Thanks, Meee, learn something new every day! A quick glance at some of the scientific articles about DKA reveals several things. First, it seems no one thought to figure out if those Type 2s in DKA really were Type 2s, so some significant percentage are probably misdiagnosed Type 1s. But it seems that DKA is a real possibility for people with long-standing Type 2 who get a serious infection or other triggering event. But in the case of the OP here, Joan had new-onset diabetes in DKA, a hallmark of Type 1.
Hi Melitta,
I requested a billing statement from the hospital billing office, and the diagnostic code listed on that is Diabetes Mellitus with Ketoacidosis Type I. Apparently I was diagnosed correctly, but told the wrong thing. At least now I know that I will be on insulin for the duration, and I can stop blaming myself, which I admit, I was doing. It may sound crazy, but knowing insulin will be a forever thing is somehow freeing. Does that make sense? Again, thank you for the great information! Joan
Greetings, I am also glad you have found tudiabetes. To be very honest, this place if filled with more education than most docs will ever have.
If you can afford it, and I know what that means, that boat of medical care is pretty full, get a second opinion on what you are doing. If you can't go that way, have your doc send you to a Certified Diabetic Educator, that person is supposed (not supposed) to be able to help you understand what is going on, and often they know more, much more than docs know. Then see a nutritionist or dietician. I recommend a visit with those so that any other plans you have used aren't messing you up. I was a dedicated WW person,and after being diagnosed, found that although it's a good plan with some tweaking for diabetics, it was too confusing to be doing both or even trying to incorporate both plans. I don't have Dr. Bernstein's book, but have heard that it is very good....hopefully it will clear things up. One thing I want to leave with you, is that your diabetic plan, my diabetic plan, Zoe's diabetic plan will not be the same. What works for me and her may not be the same as for you; or you two might do something that wouldn't work for me; and we all may do something that is different. As our bodies are different, so is our diabetes. And because of that and more, it takes time to adjust and to get a plan ready that you can follow without stressing yourself out. Come back often, we are friendly, helpful and very understanding
Joan: That is such great news! Well, not great that you have Type 1 diabetes, sorry to welcome you to the T1 Club, but good to know that your true diagnosis. Actually, knowing what disease you truly have (Type 1 diabetes) and knowing that exogenous insulin is a forever thing helps a person mentally a lot in my opinion. Know the beast you have. Remember that most people with Type 1 diabetes do not have a relative with Type 1 (although autoimmune diseases may run in the family--certainly rampant in mine). At the present time, there is no prevention and no cure for Type 1 diabetes, so no more blaming yourself. I know it is not easy, but there are small steps that you can take to make your life better, such as eating lower carb and testing a lot. I would also recommend a session with a good CDE if one is available. A good CDE can help you with carb counting and help with "stopping the rollercoaster." Best of luck to you! Keep posting here and keep asking questions!