Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Hi. I would suspect Type 2 from what you have said because you aren't taking a fast acting insulin (Lantus is a base or long acting). If you had type 1, it would mean your pancreas was completely not producing insulin (ie. your islets of langerhans which is the part of the pancreas that produces insulin is dead). It sounds like you are still producing insulin but your pancreas needs a little help. So, either it is type 2 or your doctor isn't giving you the correct therapy you need to treat type 1. Hope this helps. Please ask you doctor and if they don't know, it's a good sign to switch Drs. Another way to tell is ask for an A1C (blood test). If it is below 8 with current therapy, probably type 2 and control is ok (should be under 7 in an ideal world, but I find it hard to achieve this; mine is currently 7.8). If over 8, I'd be asking the Dr. some more questions about changing the therapy you're on. Good luck and feel free to message me with questions.

You sound like typical type 2.

Type 2 is when your body does not make enough insulin, or use it properly. A type 2 may continue to make insulin or may stop making insulin. There may be enough insulin resistance to effectively nullify the insulin produced.

Type 1 is a completely different disease. It is an autoimmune disease that antibodies cause the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. The most common antibodies responsible for type 1 is GAD 65, though there are some others. These can be identified with a blood test. This is the most sure way of verifying type however there may be antibodies we aren't aware of.

A small child, not overweight has little reason to be tested. They are typically type 1. Adults, especially if they tend to be heavy are typically type 2 and may not need testing. I am LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). My diagnosis as a type 1 was done by the lab.

Contrary to what some people think It is possible for type 1 to produce insulin for a time. Unless something happens a person would not suddenly, completely loose their insulin production. The ADA just started recommending that LADA begin using insulin immediately, though orals or even just diet might work for a time. This is in order to preserve what can be saved of the insulin production.

Type is not determined by treatment. As advances are made it is becoming more important that, especially type 1s, know what type they are. A cure for type 1 would be being able to eliminate or somehow reverse the antibodies.

The way for you to know for sure is to have your doctor test for antibodies.

If I have not explained this sufficiently feel free to ask questions.
Betty

Hey Betty...awesome explanation. Couldn't have said it better!