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@windyshores

I really encourage folks to specify type 1 or type 2 rather than using the generic "diabetes," which almost always is used for type 2. I think this makes type 1's feel forgotten and, indeed, they often are!

Type 1 is autoimmune and is not the result of lifestyle factors. It is lifelong and cannot be reversed. Two very different diseases.

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Replies to "I really encourage folks to specify type 1 or type 2 rather than using the generic..."

@windyshores I was diagnosed with type 1 at age 18. By the time I was in my 40’s I’d had two precarious pregnancies and had developed several complications of diabetes. I had retinopathy, peripheral & autonomic neuropathy and hypoglycemic unawareness. My endocrinologist informed me that any health conditions would affect blood sugar control and vice versa (even a common cold !) It is a two way street or a double edged sword. My primary physician advised that if I wanted to see my two girls graduate high school I should consider pancreas transplant. At age 48 I received a pancreas transplant. I have previously posted about my transplant story. It did not “cure” my diabetes but did help me control my blood sugar through insulin, diet and exercise. The retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and hypoglycemic unawareness reversed. At the time of the transplant my kidneys were evaluated and I was diagnosed with mild chronic kidney disease but a kidney transplant was not recommended. The pancreas transplant has had a really good run and I consider it my God given personal miracle. My daughters graduated high school and college (one completed graduate school). They are married and I have 6 grandchildren! I am blessed; BUT 5-6 years ago my pancreas function and kidney function started declining. I was reevaluated for simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant. There is still some pancreas function but I am now stage 4 CKD. I’ve been approved & accepted for kidney transplant at 2 facilities. I chose Mayo in Rochester. I am inactively listed for kidney transplant. (My glomerular filtration rate ((GFR)) is a bit too high for active listing.) I’m too healthy! Thank God. I’ve been looking for a living kidney donor for about 6 years, but nothing yet. In the world of diabetes I’ve been diagnosed as type 2 by the Mayo team. I am working with my local endocrinologist to use and adjust to a continual glucose monitor (CGM) and we are working out the best basal and bolus rates for my insulin. I am currently doing multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) and am researching insulin pumps. So I apologize for the long post. My point is that it isn’t always as simple as whether a pancreas transplant can “cure” diabetes or whether the diabetes is type 1 or type 2. It is not as easy as a black & white situation. There are many shades of grey.