Any Type 3c diabetics out there?

[MetforminHo]

Just been diagnosed as diabetic. History and symptoms point to Type 3c but medical professionals are treating as Type 2. How did you get a diagnosis of Type 3c?

Well, usually it would be the history of pancreatic damage. So what's the history that you feel they are ignoring?

Acute/chronic/necrotising pancreatitis along with a 10cm pseudocyst.

Also lost 4.5 stone over the last 3 years without trying and my poo is disgusting but I put that down to not having a gall bladder.

You need the endocrinologist to diagnose you correctly. That said are you on insulin therapy? If you need insulin then you are correct, if not then maybe not.

I was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago, the doctor put me on Gliclazide which the nurse stopped because of my pancreas so now I'm on Metformin.

I'd just like to know which type of diabetes I have, I'd prefer Type 2 as that's possible to put in remission with diet, Type 3c seems a different kettle of fish.

I had to fight for a blood test because I looked "OK", my HbA1c is 123.

I’d definitely ask for a specialist review, especially with a history that suggests Type 3c. Getting the right diagnosis can make a real difference to treatment.

Where are you? I've been under a lot of diabetes teams over the past 30 years and have never had a nurse stop or start medication. The consultant makes those decisions.

My Nan had Type 3 after her pancreas died and was removed. Hers was managed with both diet and insulin injections, I think the same as someone with type 2.

I'm type 2 and couldn't put mine into remission with diet. That tends to be a bit of an urban myth, I'm afraid. My pancreas doesn't work properly, and my Dad/his Mum both had type 2 that was around mid 30s onset as well. I've lost nearly 5 stone and it's made bugger all difference, and I've tried the Fast 800 diet which nearly landed me in hospital.

I would push to see an endocrinologist, from personal experience diabetic nurses are a very mixed bag and not always the most helpful in terms of management. Mine still tries to send me to Slimming World on a regular basis... I have to keep my mouth very firmly closed when she suggests it every 6 months.

Mmm then I would assume type 2 as that medication is for insulin resistance rather than no insulin production.

Ask for a cpeptide test to check your insulin production, if that’s low then it’s likely T3C, if high then more likely T2.

You may need a referral to the hospital to get the test done, and worth asking about digestive enzymes like creon if you’re not already on them

WhatHappenedToYourFurnitureCuz
I'm in the south west and I think it's very common to be dealt with by a diabetic nurse, can't imagine I'll ever see a counsultant unless I push for it.

LarryForPrimeMinister
I was only diagnosed 2 weeks ago so they're trying Metformin to start with to see how I react.

PotatoFan
Thank you for your advice, I now know what to ask when I next see the diabetic nurse.

My son is he had acute necrotising pancreititus at 16!
He was very ill and was diagnosed i DKA
They thougt it was type1 at fiirst but scanned him becsuse he waa complaning of abdominal psin
It destroyed his pancreas and hes treated as type1 he also takes creon

Type 3c is neither type 2 or type1 as its csused by damage to the pancreas
However it can present more like type2 in some people and type1 in others
If you are on face book there is a type3c united kingdom group for it.

With an HbA1C of 123 it's unlikely you would be on metformin alone for long, it just isn't going to cut it.

Not having a gallbladder makes very little to no difference at all to your poo. If your poo is white/yellow, fatty or hard to flush away then that also signifies pancreatic damage and you need Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) - otherwise called Creon.

Maybe your experience but as a CNS I can assure you that your experience is not typical. That frequently happens as many CNS prescribe.

Well yes, I quite clearly said that was my experience.