I'm irked that the ADA only recognizes three types of diabetes...

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Permalink Reply by Kim on April 14, 2009 at 9:02pm

I hear Ya !! come join us at Orphan Diabetics in forms--Cheers

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 7:39am

Hi Kim,
Actually, I've tried unsuccessfully to join the orphans at "Orphan diabetics." I can't find the Orphan diabetics forum. As you seemed to point out, I clicked on "Forum" but Orphan diabetics is not listed under that category plus I tried entering Orphan Diabetics in the search block on the left hand side of the page to no avail as that doesn't seem to bring up an Orphan group either. I believe I saw a post from you somewhere indicating that part of your pancreas was removed surgically. Was that post on the Orphan diabetics page? Also, recently, I was not successful in finding and joining the new exercise support group. Additional help would be appreciated in joining.
Best regards, Lucy

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Permalink Reply by landileigh on April 14, 2009 at 10:59pm

Actually, the ADA does recognize ALL 4 forms of Diabetes. (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Other) They were the first to adopt the World Health Organizations clarifications in 1997.

To Clarify your points.
(1) Is classified as "Other Types of Diabetes" the fourth type of diabetes
(2) Type 1.5 is something that people in diabetes communities use as a type, but it is actually a form of Type 1.

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 8:08am

Hi landileigh,
Thanks for the reply. However, my point is that the ADA didn't even have a one paragraph blurb to send out to me about diabetes as a result of pancreatic resection/excavation surgery or pancreatitis. If I recall correctly, I was sent info specific to type 1 and type 2 diabetes and not about postoperative or pancreatic or pancreatogenic diabetes or any "Other types of Diabetes" other than gestational. I recognize that even though the pathophysiology is different from that of diabetes type 1 and 2, postoperative and pancreatic diabetes has the same type of complications and the same long term complications and every diabetic is different. However, I needed info about my situation (pancreatitis & pancreatic surgery) and couldn't find anything at the library or through the ADA to clarify what my surgeon and other specialists were telling me. Best regards, Lucy

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 12:31pm

Thanks landileigh for starting the Orphan group--I joined today--and for posting the "Classifications of "Others" from the World Health Organization and adopted by the ADA" on the Orphan group page, Lucy

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Permalink Reply by sugarrbabie on April 15, 2009 at 7:49am

this form mentioned is actually a group. this link will take you to the group. best of luck!

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 12:29pm

Thanks sugarrbabie for providing me with the link to the Orphan group, Lucy

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Permalink Reply by Dave on April 15, 2009 at 8:42am

Type 1.5 is not a type of diabetes, it is just the half way marker to becoming a full type 1 diabetic. I can say I was type 1.5 but now I am a full type 1. It is often miss-diagnosed because primary care doctors don't usually test for anti-bodies nor do they run a c-peptide test. In the end it is just a label. Personally type 1 and type 2 should have totally different names because they are two totally different diseases that should not be looked at in the same way.

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 12:22pm

Hi David Wendel,
Your post is distressing to me. Because when my doctor told me that I'm not a type 1 nor a type 2 but most similar to a type 1, she also mentioned that I could be labeled a type 1.5, which was confusing: type 1.5 = latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood. Yikes, I hope she was not indicating that I am half way to becoming a full type 1 diabetic, requiring insulin. Prior to my surgery, I was on Levemir 8 mg at bedtime and after surgery, Levemir was reduced to 4 mg. However, I gained almost nine pounds post operation by increasing carbs in my diet (per diabetes education classes) and getting less exercise over the winter; hence, my fasting and after meals meter readings slowly increased with a most recent A1C of 6.9. So...Januvia 100mg was prescribed to replace the insulin a month ago, and I'll concerned that Januvia will cause my remaining pancreatic function to burn out. Woe is me, Lucy

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Permalink Reply by Dave on April 15, 2009 at 12:43pm

I could be wrong but usually people who say they are type 1.5 are people such as myself who at age 33 were diagnosed with diabetes. The 1.5 part comes in because my pancreas still produced some insulin and as time went on it produced less and less to the point where now I am a full type 1 and produce no insulin. Do you have antibodies? If so you are most likely on your way to becoming a full type 1. If you don't have antibodies but because you had surgery and your pancreas no longer produce insulin then you probably could say type 1.5 because you are not insulin resistant like a type 2 but your pancreas still makes a little insulin but does not make enough to cover all the carbs from the foods you eat. Think of your pancreas like a lemon, you will only get so much juice from squeezing it, similar to you Januvia comment.

If you A1c is a 6.9 you may want to go on insulin so that you have better control and so that you can lower your A1c to the low 6 range and it would help you from over taxing your pancreas.

I am sorry for distressing you that was not my intent-Dave

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Permalink Reply by Lucile K. on April 15, 2009 at 1:54pm

David Wendel,
My pancreas is what it is--that is, likely functioning at 50%. So I regret writing that your post is distressing me; sorry. It's any unknown complications and long-term complications from Januvia--specifically, potential loss of remaining pancreatic function that distresses me. Also, I don't have antibodies, and you are correct that I'm not insulin resistant like a type 2 but my pancreas still makes some insulin but not enough to cover all the carbs eaten. Thanks for your replies. I appreciate posts like yours, which should help me ask important questions at my next doc appointment, regarding my diabetes treatment. Lucy

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Permalink Reply by Kim on April 15, 2009 at 7:43pm

Januvia works in two ways to help the body regulate high blood sugar levels: they trigger the pancreas to increase the release of insulin and signal the liver to reduce its production of glucose for a longer period of time that normal. I was on Januvia for a while but stoped because it did not work to well for me. I was also told that it is unlikey that you can burn out your pancreas. it will stop functioning because of other things.--cheers--Kim

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