibodies, especially GAD65 antibodies, that attack their beta cells. This sort of diabetes is sometimes called Slow Onset Type 1 or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults or LADA.
About 15% to 20% of people diagnosed as “Type 2″ actually have this type. They are often diagnosed as Type 2 because they are older and will initially respond to diabetes medications because they have adequate insulin production. The treatment the person is first put on may be diet, exercise, and standard Type 2 medications.” http://www.diabetesnet.com/
People who were originally diagnosed at Type 2 are being re-diagnosed as Type 1.5 or LADA.
Their bodies at first responded to the Type 2 therapy and then started not be so sensitive. When this happens start questioning your doctor about are you really a Type 2 and not a Type 1.5. I mentored a young lady that was having a super hard time trying to maintain her blood glucose levels and was having protiens in her urine. I suggested her to go see and Endo. instead of the general practioner. From her description of his care, I felt she was not getting proper treatment and strongly recommended she take the hour drive to an Endo. She told me the Endo diagnosed her as a Type 1.5 instead of a Type 2. People can be misdiagnosed due to race and weight factors. This was the situation with this person.
This is not all ways the fault of the doctor or Endo for the wrong diagnoses of Type 2. A person who is ultimately Type 1.5 will show signs of both Type 1 and Type 2 but will eventually start moving towards Type 1. I would encourage you to research this on any of the various medical websites for in depth information.
If you are experiencing high blood glucose levels and overall do not feel your therapy is helping you then start asking questions of your doctor. Ask them can they prove you still are producing insulin. Ask is it possible to take a C-peptide test for antibodies. Type 2 diabetics will not have antibodies in their system because their pancreas is not been attacked by the immune system. Type 1′s will exhibit antibodies. As I have stated before this is your health! There is no question or concern that is too small or silly!
