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Q:
My son is discovered to be Type 1 Diabetic recently. No family history in our family. Here are some of the lab tests:
Random blood sugar 773(60-160), urine sugar +++, hemoglobin 10.3 C-peptide 0.26(1.1-4.4)
Hemoglobin 7.8 (4.0-6.0)
I have some questions to ask:
1- How can we estimate the number/percentage of damaged islet cells?
2- Do we have to wait another 3months under insulin to repeat Hb A1c & C-peptide again?
3- Are you recommending any other investigations?
Your answer will be appreciated.
A:
There are three kinds of islet cells, that is β cells, α cells, and D cells. β cells occupy 60%-80% of islet cells. They can secrete insulin and lower the blood sugar. C-peptide is also secreted by β cells and if there is one unit insulin, there will sure be one unit of C-peptide. Therefore, C-peptide is always used to test the function of β cells.
According to your son's test results, his C-peptide is 0.26, while the normal range is 1.1-4.4. It is less than 20% of normal range. It means his islet function is also less than 20%. Are you clear now?
His blood sugar is 773, which is the highest that I have ever met. He doesn't have to test C-peptide again, because if he only takes insulin, his C-peptide will not change. Insulin can only help lower blood sugar, but cannot treat the disease. His Hb A1c will be lower if his blood sugar is well controlled. In normal condition, there should not be sugar in urine, but he has 3+.
No further tests have to be done, but he needs in time treatment to improve islet function. We have to repair the β cells so that they can secrete insulin normally. After the islet function improved, he may not need artificial insulin injection. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment repair the damaged beta cells and protect healthy cells, so it will help to improve islet function. At the same time, we have to regulate his immune system to prevent new cells being attacked again.
He'd better receive treatment early. For patients on insulin for many years, it will be too late, because nearly all their β cells are damaged. If you have further concerned question, you can email us directly.
