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The Question
05/11/09 12:31 PM

"Am I Type 1 or Type 2? What's in a name?"
Asked By: swobe  
Category: Newly Diagnosed

Background Info Hide
I'm newly diagnosed (about a month ago) blood sugar was near 400 when I saw my doctor, now averaging about 165, we are still working on bringing it down, had my first A1C last week and it was 10.6. When I first asked my docter I asked, "What type" she said "Two". Now she said I'm officially Type 1 because I'm on insulin and apparently that is an important distinction for insurance purposes. So what am I and does the name really matter? I'm still so new to all this so am learning daily!

Expert Answers (1)

05/19/09 08:43 AM

Dear Swobe,

Thank you for writing dLife.

There is a difference in the name. When you have type 1 diabetes, your body is not able to make enough of its own insulin to keep your blood glucose levels normal. People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to live. Because of this, type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, because it usually occured in childhood or adolescence. However, it may occur at any age. Approximately 1 out of every 10 people with diabetes has type 1.

In type 2 diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin (which is called insulin deficiency), or the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly (which is called insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. 9 out overy 10 people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.

To read more about the types of diabetes just click here.

Now, armed with this information, I encourage you to continue your conversation with your doctor.

Good Luck!

Answered By: Constance Brown-Riggs
Accreditations: MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN
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Community Answers (3)

06/22/09 09:54 AM

Hi glad I was able to help you. Belly fat is one of the reasons you are taking actos. Weight around the stomach causes insullin resistance. I wont promise you if you lose that weight you can go off of actos but it sure could help. I am not saying your doctor is wrong about the insurance thing but I have been labeled type 2 for 25 yrs and been on insulin that whole time. Never a problem getting all the insulin that I need. You also maybe having dawn phenomenom which the body raises your bs about 4 a.m. to get you reading for the day it dumps glucose into the body, how nice of it to do that ha lol. Well many find a bit of peanut butter or some small form of protein at bedtime helps the body so it wont do this. It might work for you it is worth a try. Your numbers arent outrageous like mine were 25 yrs ago in the 300 to 400 range many more things to use thesed days and we know now simple carbs are a big culptrit they had no clue back then.
Answered By: furball64801
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05/19/09 09:38 AM

Thanks Furball I think your answer was clearer than the expert.! I am taking oral meds (Actos) in the a.m. and Lantus 20 units in the a.m. and 20 units in the p.m. (we are still experimenting with what the best dosages and times are for me. My morning bs has been running in the 125-140 range and evening in the 105-130 range so it is the morning number that is problematic and thus the switch to 20 units a.m. and 20 units p.m. we will see how this works. The confusion I was having was over the whole insulin issue. My doctor told me it ws type 2 but for insurance it had to be called type 1 due to the ongoing insulin and the likelihood that I would need to coitinue to be on insulin because my pancreas is not producing enough insulin. To answer your other questions, I'm about 20-25 lbs overweight going by the standard height/weight charts but my doctor tells me she is not concerned about my weight. My build is skinny arms/legs but with some belly fat. Again thanks for your feedback this is all so new! Mark
Answered By: swobe
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05/19/09 09:10 AM

I dont want to confuse you but I probably will. I am a type 2 diabetic and on insulin. My brothers are also type 2 and on insulin. My mother was very thin type 2 and on insulin. Just because a diabetic is on insulin does not make them a type 1. Are you on any orals for diabetes. Do you have belly fat, this is one of the signs of a type 2 diabetic many times. Do you have a good amount of weight to lose, not always but many times the loss of weight can improve numbers dramatically for a type 2. I had this same question with my doctor 24 yrs ago, funny not much has changed the same questions exist. Also I suggest a reduction of carbs and an increase in excercise this also can improve your numbers dramatically. Good Luck.
Answered By: furball64801
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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