Signs of Double diabetes (Hybrid diabetes)

Double Diabetes (Hybrid Diabetes)

Description

A condition where the patient has symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Double diabetes occurs when a Type 1 diabetic begins having resistance to insulin they are taking to treat their disease. Overweight patients with Type 1 diabetes are at greatest risk of developing this disorder. The disorder generally develops gradually and first manifests itself as an increasing need for more insulin to control the glucose level. In patients with Type 2 diabetes the disorder is diagnosed by detecting antibodies against the cells in the pancreas that make insulin (beta cells). It is estimated that 15-20% of teens with Type 2 diabetes actually have double diabetes. In patients with Type 1 diabetes maintaining a health weight is the best way to avoid developing this disorder.

Symptoms

More insulin is needed to control the glucose level. The addition of insulin is needed to control the glucose level. Elevated glucose levels cause increased urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), increased thirst (polydipsia), blurry vision, fatigue, and weight loss.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. The provider may order a blood test to detect antibodies against the beta cells of the pancreas. Glucose levels will be measured as well.

Standard Workup

Chem 12

Treatment

Therapy is aimed at maintaining the proper weight and controlling the blood glucose. Most patients are given both insulin and oral medications to treat Type 2 diabetes. These medications include: acarbose (Prandase, Precose), acetohexamide (Dymelor), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase), metformin (Glucophage), miglitol (Glyset), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), repaglinide (Prandin), tolazamide (Tolinase), tolbutamide (Orinase), and troglitazone (Rezulin). Body weight control is best achieved through a healthy diet and exercise. Patients who are able to lose weight will sometimes experience loss of resistance to insulin resulting in better glucose control with less insulin.