Diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions in the U.S., is often undiagnosed, leaving many unaware of the risks it poses to their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with diabetes face an increased risk of severe complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and amputations.
Dr. Brian Burtch, an endocrinologist at University Hospital, explains that when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise, potentially causing lasting damage to vital organs. “High blood sugars can damage vital structures,” Burtch warns.
For many, diabetes symptoms go unnoticed until serious health issues arise. Megan Metz, a 37-year-old from Geauga County, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during her first pregnancy 10 years ago. Despite giving birth, her blood sugar levels never normalized, eventually leading to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Metz recalls, “They told me it was a possibility because of my weight, and that the pregnancy brought it out.” At her heaviest, she weighed 320 pounds during pregnancy. While medications helped regulate her blood sugar for years, she continued to face challenges, including inconsistent highs and lows. After a second pregnancy, her condition worsened.
“I was on different medications, but nothing seemed to work,” she said. In search of a solution, Metz consulted a new endocrinologist who diagnosed her with type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. This condition is often confused with type 2 diabetes, especially in middle-aged patients, but it has distinct characteristics.
Dr. Burtch explains, “Type 1.5 diabetes is like a milder version of type 1 diabetes,” often misdiagnosed as type 2 due to its gradual onset. He stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis, as incorrect treatment can limit access to effective therapies.
With this new diagnosis, Metz began taking insulin at mealtime. “When we added mealtime insulin, we saw incredible results within a week or two,” said Burtch. Within three months, her blood sugar levels were nearly perfect.
This new understanding of diabetes subtypes could pave the way for more personalized treatment options, offering hope for those with uncontrolled diabetes who have previously not responded to conventional therapies. Accurate diagnosis is key to unlocking more effective management and improving quality of life for patients.
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