Saturday, June 4, 2011

Could it be MODY Diabetes?

When we started on our journey with type 1, I researched until my fingertips were numb.  I learned that there are many different types of diabetes other than type 1:  LADA, MODY, Type 2, Gestational and more.

When Andrew was able to go off of insulin so early, the doctors just assumed that we caught his type 1 extremely early and that he was in the "honeymoon" stage.

Over the past 6 months, Andrew has been able to control his diabetes with diet alone.  There is still a chance that he could be honeymooning, but the doctor wants to investigate into MODY, which stands for Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young.  It involves a hereditary gene that disrupts insulin production.  I've read that there can be up to 6-9 different types of MODY.  Mody 2 & 3 are the most common.

Symptoms:

  • mild to moderate hyperglycemia (very mild version of type 1)
  • occurs without progression to diabetic ketosis
  • persistent low insulin needs past honeymoon period
It's important to find out which type of MODY you have because some are treated with oral medication and some are treated with insulin.

The only way to find out which type you have would be to get gene testing.  This can be extremely expensive since insurance companies don't always cover it.

This brings us to Andrew.

Andrew will be having a 5 hour glucose tolerance test done next week.  He will fast overnight and then drink a very sugary pop like drink.  They will take his blood at multiple times throughout the 5 hour time period.  Thankfully he will get an IV so he doesn't have to be continually poked.  They will also take a little blood each time and run it on the glucometer to see where he's at.  

I've very uneasy getting this test done because he tends to go low around lunchtime.  His lows are another reason why they wanted to do this test.  They will be checking to see how quickly the insulin is being released in his body.   If the results suspect MODY, they will then look at me.  

I would like to ask for prayers for Andrew.  Please pray that God keeps him safe during the test and that we can finally get the answers that we are looking for.  

I will keep you all updated.

6 comments:

  1. You are a researching machine, Nikki! I am sorry you have been forced to do it since Andrew's autoimmune problems are not clear :(. This is one of those times you want to pray to God for a specific reveal . . . . it is so hard to not know and trust you will be given insight as He decides we need it.

    I will pray for God's grace and mercy during Andrew's glucose tolerance test. It won't be easy, but hopefully will shed some light on what type of diabetes he has and how to move forward in treatment.

    Hang in there, my sweet. You can do this!!!!!

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  2. All the best to you and Andrew! I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers! I hope you're able to reach some conclusions.

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  3. Thinking of you both! Praying that some answers are found!

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  4. WOW, I had now idea you guys were going through all of this Nikki. I just read your last few posts. Good luck and please keep us updated. The DOC has your back. We want answers. Not knowing is the hardest part. xoxo

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  5. So hope this brings much needed answers!!
    Standing with you in prayer.

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  6. Prayers for you and your family. I know you need some answers - I hope you get them quickly.

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