How is this possible? Being Diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes at 20

They don't always end up in DKA to be diagnosed.

January of this year, I was also one of those who felt unusually thirsty...contributed it to the dry air at the hospital, voided gallons frequently (or least it seemed like gallons, LOL)...contributed it to drinking so much, blurry vision...been wearing glasses/contacts most of my life and now over 40, so I thought my vision had changed again and it was time for my yearly eye exam, constant fatigue...contributed it to two recent deaths in the family, getting past the holidays, and crazy sleep patterns because of working 12-hr night shifts. Had someone else mentioned all these symptoms to me, my first thought would be for them to have their BG checked. With myself? Didn't occur until the 2nd week. I checked it and it was in the mid-300s.

At first, the doctors automatically diagnosed me with Type 2 because of my age (43). I could stand to lose a few pounds, but I've never been obese. Also, I never had gestational diabetes. At first, I was put on Glucaphage. Didn't help and Actos was added. That didn't work either and my blood sugars were now more in the 400s. Glucotrol XL was added but didn't help either. Insulin was added and that finally brought my BG down. I even had several hypoglycemic events. I had been telling them all along (after the 1st visit when diagnosed though) that I'd bought some Ketostix and my urine showed heavy ketones. Never was given an answer for that. I also told them that all my symptoms came on me extremely fast and I've had my blood sugar checked within the year (more than once) and it was WNL. Finally, after doing my own reading & looking for all the info I could find on diabetes, I insisted at my doctor's office they test me to see if I have Type 1 or Type 2. Well, guess what? It pays to take responsibility in looking out for yourself. I was told that the GAD and C-peptide showed that I am Type 1. I got a referral to an endocrinologist who I'm now seeing and no longer having to take the PO diabetic meds. I do take Levemir @ HS and Apidra AC 3 times daily. They're trying to talk me into a pump, but I'm don't want one just yet.

I'm also curious about becoming hypoglycemic with Type 1 if you obviously weren't on insulin at that time. I'm sure different people react different ways, but when I delay a meal during the day (which also means delaying giving myself insulin), my blood sugar shoot way up. The only time it goes low is if I didn't get enough carbs after an insulin dose.

Usually if your BG goes way up when you delay a meal, it means your basal insulin coverage is inadequate. Levemir does not usually work a full 24 hours, so it's possible your highs may come as the Levemir is fading. Splitting the Levemir into 2 doses, or trying Lantus might help.

Sadly I was dignosed at 35..... That was tough, but 5 yrs later. I'm 40 THIS TUES. THE 28TH. I have an insulin pump and am doing good most days. Takes life changes but can be done with type 1.

Dx'ed w/ type 1 at 19 here.

Type 1 DM is an autoimmune disease, and can be diagnosed at any age. Just because a patient takes insulin, even from the beginning, does not make them necessarily type 1. Autoimmune beta cell destruction is type 1 diabetes.

Many type 2s need insulin to control their BGs. Type 2s CAN go into DKA, especially at diagnosis. It is important to do thorough testing at diagnosis ( C-peptide, insulin, several auto-antibodies) to differentiate between the two in many cases.

I have a 5 y/o patient with type 2 DM, and many pre-teens.

It is not uncommon at all to have hypoglycemic episodes before the diagnosis of type 1 DM. Think of the islet cells as still producing some insulin, just not nearly as efficiently as they should. When the BG is high, signaling the pancreas to secrete insulin, it may not react quickly and with precision. Then, when it does react, it secretes an imprecise amount (too much) resulting in hypoglycemia.

My oldest newly-diagnosed T1 was 50. She as also still breastfeeding her youngest, who was four. Her glucose as relatively low but her ketones were high and her pH was 7.

After looking after several nurses and one doctor who landed on my ward in DKA as their initial T1 presentation I do a BSL every month, and a UA (we are renal, too).

PS Did I mention my hypochondria?

Lol, it happens. I make my doctor order a CBC at least annually even if they insist there's no indication. I try not to be too paranoid, but c'mon, humor me a little here.

Dear Newly Diagnosed:
There is really no age limit with Type One. Where we live, we have had a four year old diagnosed with Type 2.....Elizbeth Perkins, actress from Weeds on HBO was 40 when she was diagnosed. Jake Cutler, NFL quarterback for now the Chicago Bears was 25. My son was six years old and has a pump. He does everything with it. Do not let it stop you from doing anything that you want to do, you will just learn to plan better in order to do it. Get with the ADA or JDRF for support groups and help.. Good luck...

My friend from high school was diagnosed at about the age of 18 after she passed out and ended up in the hospital. I saw her when we were both about 20 and she was not happy with having to take insulin.

I was having my doctor order a FBG about once a year, too, because 4 of my father's sisters were type 2. Well, I was a little overweight and a few years back the doc did diagnose me with type 2--I had 2 consecutive FBGs of 126! A weight loss of 30# and I'm staying off of meds so far. My A1C is around 6

One of our resident physicians was diagnosed with type 1. He was doing a surgery rotation, and I understand he collapsed in the OR.