LADA

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Type 1 Blood Tests

My endocrinologist recently ordered blood tests to determine C-peptide levels (corresponding to insulin), as well as 5 antibody tests associated with Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease.

These were my results that show I definitely have Type 1 (LADA) diabetes, and NOT Type 2!

  • C-Peptide: <0.2 (Low), Expected: 1.1-4.4
  • GAD 65 Antibody: > 141.0 (High), Expected: <5.0
  • Insulin Antibody: 13.3 (High), Expected: <0.5
  • Zinc Transporter 8 Antibody: 59.4 (High), Expected: <15.0
  • Islet Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody, IgG: <1.4 (Normal), Expected: <1.4

I also had a thyroid test, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), that was was high indicating I have low thyroid and so will start taking 50 mcg Levothyroxine.

  • TSH, Third Generation: 6.230 (High), Expected: 0.400-4.100

There is an interesting article about LADA on the diaTribe web site.

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Type 1 LADA!

Based on the blood tests ordered by my endocrinologist, I definitely have Type 1 LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes for Adults) diabetes (and NOT Type 2)!

And I have low thyroid and need to take 50 mcg Levothyroxine.

And I have B-12 vitamin deficiency and need to take a pill for that. They said that often occurs when someone has been on Metformin for over 5 years. They had already told me to discontinue the Metformin at my last visit.

I got a prescription for Baqsimi glucagon nasal spray, if I have any emergency from very low glucose where I might be unconscious (my wife can squirt it up my nose).

They also discontinued Trulicity GLP-1 agonist weekly injection that my PCP had started 6 weeks ago (before I saw the endocrinologist).

They gave me information to review regarding insulin pumps like OmniPod or t-slim. We also talked about possibly getting a smart insulin pen with dose tracking and calculator, but will wait until another visit to decide on that since I might not need it if I get a pump.

They reviewed my log for the last 2 weeks, and made an adjustment for carb ratio at dinner so I’ll take a little more NovoLog at that meal.

Because of the coronavirus, my next visit in 2 weeks will be done via the phone after I send all my information from my log and Dexcom Clarity details from my CGM.

I have setup my Dexcom CGM this afternoon and after the initial warm-up period will start continuous glucose monitoring every 5 minutes with graphs, alerts and alarms.

I am so glad that I finally saw an endocrinologist!