Can You Tell Me Whether It’s Possible To Be Type 2 Diabetic, But On Insulin Injections?
August 26, 2011 No CommentsQUESTION – On this subject ( well diabetes), can I pick your brains please. Rather than get into an-other argument with my sister, can you tell me whether it’s possible to be Type 2 Diabetic, on injections, and medication. I thought once on injections, you were classed as Type 1? My sister says no. I was talking to her about these new EU regulations imposed on the DVLA – and and saying that whilst I may be okay at the moment wth my Type 2 medication status, I could go to Type 1, and injections. She then said she was Type 2, inj + meds ???
ANSWER – There are 2 classifications for Diabetes:
Type 1 – Pancreas producing no insulin. This occurs as a result of the pancreas packing up altogether – where the pancreas no longer secretes any insulin. Hence – the need for insulin injections.
Type 2 – Pancreas producing some insulin. This occurs when the pancreas is not working as affectively as it should but it is still secreting some insulin. Hence – medication such as tablets stimulate the pancreas into secreting enough to stabilize the blood glucose levels.
Generally – an individual who has type 2 diabetes and has been on tablets to stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin may find that as time progresses – the tablets are not quite enough to stimulate insulin secretion and that is why a small dose of insulin is then introduced along side the tablets.
So . .. any individual who is still producing some insulin will be still classed as type 2.
However – If a type 2 diabetic reaches the stage where they require insulin ‘solely without meds’ then they will be classed as a type 1 diabetic, because it means that their pancreas is no longer secreting insulin and it has packed up altogether.
Type 1 diabetes is scrutinised more in terms of its effects on an individual – because type 1 diabetes is far more difficullt to control, i.e. blood glucose levels tend to fluctuate more because it is difficult to get obtain blood glucose levels when balancing insulin / carboydrates/ and exercise. Whereas – with type 2 diabetes – the tablets will stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin – but the difference is – is that it will still produce relatively the right amount to balance what has been eaten or how much energy has been used up .Hence – the blood glucose levels don’t shoot up and go high. Also – type 2 diabetics don’t get hypo’s, unless they are now injecting insulin or taking blood glucose lowering meds.
In terms of the DVLA’s stance on type 2 diabetes – they are not concerned Re. individual’s that do not have hypo’s.
Unless – However – If a type 2 diabetic who is injecting insulin and has a history of hypo’s – then they will be classed in the same way as a type 1 diabetic in terms of their safety to drive.
When filling out a DVLA document – you will find that the DVLA require information regarding ‘Hypoglycemia’. on the ‘Medical Standards of fitness to drive’ form. I.e.
Below are some of the questions that are required you answer:
1. In the last 12 months, have you had an episode of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) that has happened when you were driving?
2. Have you had (more than one) episode of hypoglycaemia in the last 12 months that required assistance from another person?
FURTHER READING : Can Type 2 diabetes be Reversed? Here
