Infections and tiredness

[limpsy]

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 7 months ago at the age of 22.  Things have not gotten better since I was diagnosed, in most cases actually things have gotten worse.  Sure I can see again, but the extreme thirst, weight loss (from 180lbs to 125lbs since diagnosis), tiredness, infections....you name the symptom, I have it.  The strange thing is my blood sugar is normal most of the time because I am checking and doing my insulin shots whenever I need them.  I'm beginning to feel a little frightened because I can't control my weight, my ketones are through the roof, i'm always tired and have one or more infections.  I see my doctor often too, she's not sure what's going on.  Is this a normal first year type 1 problem, or should I try harder to get explanations on what's doing this?

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a physician, but the mom of type 1 diabetic and the daughter of a type2 diabetic.   I would suggest you go for a second opinion, it sounds like you are seeing a physician that does not know diabetes well. , I would suggest you see an endocronolist (a doctor that specializes in diabetes.).   I am saying this for several reasons.

First of all if you are still thirsty, loosing weight and having ketones, you are not in control.   Ketones happen when your blood sugar is too high and your body is breaking down fat to get you energy, therefore you are loosing weight.   These are all signs that you are NOT in control. and heading for ketonacidocisis. (Ketonacidosis can lead to serious problems such as coma is the levels are too high for too long.)   You should remember that when you check your blood it is only for that moment in time, most people should check prior to eating and 2 hours after eating.

I would suggest that you make an appt ASAP to see an endocrinologist
, if you have insurance I would call your insurance company and ask them, for and endo endocronogist in your plan, or your local hospital.


I would also  suggest asking about going on an insulin pump, once you get rid of the ketones and under control.

You are right this is not normal; even though everyone is unique this is not normal.   There is a normal phase called a Honeymoon phase, but that is where your pancreas is still producing insulin and you would be having lower blood sugars and no ketones.

Please check back and let us know how things are going. Hope this helps



Having infections will raise your blood sugars.  So will medications.  

[limpsy]

I'm lucky because I'm a canadian, our health care is free, and my doc is the endocrinologist.  Is it normal for a new adult type 1 to have these problems in the first year?

[JDRF-Team-JW]

I'm a volunteer here and I've had Type I Diabetes since I was 18 (over 10 years). As far as having all the symptoms that you mentioned -it isn't really "normal" per se to be experiencing those once you're under the care of an endocrinologist. However, since you have been diabetic less than a year (and it definitely changes your life), you may need time to cope with everything and get things under control. I, unfortunately, did not get my sugar under control for the first 6 years or so, but that's because I was not seeing a specialist, just bouncing from one internist to the other. Once I got my diabetes team together (endo, CDE & dietitian) and had attended a few meetings for diabetics (held by my team)I started to get a better grip on things. The adjustment period is different for everyone but as long as you're confident in your doctor and do everything you're supposed to things will get better. Ask to have a blood test done to eliminate any other factors that may be causing your symptoms, including any thyroid problems, anemia, etc. Also, get involved in the management of your diabetes - subscribe to diabetes magazines (I learned a lot from them), search some related articles in your library or in an online database (like pubmed.gov), and see if you can join a diabetes support group in your area (most hospitals offer one, as well as diabetes classes taught by a CDE -I know: I took one and I work in a hospital :)) Don't wait to check things out and always ask questions. When I first saw my endo I came into my appointment with a list of about 50 questions (seriously) pertaining specifically to my situation. Ask questions, do research and take care of yourself! Good luck!

[InsulinPumper]

Although I am not a medical professional I am around your same age.  I have had type 1 now for a few years and problems can arise at any time.  These issues need to be discussed with a medical professional.  One thing you can do is watch for trends.  The more you test the better picture you will get.  If your diabetes is well under control the lesser chance you have of getting infections or  have weight control problems.  

It might not even be related to diabetes.  Watch our for trends and meet with your doctor.

[MLWTR]

It might be worth asking your doctor to check for other diseases (for example, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, etc.) that could be causing the weight loss and symptoms even in the setting of good glucose control. Just a thought.

[Plaxibo]

I remember when I first tried to get a pump the doctor basically said once your in control we can do that.  Well I did get a pump(eventually 4years latter after very brittle uncontrolled type 1 diabetes for 10 years) and now I have way better control.  I mean the pump is what I needed.  The doctors keeping it away for whatever reason kinda confuses me now.  What if they would of let me have it as soon as I got my medicare?  Who knows.  Maybe the complications wouldn't be so far advanced now.  A1c before pump 13+ after pump 8.5 and below.

I understand the reason they want people to be in control is that it shows that you are able to do what needs to be done with the added responsibility of a pump.  Me on the other hand, I am very technology friendly.  The pump also fit in with my "OCD".  Knew there was a reason God gave me obsessive compulsive disorder lol.

I also got type one diabetes when I was 22.  I was almost blind also and lost major weight(6'6" 155 pounds).  After going on insulin I did gain weight but that might have been from me quitting smoking.  Now at 38 I am so messed up that I am on disability.  And the pain from the neuropathy is so bad.  It is unbearable.  Thank God for his gift of medication to treat the pain(without it I would be insane).

One thing for sure is ketones are bad and you need to be in the hospital or something.  What you are describing would put you in a hospital in the states(Well, If you have a competent doctor that is).

Also, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease with the resultant hypothyroidism.  This as diabetes will cause fatigue.  Don't forget to mention it to your Doctor.  

I am not a Doctor or in the medical field in any capacity.  I have Had type 1 diabetes for 16 years.  So hopefully my babbling will help you.

-Mark Bean