I am going to be seeing my doctor in a couple of days to request the blood tests for LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). I am diagnosed as being type 2 but in 5 years I've gone from being diet controlled to being insulin dependant. I understand that in Ontario - or atleast in my part of it, doctors will sometimes decline certain blood tests if the need doesn't justify the cost. The tests I would need are my C-Peptide levels, my Islet cell count, and for the presence of GAD auto antibodies.
I know that the tests won't change the treatments, but I would like to know what's going on with my body. I'm only 28 and I'd like to eventually have a baby. Does anyone know if these tests are expensive? I'm not really worried... Either she approves them or she doesn't; but I was just wondering.
John W - I don't see being insulin dependent as a bad thing. The control is far more specific whereas absorption of oral drugs is very variable. Modern versions of insulin like Lantus are very good at providing a basal insulin, though your provincial medicare may not provide for it. In Alberta, they still cover the antiquated NPH from the 50's instead of insulins like Lantus. You'll have to see what your insurance will cover for the blood tests and what medicare will cover after that.
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