The hammer has fallen again

[Joe Paul]

Of all things, my daughters doctor just called and said according to her latest blood test, Tiffany is borderline diabetic. Brings back too many memories, as she is 1 year older than when I found out I was diabetic (she is 14). We are not sure yet if this can be controlled with diet, or she will have to be on insulin. The pediatrician told us to get in touch with a specialist for more testing. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers...thankyou.

[Sluff]

That's sad to hear for I am diabetic also and I understand the struggles, however medical technology has come a long way since you and I have been diagnosed.

Best of luck and know that your family are in my prayers.

[goofynina]

When i was first diagnosed they put me on a very low dose of Micronase (or something like that)   But even that was too strong for me and i was able to keep it under control with diet and "some" exercise, but, that got old and i let loose (dammit)   even though i felt good, i never went up for follow ups so i let it get out of control, and here i am TADAAAAA .  Good luck to you all and i hope things work for her, sending prayers your way JoePaul 

[paris]

JoePaul, I am sorry that your daughter is going through this. Tell her that we all send her good wishes.

[Wattle]

 

[Amanda From OZ]

Sorry to hear that joe paul.

Keeping you daughter and family in my prayers.

 

Amanda
xxoo

[bolta72]

Hope things turn out for the better.

[MyssAnne]

Oh man. At least she has you to help her with this, Joe Paul. She won't be alone. 

[George Jung]

Joe Paul

You will be a solid mountain of reassurance and a great resource.  Best wishes old friend.

[Bajanne]

Life seems to be a continual series of challenges.  But we will make it through.  That is the triumph of the human spirit.  My caring thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time, Joe Paul.  Please let us know how everything turns out.  We are wishing the very best for her.

[skyedogrocks]

Ugh JP, I am so sorry!    I truly hate diabetes, it can be a silent killer.  Rob is a type 1 diabetic.

However, these days, if you start off with the right basics and keep your diabetes in check, it has been proven that you can live a long life without complications.

Just use your knowledge, her doctors and i'm sure she will be fine.  I am hoping though, that it goes away!

[st789]

I pray somehow the Dr. would call back and it was just a mistake.  My prays and thoughts are with you and your daughter.

[livecam]

Joe, I am hoping that she doesn't have it but if she does I'm glad it was diagnosed early.  Since she'll be getting with the program now she will be able to avoid long term problems like the ones we are dealing with.

[Joe Paul]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Earliest appointment we could get her is in Oct. As soon as we find out more, I will be sure to post it. Thanks again to all for your thoughts & prayers.

[Sluff]

We are here for ya, my friend. 

[goofynina]

JoePaul, do you have a monitor to test her sugar at home to get a better idea of how low/high it's running?   

[Joe Paul]

Yeah, so far its been running 90-100s. The problem the blood test showed was that her insulin level was 30, normal range is around 15-17. This test shows that her body is building up a resistance to insulin overworking her pancrease, which, we are told will eventually lead to diabetes.

[Ohio Buckeye]

I'm sorry Joe Paul.

[aharris2]

Yeah, so far its been running 90-100s. The problem the blood test showed was that her insulin level was 30, normal range is around 15-17. This test shows that her body is building up a resistance to insulin overworking her pancrease, which, we are told will eventually lead to diabetes.

(alene writing)
Joe, I'm sorry to hear the news. At first I was going to make various comments leading to a question about pancreas transplant or islet transplant - radical perhaps, but diabetes is a devastating disease as all too many of you know. But, this only (as far as I know) applies to type 1 diabetes.

Back when you were diagnosed, young people almost exclusively were discovered to have type 1 diabetes. Is that what you have? Your daughter sounds like she is headed for early onset type 2 diabetes - the new epidemic. Is that what they're thinking?

[Joe Paul]

Yes, I have type 1. The general practitioner didn't really say which she thinks Tiffany maybe heading for, but the part about the body building up resistance to insulin is what has her Mother and I concerned. Diabetes runs in both sides of our families type 2 on the wifes side, type 1 on my side so at this point, it could go either way. We couldn't get an appointment till mid October for Tiffany with the specialist so we will have to wait till then to know for sure.

[aharris2]

Yes, I have type 1. The general practitioner didn't really say which she thinks Tiffany maybe heading for, but the part about the body building up resistance to insulin is what has her Mother and I concerned. Diabetes runs in both sides of our families type 2 on the wifes side, type 1 on my side so at this point, it could go either way. We couldn't get an appointment till mid October for Tiffany with the specialist so we will have to wait till then to know for sure.

(alene  writing)
Joe, I keep reading that type 1 is not inherited and that family history does not increase one's vulnerability to it. On the other hand, a family history of type 2 greatly increases one's chances of developing type 2 diabetes. "Building up resistance" suggests type 2. Within this (ugly) scenario, pre-type 2 is not a catastrophe. It is frequently treatable with "lifestyle changes" (lose weight, exercise) that can take one back in time and delay, delay, delay full blown type 2 diabetes.

Joe, I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping for the best for you and your family. Keep the faith, dude.

[Joe Paul]

Thanks Alene,  that sounds encouraging. I haven't kept up on diabetes so far as being inherited or not, all my information came from Docs way back in the 70's. Also, I have 2 other children who are both type 1 diabetics, that just built up my thinking that it was. Both their Grandmother and Grandfather (wifes side) were type 1 diabetics as well. Tiffany doesnt like candy much, her only downfall is pepsi, hopefully diet alone will fend off diabetes for a long time. Again, thanks for your reply & concern 

[aharris2]

Joe, Your family sounds like the poster family for a hereditary tie for type 1. It's an important issue, one Rolando worries about too. He's type 1 and worries about his children. Anyway, let's hope you get the best news possible about your daughter.

[Joe Paul]

Two forms of DR, designated DR3 and DR4, are present in 95 percent of Type 1 diabetics, and 30 percent have inherited both DR3 and DR4. This is in contrast with the general population, where only 50 percent of people have DR3 or DR4 and 1 to 3 percent have both.

 
 
HLA-DR allele Risk level
DR1  Slight risk
DR2  Protective 
DR3  Significant risk 
DR4  Significant risk 
DR5 Slight risk 
DR6  Neutral/protective
DR7 Protective. Risk in African descent 
DR8  Neutral/slight risk 
DR9  Risk in Chinese, Japanese, Korean descent 

 
 
Although both DR3 and DR4 alleles put a person at risk for developing diabetes, the two alleles cause slight differences in the disease:

Diabetics who have inherited DR3 (but not DR4) develop diabetes at an older age, and tend to have antibodies against pancreatic beta cells but not against insulin. These people are also more likely to develop thyroid autoimmune disease.
Diabetics who have inherited DR4 (but not DR3) tend to develop diabetes earlier in life and have an immune reaction against insulin.
Diabetics who inherit both DR3 and DR4 develop diabetes at the youngest age and have the highest levels of antibodies against insulin.
 
Just for information purpose, this is what I found on "inherited" diabetes. These are the genes that determine the disease.

[paddbear0000]

(alene  writing)
Joe, I keep reading that type 1 is not inherited and that family history does not increase one's vulnerability to it.

Bull! I am type 1, my father was type 1 and his father was type 1! Most of the medical community is now coming to terms with the fact that type 1 actually is genetic. It's about time too! I could have told them that 24 years ago!

Joe Paul--there is a strong possibility that your daughter could be developing type 1. First of all, you are type 1. Second, type 1 diabetes develops gradually, anywhere from weeks to months, not all at once. Your body attacks the insulin producing cells over a period of time. The increasing numbers she is getting could be an indicator of that. I just can't believe they can't get your daughter in until October! She could be a full-blown type 1 by then and suffering ill effects. I progressed from a normal child into a diabetic in the span of 1 month. You should really see if you can get her in somewhere else.

You and your daughter are in my thoughts!