Question:
What test do I ask for to check my diabetes type? I had gestational diabetes
when I was 26 and then was dx with type 2 in '96. But from what I'm reading
about insulin and resistance it seems as if I follow the pattern of the type
1s. I am currently working on my formulas and it changes as I fine-tune it
but I'm taking 1 u to 7.5 carbs, which is what I understand type 1s take (or
close to). I have wondered if they have dx me as type 2 because I am
overweight. In '96 I was in my 30s. I've heard that type 1s are dx in their
youth, but also there have been adult onset of type 1s. Or perhaps my organs
just do not make any insulin and I'm still a type 2 but this is confusing.
Anyone know how to sort it out? What tests do I ask for? I'm going on
Wednesday to get some tests, I could ask for another if I knew the name.
Answer:
The tests you are looking for are the c-peptide, which infers the amount
of insulin your pancreas produces, and the antibody tests (GAD and IGF)
which target the antibodies which your body produces in an autoimmune
response.
If you are an insulin resistant Type-2 whose pancreas still produces
some insulin, then the 1:7.5 insulin:carb ratio isn't that abnormal.
Other than satisfying your curiosity, unless you have other symptoms,
there is little to be gained from knowing.
