Hello to all the 1.5's out there.

Believe it or not today is the first day I have heard of Type 1.5. After reading about 1.5 it describes me... I have always wondered why I was diagnosed as Type 1 after a Type 2 diagnosis. Although, I will need to have the blood work to confirm I definetly feel that I am a Type 1.5.

I really trust my Dr to run the right test and find out what is goiong on...I am now concerned why they haven't run the test to see if I am actually a type 1.5 I see the red flags now - why havn't they?!?!? I have been seeing a Endo since 2006 and they just determined that I was Type 1 after running blood work for a pump. I was diagnosed in 2001 as Type 2 and oral medications did not work after a while and had to start Insulin in 2006.

Very interesting....

You can read more of my story at

www.betesbites.blogspot.com

I found out that I had diabetes type 2 about one and a half years ago. I had been on the SugarBusters for Life diet about 7 years ago due to a 99%blocked artery and the cardiologist recommended it. It worked until he decided to put me on Coreg which really wrecked my weight loss and caused me to catapult to 265 lbs. Then when the diabetes was diagnosed, by husband of 46 years cleaned the pantry and we replaced with it with whole wheat, no sugar or corn products. It is a real tough diet, but works on diabetes and you lose inches faster than lbs. However, I've lost approximately 45 lbs. I have alot of autoimmune disorders which require me to take loads of medications and I don't like that. However, my blood sugar stays pretty okay with this diet and we have learned to modify recipes to incorporate this diet. Pastry whole wheat flour is the best one to use for most everything and if you have access to a health food store that sells it is bulk, that is the best. I also use Splenda for cooking. Spaghetti can be bought that is whole wheat and if you purchase the expensive sauces, which contain no added sugar, and put ground meat in the sauce, it's pretty good. The answer is to be creative. Also watch the meat purchased at the local supermarket had additives to it and I have found a local meat market where I can buy meat that has no additives including pork loin roasts that have none either. Just a little advice from experience.

I was dx with type 2 last year at the age of 35. At subsequent visits I've been told that I am a type 1.5. I met with my doctor for the first time a month ago and he assumed that I was a type 1 because of my appearance. My blood glucose is pretty much under control so I'm sure it doesn't matter but I'm a little confused. What's a Type 1.5?

Here's a good explanation:

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/Diabetes_Definitions/Type_15_Diabetes

I appreciate the website info. Its much clearer now. I didn't know it was progessive.

Who is doing research in this area? Most that I have seen or heard of are doing lots of research for Type 2. Most doctors and diet specialist are geared towards losing weight and not trying to maintain weight. Very fustrating to say the least.

My mom showed classic type 1.5 thin and active yet high bs. She had to go on insulin but was always dx as a type 2. I am glad they finally found a connection with the type 1.5 at least some progess is happening.

TJ, it's an interesting article, but T1.5 is not "double diabetes". 1.5 was first adopted as a term (aka LADA =Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults) because T1 was previously known as "juvenile" diabetes. But you can get it at any age. T1.5 is different from T1 because it typically has a much slower onset. For a while T2 type meds often help a bit (increasing insulin sensitivity even in someone already senstive enough will lower insulin requirements) but eventually the person requires insulin. Although it may take several years. Not that many T1.5s are also insulin resisitant. Hence the name "double diabetes" which is any form of T1 which is also insulin resistant.

Because many docs are not fully aware that T1 is common enough in adults, it is often mistaken for T2. GAD antibody testing and c-peptide tests are often used to confirm diagnosis, but the antibody test may not always show positive. Eventually, the person will require insulin though, and the treatment of "old fashioned" T1 and T1.5 end up being the same. Carb counting, exercise, and insulin.

Cora

Just to add, while I'm not a fan of wiki (use it mainly for celebrity death dates) this is a very good description of LADA from their website.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latent_autoimmune_diabetes

Hi citycop are you on insulin then. I would assume you would have to be.

I am Type 1.5 too but my Endo just refers to me as Type 1 as it is the same autoimmune disease, just slower. No family history and a lot of doctors who shook their head at me when I had Gestational Diabetes with 2 pregnancies. Since my diagnosis I have been amazed at how common this disease is for thin women after pregnancy. Makes me wonder what is happening with our hormones and why?
They are doing research for this, it is the same research out there for Type 1 as the cure will be the same. There are researchers out there who believe a good cure is 5-10 years away. I sure hope so b/c my daughter and I have a date to eat candy for dinner on the day mommy is cured.

Remember to support the ADA and join a Step Out walk in your area. We are the answer to the cure for the worlds fastest growing disease.
Happy Diabetes Awareness Month!!