Jason has struggled for several years to control his type 2 diabetes. Despite eating pretty well, exercising, following doctor's orders about medications, and even the type 2 last resort of Lantus (long lasting insulin), his A1c values continued to be too high. Comments about losing weight, eating better, exercising more, just getting it under control were not helpful. They often came from well meaning people, but the pressure it creates is not helpful. At. All.
After Seth was diagnosed with type 1, I began researching to learn all I could to help him. I stumbled across some new numbers. Type 3 diabetes is a nonmedical term used to describe caregivers of diabetics; that's me! I never dreamed I would have a diabetes number, but now I do. Then I saw type 1.5 diabetes. As I read more, I began to think it described Jason....diabetics that might be slightly overweight but having poor control. It's basically slow onset type 1 that is often misdiagnosed as type 2, the best I can understand. The ADA doesn't distinguish it from type 1. I encouraged Jason to discuss it with his doctor at his next appointment. That appointment was today. The doctor agreed that he was misdiagnosed, and changed his diagnosis to type 1.5, also known as LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). Previous treatment plan scrapped completely, as it was a completely inappropriate treatment plan for a type 1. No wonder control has been unattainable! New plan is in place, and I am hopeful it will work fabulously. We are a family determined to KDA.
On a positive note, Seth's endo appointment was today also. A1c was 7.3. This was the first A1c that included a full 3 months of treatment. I was thrilled! I continue to be so proud of his attitude and proactive approach to living with type 1 diabetes. The only thing that worries me is his unawareness of lows. He was 58 in the endo's office, but didn't realize he was low until she asked how he felt. It was then he realized his hands were shaking. Type 1 peeps/parents -will he likely learn to recognize it?
I'm a 21 year old T1D & April 1st will mark 2 years for me. I've always been good about feeling my lows until recently & I'm not sure why. Before though, I always felt them- sometimes I would feel them at 80, other times it was closer to 50. When I'm busy, like at work ( I waitress), & I go low I don't always notice it right away. I think it's because I have so much adrenaline running through me but as soon as I am able to stop & catch my breath then I'd notice it. I think it may take Seth some time to realize what low feels like but after that then he's going to have to learn to be constantly aware. It's just another addition in having to constantly be thinking about your diabetes. Good luck with this! Keep on KDA! (:
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie! Since I posted this, he has been feeling most of his lows in the 70s, a few in the mid 60s. He is learning to constantly pay attention to his body.
DeleteBeing diagnosed as a Type 1 as an adult certainly has it's challenges! I was diagnosed at age 21, and now I'm 40. I was actually at a good weight when I was diagnosed, but due to a ton of things too numerous to mention here, I've gained a lot of weight over the past 19 years. I'm one of the heaviest Type 1's I know, and I am now taking Metformin (a usual type 2 drug) to combat the insulin resistance I have. Keep on doing what you're doing - you sound like an awesome mom and wife!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Metformin was the only med the doctor kept him on. He is doing so well. It has not been easy, of course, but the improvement in how he feels has been incredible.
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