I came across this article today in the Colorado Springs Gazette: http://www.gazette.com/articles/diabetes_32157___article.html/type_insulin.html The article states that T2 isn't the only type of diabetes diagnosis that's currently on the rise; T1's are on the rise, too. I also recently read that kids with T1 are getting diagnosed at younger ages than they did a generation ago (I believe I read that now the average age is 3-4 years old, whereas it used to be 7-8 years old).
It's interesting that whatever environmental factor triggers T1 has been extremely difficult to identify. Although, I agree with JDRF's take on it: that they are more focused on a cure and preventing complications than they are on figuring out what actually causes T1. I suppose that we may never know exactly what triggers T1, since the research money is going toward a cure.
I was sick with a virus right before my diagnosis, and my family had moved to a new town in a new state in the year prior to my diagnosis. Plus, my mom was really ill the entire time she was pregnant with me (unlike her pregnancy with my older brother, who does not have T1). I often wonder whether I would still have T1 if any of these factors had been different or not present.
Did you have any big changes in your life just prior to your diagnosis? Do you ever try to brainstorm about what your "trigger" may have been?
Thanks for starting this thread. I was diagnosed with Type 1 last month. I had my blood checked in May for unrelated issues, but suddenly in December my levels were above 400. Between these two tests I spent July living in the high heat of the Caribbean where I nearly passed out several times from dehydration on long walks through the city.
A friend of mine who’s been diagnosed as Type 1 for six years now developed symptoms just after receiving medical steroids for a back problem.
I’ve heard a lot of stories of Type 1 diagnoses following a medical trauma, and I’ve often thought there must be some correlation. As you say, the cure is the thing, but it would be nice to figure out what might have changed.
Patrick,
Wow, thank goodness you are okay after those experiences in the Caribbean. Sounds like T1 came on very quickly in your experience. I’ve heard it can vary in adult T1’s.
I don’t know if I’ve ever heard stories of T1 following medical trauma, but most of the stories I’ve heard have been people who were diagnosed during childhood, and the diagnosis usually came after moving to a new town, starting a new school, parents getting divorced, or other life-changing events. Maybe it’s different for people who are diagnosed as adults: perhaps adult T1 diagnoses are more likely to follow some type of medical trauma, like you said. I think it’s very interesting.
I’m glad you found tudiabetes so soon after your diagnosis! It’s a great resource.
Katie
A few months before I was diagnosed with Type 1 – July 5, 1985 – I had the chicken pox. Low and behold, a few months later, sitting on a beach blanket the weekend of July 4th, eating Vienna Finger cookies and thirsty as a camel… a friend suggested to my parents I might have diabetes…“you should have her seen immediately!”
It would be encouraging to see JDRF spend more time and resources in divulging the triggers of confusion within the body causing the onset of Type 1. I have a hunch much of it has to do with a time of life when the human growth hormone (HGH) is at an all time high. Here’s why…
If HGH is overabundant – this means the DELTA CELLS excreting somatostatin are not able to balance blood sugar. As HGH flourishes, a child / young adult is going through growth spurts – which takes a lot of energy (calories). However…
If the child / young adult is also fighting-off a recent virus or assimilating a vaccination into the body – chances are the T-cells created to combat the virus are also being trained to kill off the cells that are spurring growth and feeding inflammation. In this case – the protein coating of the virus cells and the beta cells appear almost identical to the body. Voila – Type 1 autoimmune diabetes!
Furthermore – the other regulating force to help the body discern self from non-self is TNF-alpha. In most cases of long-standing Type 1 diabetes, as per Dr. Faustman’s Research for a Cure – the level of TNF-alpha remains suppressed throughout the life of a person with Type 1 diabetes…… but perhaps that’s all about to change!
Thanks for posting this news story! Thanks to everybody for being part of the universal study for a cure for diabetes. I use the term loosely but I know the death grip I keep on HOPE makes every day worth the pursuit. Thanks for reading my rants.
Allison Love Beatty - Founder of “Allies Voice”
Making the World Safer for People with Diabetes http://www.AlliesVoice.com
Allie,
This is so interesting! Thanks for all the great info. Do you have a scientific research background or something?! You know so much about this.
So, if it’s true that the elevated presence of HGH, combined with longstanding supression of TNF-alpha, is what makes someone have T1, does that also explain the other autoimmune conditions that a person with T1 often has? For example, I also have hypothyroidism and Reynaud’s phenomenon, both of which are caused by an autoimmune response. Perhaps the suppression of TNF-alpha also makes those of us with T1 susceptible to other autoimmune conditions?
I will bookmark your website-- what a great resource!! Thanks for the info,
Katie
Hi Katie, I was diagnosed when I was 27 (Type 1). A few months prior to my diagnosis, I had the worst sore throat I have EVER had. Throat was white and I wouldn’t even drink because it hurt so much to swallow. No clue as to whether that had anything to do with the onset of diabetes, but I have to wonder. BTW, your intro is great, and I have definitely found it to be true that God reveals His strength in my weakness, even though I don’t always like or cooperate with that process!
Old thread again, LOL :) But I will dig it up :) I don't know, but the thing is that no one knows what happened, drives me nuts.
I was not ill during entire 2012, was dx in November 2012. So I was not ill but I gave birth. My values were checked every time I went to midwife during pregnancy and they were perfect.
So no viruses 2012, but:
1) born above polar circle - Vitamin D deficiency,
2) had treatments with steroids when I was little, had atopic eczema
3) was not breastfed (only first 2 months)
4) stupid genes...
I wish it were cookies ...
