I'm so confused.

Meg,

Sorry, I work almost exclusively with type 2, so I'm not as sharp as I would like to be with the early onset of type 1. My guess is that yes, it may be a waiting game. You have your insulin if you need it, but as long as your sugars are running low, good, just keep checking. You might want to pick up some ketone test sticks to use if your glucose results do go up considerably or if you become ill or stressed.

It sounds like you've researched this all very well, so I may have nothing to add.

It's true that steroids can have an amazing affect on raising blood glucose, and this effect can take a while to resolve. A patient I met recently took 2 months for his levels to return to his usual range. I do believe steroids can increase the blood glucose levels of a non-diabetic to worrisome levels. For that person, I would expect the results to eventually return to normal, but I could also be a sign that the person is pre-diabetic and the steroids just reveal the potential to develop full diabetes. Healthy eating and activity are the "treatment" for pre-diabetes.

However, you've listed your age in your profile. Type 2 has been considered relatively rare in young people, though the percentage is definitely on the rise.

Type 1 as you know is when the pancreas can no longer produce the insulin you need to live. There's a lab test that can be done to see how much insulin your body is producing. (but as you know there can be the honeymoon period where the pancreas kicks in and works quite well...for a while...) So the c-peptide test may not tell much durig that phase. Your doctor may be able to screen for antibodies against your insulin production. You might ask your doctor if you have been screened for vitamin D deficiency as there is some study that this could lead to type 1.

Keep watching your blood glucose numbers and keep your insulin close by.

My prayers are with you; I wish you the very best in everything.

Garren

clinical phamacist/CDE