This is a short post that answers the question, “Are you a Type 1 or a Type 2 Diabetic?”
I’ve been telling myself I was going to write this post for almost as long as I’ve been a diabetic, for over 15 years.
Why write this post?
Because it’s a question I’m often asked when posting a picture of my blood sugars on social media.
About My Social Media Posts
When I share pics of my my blood sugars I typically write something like the screenshot below.
Usually I choose my words very carefully, especially when writing posts…
I purposely do not mention ‘the type’ of diabetic I am. (Type 1 or type 2)
Why?
- It is not uncommon for diabetic’s ‘type’ to be misdiagnosed. I personally know more than a few who were. I want my message to be heard by all diabetics.
- I was diagnosed as a Type 1, but I am definitely a Type 2 diabetic. Originally my doctor thought that my pancreas had restarted and I was on a ‘honeymoon’ period. (more about this below)
- Had I stayed on a high carb, grain based, veggie oil ladened ‘diet’ as promoted by the American Diabetes Association, no doubt I would have permanently lost all pancreatic function… and therefore I’d still be on drugs and insulin.
- Regardless of ‘type’ a low carb, real food diet (like this one) benefits all diabetics.
- “Type” ultimately doesn’t matter. If you can maintain truly normal blood sugars with diet and exercise … great, if not… you will need to take drugs and/or insulin (as I once did).
Did you know the two main types of diabetes had different names decades ago … read this post, “What’s in a Name“.
To sum this section up, I purposely do not mention type because I’d like for all diabetics to try a truly low carb diet… I don’t care if you are Type 1, Type 2, LADA, MODY, Gestational etc… it makes managing truly normal blood sugars much more manageable.
Honeymoon Period Explained
About 45 days after a diabetes diagnosis I went to see my doctor for a follow up.
He was pleased to see my blood sugars were in the ‘diabetic normal’ range and sometimes dipping into truly non-diabetic blood sugar levels!
AND <drumroll> … I accomplished these blood sugar levels while weaning off all drugs and insulin!
Note: I had weaned off (4) insulin shots and other drugs, without checking with my doctor… and he wasn’t happy that I had not consulted with him first.
However, my doctor looked me in the eyes and sternly said, “You should never change your dosage without checking with me first … but I wouldn’t suggest that you change what you are doing. It’s obviously working for you.”
He cautiously said, “It’s not uncommon for a pancreas to restart during a honeymoon period, but it doesn’t last long. The honeymoon could last for days or weeks, but it won’t last forever, so be careful and keep checking your blood sugars.”
Well folks, because of my VERY low carb diet and other lifestyle changes… I’ve been on a 15+ year honeymoon period!
In Conclusion
I periodically test my blood sugars and strive to keep them in the TRULY normal range, not ‘diabetic normal range’. Check out this post for my blood sugar range suggestions. Hint: It’s non-diabetic normal blood sugars.
#Diabetes #Winning
So… the answer to the question, “What is my type?” … I am a Type 2.
But you can call me, as I was originally diagnosed, a Type 1 diabetic.
Or you can call me a Type 2.
You just can’t call me a drug and insulin dependent diabetic. 🙏
Note: If you are a Type 1 diabetic I’d urge you to check out the TypeOneGrit Facebook group, they are an excellent resource.
Keep on striving to THRIVE!!! … I do. 🙏 ❤
For more of my story, read this post.
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