is this really type 2 diabetes?

Question

I was diagnosed last year with type 2 diabetes and have been treating it with metformin (currently 1000mg/day) as well as trying to eat healty (low-carb, high protein) and staying active.

Since diagnosis I have lost 25 pounds (quite easily without a lot of change in my habits - I was already quite active and eating well), but my BS numbers have not really improved, in fact they seems to be rising, despite doubling my medication. In the morning it is usually about 130-150, and 2 hours post meal it is often over 200, and occasionally over 300. I am starting to wonder about it being type 2 since I seem to not have any of the risk factors or indications...

I'm 23, weigh 125 pounds (I'm 5'5"), I'm active, and have absolutely no family history.

Anyone have any ideas? thanks!

Answer 1

There are more than two types of diabetes. You might be a type 1.5 where instead of the immune system destroying the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin fairly quickly, it does it over a longer period of time, up to four years! I have this type and it's common to be misdiagnosed as a type 2. Some of the drugs might work some in the beginning but as the immune system continues to destroy beta cells they begin to fail.

It's possible that you're a different type of insulin resistant diabetic. You should see an endocrinologist that specializes in diabetes. Tell him/her your concerns and ask to have an antibody test and your insulin levels tested. If your insulin levels are elevated or normal then you're probably insulin resistant. If it's low, or even on the lower end of the scale, you could be a slow onset type 1 (type 1.5). The antibody test may or may not come back positive, but doesn't rule out type 1 or 1.5. Family history is only one factor...and sometimes those who are older might have not been diagnosed. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

You don't have to have a family history to get any type of diabetes, it can just happen, it's more uncommon but it can.
And you don't have to be obese or overweight either, you may have something wrong with your pancreas, or you may have PCOS which can also cause type 2 diabetes in young people. you don't have to be older to get type 2 but most people are.
I have type 1 diabetes, i got it when i was 13, but i also have a family history of type 2 (no one in my family has type 1) and type 2 isn't connected to type 1.

I would maybe get a 2nd opinion from another doctor coz there is a chance you could have type 1.

Answer 5

I'm a 45 year old woman and was recently diagnosed as being a borderline diabetic. My doctor prescribed some medication, but before filling it I decided to do some research on the internet which led me to the methods. After reading this ebook and applying the methods, my scepticism turned to 100% belief. I noticed that my energy levels increased significantly and I felt more rested in the morning, my symptoms started going away.

I am very happy to tell you that I have been feeling better than I have felt in years and my doctor informed me that he will be taking me off my prescriptions if I keep this up.

I recommend you use the Type 2 Diabetes Destroyer to naturally reverse your diabetes.

Answer 6

Hmmm.... I'm wondering if you're getting type 1 too. Are you drinking milk? If so, you might want to read the three links I've posted under type 1 below. It might not be too late. And who told you to eat a high protein diet? That's ridiculous unless you're bodybuilding. You want to be on a primarily vegetable diet with some whole grains and fruits. Go to Dr. McDougall's website for some encouraging info on nutrition and it's healing abilities.... http://www.drmcdougall.com ,and do check out those type 1 links... you will find them quite interesting.

For type I and type II diabetics (and those who are overweight and could potentially become diabetic). Copy and bookmark the webpages I‘ve listed below… they are invaluable for those with diabetes and/or weight problems...

I've found a wonderful book that will help you control your diabetes and minimize or even eliminate the complications. Some folks who became diabetic due to poor diet and obesity are effectively cured by following the advice in this book. I'm a type II (inherited), but it helps all types, especially those who became diabetic due to poor eating habits. It's by an author who has really done his homework, Patrick Quillin, Phd. It's called, "The Diabetes Improvement Program". I have tried his suggestions and found them to be very helpful. I have no complications whatsoever and my blood sugar levels are quite stable. Yes, I still have to take Metformin (Glucophage) daily, but it's the minimum dosage (500mg) and I only have to take it twice a day. I have been off Metformin for as much as a week, but this was with vigorous exercise. Many, what I call, non-hereditary type IIs (those that don't have a close relative who had it) have gotten off medication completely, just with diet, exercise, and supplements. So, in some instances, it most certainly can be 'effectively' cured. Read more about it here:
http://www.diabetesimprovement.com/

The book explains what's going on in our system and what to do about it. It's really easy and inexpensive. It's basically diet, supplements, and exercise. For example, did you know that cinnamon helps blood sugar absorption? It also controls cholesterol and triglycerides. This is according to the USDA:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb0104.htm#pinch

Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned to help my diabetes:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Learn how a vegetarian diet can renew your body and cure almost anything:
http://www.drmcdougall.com

Remarkable supplement improves circulation and can help prevent neuropathy and macular degeneration:
http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/pycnogenol_about.html

Great calorie enlightenment:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/changingshape5.htm

Sugar does not cause diabetes:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2006nl/sept/sugar.htm

Lots of information on diabetes:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/index.html

Some enlightening type 1 diabetes info:
http://www.sciencenews.org/pages/sn_arc99/6_26_99/fob2.htm
http://articles.animalconcerns.org/ar-voices/archive/milk_problems.html
http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougall/020700puthepancreas.htm

Recommended reading for anyone trying to control weight, especially diabetics:
http://rheumatic.org/insulin.htm

Some psychology behind overeating:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/weightloss.html

Insulin and the brain:
http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2006/01/30/insulin_in_the_brain/

Why the British are healthier than Americans:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/UKvsUSAdocs.html

Some great health sites with all kinds of general health information:
http://www.chetday.com
http://phifoundation.org
http://www.burnthefat.com/

Answer 7

not all type 2 diabetics are obese. i have type 2 diabetes and i'm not obese..(just to comment). if you don't snack (the right amount) before bedtime, your fbs will be high. i found out recently that during sleep, your body feels threatened that your sugars will drop so your liver produces the sugars to keep up. if you snack before bedtime (at around 10pm), your body won't feel threatened. as far as post meal numbers.. try eating more protein with your carb. 2 servings of protein for 1 carb and increase your activities. if that doesn't work, maybe it's time to re evaluate your meds.

i was taking 1000mg of metformin and i had the same problems with my numbers as you. my dr prescribed actos along with metformin and my readings have been great.

you might also want to discuss your norm with your dr. does he/she want you under 120 post meals? my dr wants my fbs to be under 120 but post meals should be around 130-140.

risk factors and indications??? not sure what you mean by that but diabetes is hard to control. i've been diabetic for about 6 years now and sometimes i still have problems with my numbers. just last year, my dr told me my cholesterol is elevated..

good luck to you...

Answer 8

The people I know with type 2 diabetes are obese but then again they don't quite take care of themselves. The insulin that they take makes them that way I believe.

Answer 9

If you have been diagnose as type 2 diabetes then you are diabete. You cannot cure it.

Answer 10

At 23 it's possible that you DM1 and not DM2. If you truly have DM2, it may be that you now need insulin in lieu of Glucophage or in addition to. DM2's often progress to insulin but this nearly always occurs much later in life. Or it may be that you need a change to another oral antidiabetic med. I suggest reporting this to your prescriber and if you're not being followed by an Endocrinologist at this time, ask for a referral.