Millions of people have Type 2 diabetes, and 1 out of 5 people with Type 2 are thin, and that doesn’t automatically make it that they are misdiagnosed LADA. That is still in the millions, for thin people with Type 2. http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046739.php
Hey Melitta,
Although this is getting further of off the original topic, I just wanted to point out that just as type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes, LADA is in a category of its own. Much of the recent research regarding LADA points out that although it has some etiological similarities to type 1 diabetes, there are several distinct genetic differences between the conditions and therefore cannot be clumped together. Check out the 2009 McDougal and Shubrook article…
To further clump together ‘classical onset of Type 1 diabetes’ (which I assume would mean prior to the age of 30?) statistics with LADA statistics to come up with a total of 15-25% of all cases is, as you can see, misleading. Thank you for digging up this information though. It is always neat to see how others view and interpret published information.
As I said before, I feel that I am getting off topic but it was eating away at me to not mention something. From reading through the (many!) replies to this thread it has become apparent that when individuals speak about type 1 diabetes, the majority are referring to ‘classical onset of Type 1 diabetes’ and not to LADA and so I support reference to the statistics that 5-10% of individuals with diabetes have type 1 (see: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-1/).
I do appreciate your references as presented above. I will definitely take the time to check out the new book you mentioned as it looks like it has much more information about LADA…
hello…!
i just have to comment since this issue being Type I and Type 2 caused a lil stir in this community… anyways, as a 20 something years of being a type I, i dont see much difference of both, i mean, we’re all Diabetics no matter what type… also, whoever sent you that mail. i think what he/she said of not having to do with the type 2, for me is just selfish and a childish comment… it’s sad to know that coming from the type 1s… when in fact, there is a lot to learn of being diabetics, both from type 1 and the type 2… i think it would be nice to know how the other type is coping with it… also. i wanted to point out although i have never been to a diabetic meet up. i think the purpose of the meet up is to share and learn how other people deals with this ailment. i couldnt believe someone could say that they dont want nothing to do with the other type, its ridiculous… thats just the dumbest comment i have heard from a fellow diabetic. or maybe there are just some people stricken with Diabetes who are selfish…
dont worry about it, people that kind dont grow…
Stay happy…! 
Hi Christalyn,
That’s definitely unfortunately that you had this experience and that it has affected you so negatively. I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for 23 years and have been a part of many many conferences, support groups, information sessions, etc. that focus on diabetes, in general, with no differentiation between type 1 or type 2. Although there is always much that we can learn from each other, many situations, especially considering the specifics that many ‘discussions’ at these conferences/groups/sessions go into, do not carry over between the two diseases. I feel that it may be moreso that specifics regarding type 2 diabetes do not carry over to type 1s. I don’t want you to think that I’m saying that there are never instances where issues are applicable across the diabetes spectrum; however, my personal experiences have shown me that I do not benefit greatly from hearing about type 2 specific strategies for, for example, exercise, sport performance and nutritional preparation for activity. I do, however, benefit from hearing great success stories of individuals living with type 2 and of the challenges that these individuals have overcome to live happily and healthily.
I think where this problem may stem from, as has been brought up by several other members, lies in the fact that the general public is horribly misinformed when it comes to the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Of course, we all could rhyme off the differences without hesitation, but when you go to the general public, they understand diabetes to be type 2. They often understand type 1 to be “more severe” type 2 (Come on, how many of you type 1s have been asked ‘Ooh you have diabetes? Do you have it bad?’). I don’t think that the general public is being ignorant. Even the most generous statistics show that of the 285 million people living with diabetes, only 10% of those (28 million) have Type 1. No wonder there is such confusion.
That being said, I do think it is important for Type 1 and Type 2 specific ‘groups’; not to discriminate against one type or another, and not in place of ‘diabetes in general’ groups, but to allow for the most growth and development among individuals. With type 1s being such a huge minority in the world of diabetes, it is often difficult to find someone who knows exactly what you’re going through or have gone through. Someone who has had to deal with frozen pump tubing during a ski trip, or who has had to set a square wave bolus during a prolonged dinner party. Someone who has had to skip the birthday cake at their best friends birthday party in elementary school, and has had to to try to explain why they have needles in their purse to the freshmen in high school. Although some individuals with type 2 do deal, or have dealt with similar challenges, there are some things that, as someone with type 1, I would feel more comfortable discussing with others with type 1. Only someone with type 1 has experienced life with type 1, just as only someone with type 2 has experienced life with type 2. Although we may tell ourselves that we know what it’s like to live with the other, we don’t know what it’s like, we only can try to imagine. There are forums where it is appropriate (and so important) to learn from each other, to help each other better imagine what it is like to live with each form of diabetes, but there are also some (equally important) forums where it is not.
I hope that, by sharing my own thoughts, I have shed a little light on how I see the challenges existing between the type 1 and type 2 individual. I believe that breaking down the barriers we face within our own disease is important and thank you, Christalyn, for bringing this up! It is something that needs to be discussed!
I hope that you have got back in contact with the individual who first gave such a negative reaction. I think it is important to find out why s/he feels they way that they do. Perhaps s/he was having a bad ‘diabetes’ day. Perhaps there is an issue that needs to be discussed within this group you’d like to take part in. Perhaps you can be the person to break down the barriers between type 1s and type 2s in your own community! I don’t know the background of this group that you’re getting involved with (Are they, or have they been type 1 specific? Do they have other type 2s in the group? Has there been conflict within the group before? Are there other ‘diabetes’ groups in the area?), but take the time to find out more about them and let us know how it goes! Seriously, let us know!
Good Luck!
The Endocrine Society says that 50% of non-obese “Type 2” diabetics are misdiagnosed and have Type 1 diabetes (they are antibody positive, meaning they have autoimmune diabetes, which is always Type 1). The “1 in 5 Type 2’s are thin statistic” includes LADAs, which again is not appropriate. The problem as I see it is that the medical community has been very slow to recognize the prevalence of adult onset Type 1 diabetes.
Sure… but that is still millions of people, worldwide.
Hi Jen: The article you cite, McDougal and Shubrook 2009, clearly states that LADA is a form of Type 1 diabetes. NIH says LADA is adult onset Type 1 diabetes. So it is in no way misleading to include adult onset autoimmune diabetes in the category of Type 1 diabetes.
The website that you refer to is the American Diabetes Association website. ADA is one of the worst offenders when it comes to pretending that adult onset Type 1 diabetes is rare. However, all of the ADA’s scientific journals state what the McDougal and Shubrook 2009 article states, that about 10% of newly diagnosed “Type 2” diabetics are antibody positive (GAD, ICA, and/or IA2) and have Type 1 diabetes.
What is common myth is not supported by evidence-based scientific studies.
Oops sorry! Definitely a typo!
I meant to cite the Hillman, Torn and Landin-Olsson (2009) article! My bad! But I don’t want to get into an article-citing debate…
Those who have grown up with type 1 diabetes, who have often lived through childhood and adolescence with type 1 diabetes and those who could benefit from meeting and sharing those experiences with a group of people with type 1 diabetes are the 5-10% many of the discussions in this thread are referring to.
My knowledge is : the true type 2 person using insulin is a type 2 insulin dependent , usually insulin resistant , may still require metformin .
My short advise to your statement of one day ago Christalyn: play with those, who like to play with you , diabetes or NO diabetes …here or out in the world outside TU , other discussion sites etc.
Having said this , I will just do that …( somehow this jumped past 2 responses with the highlighted sentences )
So I guess you understand now, it isn’t that we T1’s don’t like you, but that we are different.
If they specifically stated that T2’s were not invited, it is probably because time is limited and they have had an experience in the past where a T2 started asking questions about medication or blood sugar levels, because although the basics are the same, the fine tuning is different.
Well, I think it is good that the discussion is ending in “we don’t dislike you, but we are different”. My guess is that time is short and they can spend times on adjusting boluses, and not medications.
No I’m sorry I think there completley different type 1s just got it it wasn’t our fault and most people when they hear the word diabetes they think type 2 ppl and it’s hard to explain the differences everytime were not the same at all is my opinion
I am in awe that Christalyn and followers ( other than 2 members ) have not mentioned anything about Manny’s
video and the relevance to this topic .
This is very true!!! So what are you doing to educate the people you play with?
This is what I am talking about. I would love to start a movement about a “RED THURSDAY” to get discounted supplies. Are you seriously interested??? I would love to get a group of people together and start the movement!! I don’t plan to want on OBAMA care to help me out. I know if I am struggling and I got health insurance I can only imagine what is happening with people that don’t have it.
Since I am not Type 1 I really don’t know what their needs are but as for TYPE 2 I would like to see discounts for physical trainers and nutricianist and health clubs at hospitals. If a Type 1 has similiar needs I would like to know what they are and cater something to them.
I have found alot of “medical folks” and “diabetic educators” are under informed. This is why I encourage new diabetics to go see an ENDO.
LET ME KNOW SOMETHING !! I AM EXCITED AND READY TO MOVE!!!
TYPE 2 have highs and lows…because I am one of them!! I take 2 injectables and a bunch of pills. I am trying to change my lifestyle because i hate taking the any of the meds.
I believe as a TYPE 2 I can be as much as a support system to a Type 1 as any other person. I have alot to learn from a Type1. Most people don’t want to give it a chance and that is why I wrote this question.
Do you know if a pancreas transplant is possible?
Thanks for responding.
SHAKE THAT JUNK …GIRLFRIEND!!!
THANKS!!!
I have actually heard the same complaint from adults who have sickle cell anemia. Once you are pass the kiddie stage, you are “kicked out of the club” and services dwindle. I have heard of people that can’t find doctors to service adults with sickle cell in certain metro cities!!!
I think it would be cool to go to the local film school and ask some of the students if they would be willing to do a documentry on Type 1. These students have to do films and such all the time. It shouldn’t cost any thing plus it would be a good thing for their portfolio. Just a thought.
I believe if we stood together as a unit and not TYPE THIS OR TYPE THAT we maybe about to make some noise. I am willing to give it a try.
Thanks!!
AWESOME!!!
I would love to read it!!! How are you marketing it???
are you apart of the diabetentreprenur group here???