Dear Nadia:<\/p>\n
I have type 2 diabetes and am on 500 mg of Metformin. My A1c inched up a bit, and my doctor doubled my daily metformin medication. I also wear an Abbott CGM, which I love. Some nights I wake up with a 40-blood sugar reading. Other times I will eat a burger at night, and my blood sugar is excellent throughout the night. I drink red wine with dinner every night. I stopped taking my medication for one day. <\/p>\n
Can my Type 2 diabetes turn into type 1?<\/p>\n
AE<\/p>\n
Dear EA,<\/p>\n
You are doing the right thing by working with your healthcare professional. The prescribed Metformin is based on your unique medical profile. Typically an increase in dosing is an effort to lower your blood sugars to achieve your A1c goal. <\/p>\n
How Does Metformin Work<\/strong><\/p>\n Metformin prevents the liver from releasing glucose, allowing the insulin your body still produces to be more effective.<\/p>\n Drinking wine every night is generally not recommended by healthcare professionals. One of the dangers of drinking with medications is possibly confusing a low blood sugar by feeling “buzzed.” <\/p>\n If you started experiencing low blood sugars right after you increased your medication, remember, your doctor is trying to figure out what the best dose for you is. 500 mg may be too low if your blood sugars are running high, while 1000 mg per day may be too high if your blood sugars are running low. Not taking your medication is never a good idea. Metformin is either time-released or immediately released. Read your prescription bottle to see if you have a generic or branded metformin.<\/p>\n Your healthcare professional team depends on you to give them feedback on how the medicine is working in attaining your mutually agreed blood sugar goal. I would call your doctor to share the frequency of low blood sugars. Let them know when it is most likely to dip down. To dial in the perfect dose, make sure to continue the follow up with your healthcare professional on your blood sugar readings until you achieve the blood sugar targets you have both set for yourself.<\/p>\n The long answer is, unless you are a person living with type 1.5 diabetes, then the answer is no. Type 2 does not turn into type 1 diabetes.<\/p>\n Type 1.5 Diabetes<\/strong><\/p>\n Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), is an autoimmune disease that falls between type 1 and type 2 diabetes because it has characteristics of both. Therefore, if you don\u2019t quite fit the profile of someone with type 2 diabetes, if diabetes pills don\u2019t seem to be working well, or if you show some of the characteristics of type 1, maybe you have LADA. People with LADA have islet antibodies in their blood and, as in type 1 diabetes, their immune system is attacking beta cells. However, this is happening at a much slower rate and initially they don\u2019t need insulin. One may consider that LADA is type 1 diabetes that progresses slowly. \u2022\tYou were under age 50 when you were diagnosed with diabetes. \u2022\tYou have a family history of autoimmune disease. I wish you the best in health!<\/p>\n Nadia<\/p>\n Source:<\/strong><\/p>\n Metformin, Oral Tablet<\/a><\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/strong><\/p>\n Nadia’s feedback on your question is in no way intended to initiate or replace your healthcare professional’s therapy or advice. Please check in with your medical team to discuss your diabetes management concerns. AskNadia@diabeteshealth.com and receive her unique perspective on your question.<\/p>\n About Nadia:<\/p>\n
According to an article in The Beacon News, approximately 10 percent of patients with type 1.5 are misdiagnosed with type 2. If you\u2019re over 35 when you develop diabetes, and especially if you have excess weight or classified as obese, your healthcare provider may assume that you have type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n
One study in Diabetes Care states you probably have LADA (rather than type 2 diabetes) if two or more of the following fit:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tYou had \u201cacute\u201d symptoms at diagnosis, that is, symptoms typical of type 1 diabetes.
\u2022\tYour BMI is less than 25.
\u2022\tYou have a personal history of autoimmune disease (such as thyroid disease, celiac sprue, Addison\u2019s disease, or others).<\/p>\n
The symptoms of type 1.5 are the same as the more well-known types of diabetes. They include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and blurred vision.<\/p>\n
Write Nadia<\/strong><\/p>\n