I was misdiagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes for over 15 years *story time* this could happen to you…

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I know this has nothing to do with my usual content so if you watched this Thankyou 🥹❤️ and if you’re going through something don’t stop advocating for yourself

[@EricK-sk2jf]

Great story! You're right for not trusting western medicine, Its all about money. My Dad was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 10 years years ago. He knew better because he'd been taking care of his health his whole life. Ex. He's a black 72 years old man that has no high blood pressure. That's a small percentage.. His mother, my grandmother, was a type 1 diabetic. Had her legs amputated before she died. So its more than likely that his doctor misdiagnosed him because of the family history.. My Dad just said ok to the doctor,and accpeted the metformin prescription. He knew it was a con so he got rid of that doctor. 10 years later he has a huge trough full of unopened metformin bottles because when you're on medicare you have to follow what your doctors tell you. So for years he just bought the pills to stay compliant so he wouldn't be penalized and lose his insurance. Now imagine if my Dad listened to that doctor? That metformin would;ve slowly destroyed my Dad's body slowly for a disease he didn't have.

[@allisonlucero1345]

Same thing happened to my father! Doctors put him on diabetes medication and he kept passing out. I have learned the hard way, that we HAVE to be our own advocates!!!! I finally found a great doctor. After two years, she left the practice and now I have to start all over again.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

That makes me so angry! They meds they wrongly had my mum on made her sick as well I don’t even want to think of the long term damage being on diabetes meds you don’t need can do to one’s body 😖

[@sobe3328]

Hi Caitlin! Let me start by saying Thank you for this video!!! Advocating for yourself is so very important. My experience doesn’t have to do with diabetes, however, it does with the medical field. I was ignored for years when I was in my early forties, and I kept telling my doctors that I was having menopause symptoms. It took me many years to find a doctor that would run tests and finally admit that I was in fact going through menopause in my forties!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for sharing this story!! It’s so important to advocate for yourself!

[@heidijay5902]

I’m 43 & peri menopausal (have been for about 18 months to 2 years), I’m actually late for my family. My best friend is a year younger than me & also peri menopausal. Early(ish) menopause is quite common, I’m surprised your doctors didn’t listen to you.

[@annabiggs2534]

@@heidijay5902 hi, I’m 45 and think I’m going through the same. I need to see someone to sort it out.

[@sobe3328]

@@heidijay5902 Every time I would mention my symptoms they would say I was too young… now that I think about it I was probably 38-39…still no one believe it. Until I changed doctors and I just happened to ask my mom about her age when she started to experience some symptoms and she said..”oh I think I was 38” I was shocked. My sister is 37 and has been experiencing symptoms already.

[@oliverbuckley3947]

Type 2?! At 15? I’m sure that’s not unheard of but as a type 1 that sounds unusual to me. I’ve had some shocking situations with my treatment here in the UK, at one point I was experiencing lots of hypos and needed assistance from paramedics. One of them asked my dad if I was administering too much insulin to secure funding for an expensive blood sugar monitor. I got really down about this because why on earth would I hospitalise myself intentionally? We put so much trust in these services (rightly so) but I feel like a lot of people assume because we look fine how bad could it possibly be. Sorry you’ve had to go through this!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Omg!! That is madness!

[@JamieReviewsStuff]

Oh no, you're not wrong at all. Doctors in the states are the same way. I had to switch my GP cause I was having breathing issues, she said I had anxiety and wanted to put me on medication. I took it upon myself to get a second opinion from another doctor in the practice who had me do an endoscopy and found out I had really bad acid reflux. Some (not all) just want to throw pills at you and tell you it's all in your head, it's very frustrating!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so glad you got to the bottom of your issue! X

[@yanapetrova706]

Oh I can relate! I had a feeling like something stuck in my throat, and I went to the doc. She said I had acid reflux and put me on meds. But all it was my coffee on empty stomach every morning 😒 I figured it out myself Bcs researched that medicine and it has A LOT OF SIDE EFFECTS, so I didn’t take it and tried natural way first. That’s what Caitlin also said, about overmedication. If I wasn’t a nutritionist and health enthusiast, I would take it for 2 months and who knows how it would affect me. It could have been avoided by just a doctor asking me how I eat and fix that first…. Can relate so much. After so many years docs disregarding my hormonal issues, saying I’m fine, while apparently I had PCOS all this time and I was punishing myself for not being as skinny as socially acceptable, and doing pregnancy tests all the time cause of missing period and not even knowing what’s going on.. for 15 years.. it’s just sad 😞

[@JamieReviewsStuff]

@@CaitlinPawlowski right back at ya! 😘

[@melissaphillips1201]

I’m sorry you went through this but so glad you continued to advocate for yourself! I was told my heavy periods were bc I was overweight - turned out I had cervical cancer !!!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😯 I hope you are okay now?

[@therealshakeen]

As a health care provider, my biggest piece of advice to everyone is: always seek a 2nd or 3rd opinion whenever you receive a life changing diagnosis. If a doctor doesn’t listen to you, just remember there is one out there who does. And always keep copies of your reports, imaging, etc.

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

It amazes me how much trust people have in one person. They’ll get three quotes from tradespeople to paint their kitchen/landscape their yard but when it comes to their health, they stop at just the one person. We can question our medical practitioners and we should!

[@therealshakeen]

@@AnUrbanGypsy excellent analogy! Also, it’s always good for doctors to get another pair of eyes to review a case. Everyone is human and has different experiences with patients and cases. As a patient, I would for sure appreciate if a doctor told me that he/she wants to consult with other doctors to see if anything is missed.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I agree with this Thankyou for sharing it it’s just a shame they feel so few and far between because in this situation and others it’s taken so many doctors to finally get the right answer x

[@Nancy-Cusa]

You are absolutely correct about the lack of listening, concern and reaction by most doctors. I always say there is a reason they say “practicing” medicine….because so often it is trial and error treatment. I just fired my GP for her lack of response to my questions and requests. I never had a GP until I got much older and just relied on my OBGYN for my health. That worked just fine for me because I had no conditions that required monitoring, and still don’t have any at 69! I’m glad you are taking an active role in your health and trust yourself your instincts.

[@niononion4363]

I didn’t want to be a jerk so I didn’t say anything when I first saw you make videos on “DMII”-but I knew/had a VERY big hunch that you did not have DMII. I’m a Rheum/Autoimmune specialist, not a GP. This video wasn’t offensive at all by the way, it was just sad because it highlights holes in the system. I’m sorry you had this experience.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for this ❤️

[@thelsw2188]

It’s so important for patients to advocate for themselves. It’s shouldn’t be that way but it is. Good for you. A doctor in college gave me an anxiety medication prescription after 1 visit and it just didn’t feel right. I stopped drinking coffee and my anxiety went away.

[@bstrong5016]

I can relate! I went to doctors for 8 years and was told nothing was wrong with me. FINALLY I went to a Naturopathic doctor and within a month she helped me to figure out what my problem was. Life changing for my health! Now I am totally fine with an alteration to my diet. It is frustrating when your health and life are on the line and doctors are not listening. I'm glad you got to the bottom of your situation!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Naturopathic doctors are just the best!

[@sophiephilippi1835]

MODY was the first thing I had in my mind when I heard 15y/O girl. Sorry for what you went through!

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

When you finally find a Dr you think is great, you go back six months later to discover they’ve since left the Practice. Rare to continually see the same Dr. these days no matter where you live. I fully understand you trying to self diagnose, it’s so frustrating to not be heard. I wish you well on your continuing health journey.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It’s so true! It’s like all the best ones realise the system is broken and don’t want to be a part of it 😖

[@emilylee4293]

I totally agree! I have a friend. She has been having birth control for a long time and she knows there are certain brands of birth control pills that cause her to lose hair quite fast and when she requests for another brand of birth control that she knows that won't have the side effect of hair loss. The doctor refused to prescribe her that brand of birth control. And my friend persisted enough to have only that brand, and finally the doctor agreed. We are also looking for a new primary care doctor that actually prioritizes patients health instead of profit from the pharmaceutical companies.

[@lindseydean93]

Caitlin, I'm so sorry that you've endured so much. You are a very strong woman. I'm really glad to know that you have found your answers. 😘😘❤️

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@gemmal364]

Hi Caitlin, wow - so sorry to hear about your experience ☹I think that because genetic testing is relatively new, many doctors aren't up to date. And there's a misconception that there's only two main types of diabetes - there are actually several. The Diabetes UK website is good at providing info on all types, it lists 11 types! I have only been to see a GP once since I moved to Australia. I had been up all night with excruciating nerve pain in my ear. My partner is an emergency doctor and said what he thought it was and the medication (nerve blocker) that I needed. So I went to see a GP and told him. He didn't listen AT ALL and started suggesting I might have an ear infection. So I repeated and he said "ooh I don't think it's that, you'd have been in much more pain and you'd have gone to emergency department". Ironic, because my partner told me he's given morphine to patients in visibly less pain that I was in; yet the GP was so dismissive 😡I think there's definitely a gender component to not being taken seriously by a GP. Anyway, there's a lot of momentum right now in women's health 🙌 the Australian Govt has just announced a National Council on women's health. In Victoria the State government has committed a lot of funding on women's health reforms. So hopefully the system can only improve! I'm glad you have finally got the correct diagnosis. Thanks for sharing your story ❤

[@madeinnorden]

I am a doctor researching on IBS and this video resonates with me but from different perspective. Most of my IBS patients tell me that their previous doctor have said there is "nothing to help you" but it is simply NOT TRUE. Doctors cannot cure everything but we can limit the burden, if you're experiencing issues please keep insisting on help!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for being here ❤️

[@michaelscott33]

I’m a Critical Care physician and I took no offense to this at all. It is extremely sad that you had to go through that - it is EXTREMELY rare for a child to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, in fact, every child I have come across with such a diagnosis, I have completed an additional work up and every single time it was misdiagnosed. It should have been a major clue when you told your doctor that your family members all had diabetes, as well. MODY is a bit trickier to diagnose at times, because it acts like Type 2, but functions like type 1 diabetes. Your doctors should have done a better job listening to you, however my gut tells me they were likely affected heavily by anchoring biases and confirmation biases. One additional note, chiropractors do not attend medical school. That’s just a pet peeve of mine.

[@akong331]

Thank you for sharing. So glad you advocate for yourself! Hopefully inspire others too. Health is the biggest luxury next to time. ❤.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Absolutely!

[@MrsSB12]

Story of my life, doctors not listening to me! You should read this book by Elinor Cleghorn: Unwell Woman: A journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made World. I found it so interesting and fascinating, as it shows how women have always been ignored in the medical profession in the West since forever. Really glad you got some answers in the end. Xx

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for this recommendation! X

[@MrsSB12]

You’re welcome Caitlin. It is such a shocking eye-opener detailing what women have been going through since the Ancient Greek and Roman times! Xx

[@Skyebright1]

Definitely centuries of assuming women are hysterical

[@clare2272]

Caitlin thanks so much for sharing your health videos, I found you through handbags but I cannot tell you how valuable they've been to me! I never knew about the link between copper and anxiety until one of your videos. We have the same problems with GPs here in UK, they just want to put you on pills to manage the symptoms but never get to the root cause, it's beyond frustrating! Will you update us on your anxiety at some point please? Xxxx

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I am so glad it helped you Clare really ❤️🥹

[@madeleinbronner3943]

I have been suffering for 2.5 years. In the middle of 2 shoulder surgeries, I was misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The worst part is that it was by a Physician’s assistant. In the states this professional does not have half the education of a physician. The system here is causing PAs to do most of what physicians do. This PA was supposed to share all my labs and xrays with the Rheumatologist. Does not seem like she did. I was put on 3 different meds that caused me horrible side effects. So like you, I made an appointment in a city nearby to see an actual Rheumatologist and not a PA. I found out that I never had RA. This caused my 2nd shoulder surgery to be delayed. I am suffering so much still because with both shoulder surgeries I got adhesive capsulitis. I am a Pharmacist and had to go on disability. Yes my love, some Drs suck. Huge ego and arrogance and you have to advocate for yourself. And the good ones out there, MAY GOD BLESS THEM.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Sounds like you’ve been through hell and back!

[@yagirljuly]

Love you, thanks for sharing your story. Everything will be okay

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching ❤️

[@lyndaconrad4549]

I'm not surprised - most primary physicians only know about t1 and t2. I only got the c-peptide and gad65 when I went to an endocrinologist. My family also has a strong history of t2 - it goes back to my great-grandfather on my dad's side (that we know for sure). We all start with metformin, then add the other oral meds until we all finally wind up insulin. I thought the gad65 would show LADA, but it came back with no antibodies.

[@catherinetaranto3185]

I'm shocked a doctor didn't refer you to an endocrinologist earlier! I had gestational diabetes and I was immediately referred to a diabetes councillor and if I didn't get my levels right (they were diet controlled in the end), I would've been referred to an endocrinologist. I feel like that's someone you should have been referred to ages ago. This is ridiculous

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It certainly is and what’s even more ridiculous is the one they were trying to refer me to first was the same one my mum saw and they were telling her it was type 2 (she was wrong too) which made me even more scared to go to one but I ended up asking to see a different one which was the one I ended up seeing

[@IrinaVanRonkel]

I didn’t watch video yet but I hope you are doing well! Love your channel ❤️

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou ❤️ I hope you are doing well too xx

[@perfect433]

Thank you for sharing. It is important to double check everything doctors says, we have better treatment but the % of every disease are going up drastically, so something does not add up.

[@dissolved29]

I am the opposite case - I need to be medicated and No one ever told me so. I spent 3 years ans saw dozens of doctors and they all said that I need to lose weight, exersise more and eat less. Which I always did, and kept putting on weight. I was seeing a dietetitian and lost nothing over 18 months. It was a new ob gyn that directed me right, and I was lucky to find a great diabetologist after all. It turns out that while my sugar level is generally high but ok-ish it’s the insuline that is messed up heavily, my body makes a ton and doesn’t respond to it at all. With proper therapy I lost about 30 kilos in a year and went back to my original self. I have way more energy, my hair stopped shedding and I am able to live a normal life.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I am so happy for you!

[@sams3015]

I’m about to listen to this. Thanks for always being so open and real with us. I look forward to hearing what you will say but I already know it’s going be worth seeing

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thanks for listening ❤️

[@katesmiles4208]

So what are your levels? If your bgl is over 10 your body can not process glucose safely and you need diet control and medication to avoid irrevocably damaging your blood vessels and nerve endings. Testing your bgl 1 hr then 2 hrs after eating will give u a true indication of your blood sugar levels. Once it gets to a bgl of 9 go and excercise for 15 mins it should drop it back to a safe level (7.8 or below)

[@mansoor3159]

Hey! Caitlin I hope you are doing good and I love this storytime video so so much you are my inspiration and I wish you reach 50K Subscribers very very soon!😭💝💫

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thank you so much!! Xx

[@louisajohnson4237]

Thanks for sharing this, very interesting. If other members of your family have ‘type 2 diabetes’ could they have the gene too?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Hey! Nope turns out it’s all the gene x

[@LotusesGalaxyOcean]

I think it is important for people to realize that there is now so much information even within just one industry that a single person CANNOT know everything to give you a holistic but detailed view. Even if a person is trying to look at things holistically, which most doctors are not, they are not going to have specialist expertise on everything. This is why being getting your genome done, hormones, nutrition and microbiome tested matters so much. Diagnostics are pivotal. Personal story.... I have discovered my personal issues are hormonal and easily fixed eating a piece of candy. Sounds ridiculous right? However, I have discovered that autistic women [like those with pcos] have elevated testosterone levels. Basically they found that autistic women did not properly excrete excess testosterone. I then after digging discovered via a study on men that black licorice lowers testosterone. So essentially by eating a small piece of black licorice everyday.... my insomnia and high strung state has evaporated. I have had insomnia forever and I fixed it with a bag of licorice. And the enraging thing is that if you told a doctor you were a woman with autism there is no way they would even know to bring up hormonal levels. Moral of the story: research, research, research, and if you can go to experts instead of general practitioners and have things tested for.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for sharing this 👏

[@heidijay5902]

I’m on the spectrum also, & your comment has given me a lot of research ideas. So thank you so much for posting the same.

[@lexiaussi237]

Why are some docs like this?! One doc tried to put me on medication for hyperthyroidism (for the rest of my life). I suggested taking a multivitamin first and she said it would throw my other nutrient levels off. I took the vitamin anyway, got my blood tested again a few months later and she was like “Oh; you’re fine.” 😑

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Unbelievable!

[@annakristina3644]

Why did no one ever send you to an internal medicine doctor specialized in diabetes? Don’t they do that in Australia? The GP wouldn’t treat a brain tumor either. Very strange

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It certainly is the one they sent my mum too also insisted it was just type 2 which was why I was very hesitant I finally went to a different one after waiting for an appointment and he was thankfully better than the other one they were trying to get me to see

[@izzapartier9068]

I can totally relate re: western medicine, and I'm a nurse 😂 I fully have faith in science, but also if there is a way to manage it withour medication or surgery then why not? Also here's the tea: everybody Googles... EVERYBODY 😏

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Haha Izza I just adore you! Thankyou for being here! ❤️

[@cindybrown9898]

hi from canada my lady doctor hid in her house during the pandemic and i went to several local walk ins very nice doctors also our pharmacist is always so welcoming and knowledgable shame on the docs who are so full of ego they cant ask u what u meant so sorry to hear bout yor journey

[@kaylheecarroll3186]

Wow that's terrible that you got misdiagnosed!

[@mariam7203]

I’m confused. Why doesn’t your type need to be treated. I thought eventually with mody you need insulin.

[@Antoinettescloset]

I have a few questions for you. When you tell the Dr's that you have the GCK gene, what exactly are you saying? Are you telling them, "Hey, I had a test done to see if I had this gene for cancer and it turns out I have this GSK gene." If you lead with- I've had this test done and this is what they found, that might be taken a little more seriously than you simply stating you have the GCK gene. OR. These Dr's dont find it that relative, therefore they aren't putting any thought into it. When the Dr said that she wanted to put you on medication, did you ask her why she felt like you needed to be on medicine? Most Dr's, at least good ones, will let you know you have a condition, give you options on how to deal with it. If it's something that you can do on your own WITHOUT medicine then most are all for that. Unless, of course you can't do it on your own. But, sadly, a lot of Dr's push medications right away b/c it's just easier.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Hey they had my entire file as well as the results from the hospital so I would say I have the gck gene or I had the cancer gene test and that came back negative but have the GCK either way how I said it shouldn’t matter I told them I was diagnosed with the gck gene and they had a government form from the hospital which stated it too I also was pushed meds based on my levels and they were high that’s the only thing I was told and that it would reduce them when in actual fact it’s impossible to do so because the gene won’t allow my levels to drop that low I think the 7-8 doctors I saw just wanted to push meds and were pretty average doctors tbh

[@Antoinettescloset]

@@CaitlinPawlowski you are right, how you start a conversation about something shouldn't matter. I must've missed the part where you said the gene doesn't let your levels get lower. I hope you find a Dr that hears you and helps you in this journey. How frustrating for you to go thru this with feeling like you're not being heard. Please keep us updated. ((HUGS))

[@buntyjoy1800]

So do your relatives not have type 2 either?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Nope they don’t

[@buntyjoy1800]

@@CaitlinPawlowski Wow!

[@Lifeplasty]

It's a shame that you were not listened to.

[@glennpryce7281]

So are you Type 1 or Type 2 I’m confused ? 🤔

[@islandgirl21131]

Do you have socialized medicine?

[@lolipena8051]

I’m so sorry you went through this. Sad how this makes us not trust doctors anymore. I agree with others. We need to be our own advocates. I’ve always had concerns about my height. Thankfully my new gp submitted the genetics tests. Now let’s see how my breast cancer concern goes. I hate how we don’t regularly test women. Breast exams by touch, sorry such BS. we need yearly mammograms! More and more young women are getting breast cancer and only find out when it’s too late! Also how’s the no birth control and period going?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I hope this go well for you! Ah it’s a ride that I’m still on can’t wait for things to level out x

[@ericachacon8337]

You're not kidding about the whole "10-minute medicine" model of Western medicine... & it's only getting worse. I have long since lost all faith in my GP. I will need to be literally dying, to go back.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I feel you!

[@maciejgowacki584]

@caitlinpawlowski my case is so similar - 20 years with insulin as type1, and now almost month with nothing, but with GCK-MODY...

[@whogoes]

I am a first time viewer. I am very sorry you had to go through this. I too was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I took a pill, actos, for 14 or 15 years. I gained a lot of weight & felt unhealthy. My small town doctor retired. I had to find a new doctor. I tried a few, male & female. I found a young male doctor that took me OFF OF ACTOS & other medications. He told me I wasn't diabetic. I dropped 15 lbs. immediately. Eventually, I lost 100 lbs. I felt at least 20 yrs. younger. He has been my main GP doctor for about 7 yrs. & I think he saved my life. Sorry to write such a long comment, but people need to know that you have to ADVOCATE for yourself! You have to ask your doctors questions!

[@tawnyamarney]

Oh I was just screaming at the phone through most of this that you needed to see an endocrinologist! You're so right, a general practitioner is never going to be familiar with the more unusual conditions and possible causes. Nothing bad on them but they need to cover so many things they play the odds. Even now I have an endocrinologist who isn't listening to me as i keep saying my elevated glucose levels only started after my cancer treatments - its a known side effect of my meds! Yet all they see is someone over weight, with a family history and glucose readings in the 200s and make a diagnosis. So I'm looking for a new one who actually listens. Which is like trying to find a 🦄 . So frustrating 😪

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Oh god! And yes I agree part of the reason I put off seeing the first endo they suggested was because my mum saw her and she was still insisting it was type 2 Hang in there I know you will find one soon ❤️❤️❤️

[@seagreen9264]

That makes me so mad 😡 You’re already suffering from side effects from a treatment and they already want to push a new treatment 😠

[@morethanyourbasics]

This resonates with me. My GP was dismissive about a bunch of symptoms I started to deal with last year. I was losing a lot of weight and had mouth ulcers that got so bad I couldn't drink or eat and my doctor kept telling me that I was fine and refused to refer me to a specialist or take me seriously. After plenty of advocating for myself I have a bunch of specialists booked up after seeking a second opinion at the ER. The doctor at the ER saw my condition as urgent and needed treatment ASAP. You're so right about knowing our bodies best. Had I listened to my doctor I would have continued to get worse and worse with no treatment. It sucks but i think it also has something to do with women not being taken seriously. I'm glad you got a diagnosis and support that made you feel validated and less crazy

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Reading this makes me so angry about how dismissive they were but I am so glad you got your answers too! X

[@ladysusanjane2682]

Something similar happened to me (not diabetes) and I took matters into my own hands and sorted it all myself. I think the lesson is taking responsibility for yourself. Advocate for yourself or friend or family. Be proud of yourself -you did the right thing. 🎉😊

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so glad you advocated for yourself and stuck to your intuition! Xx

[@lyndajones1389]

I started having seizures and the consultant doctor arranged for me to see a clinical psychologist regularly though getting worse. Finally my primary doctor decided to order a brain scan. A day later i had a shunt in my head. i had so much fluid in my brain half my brain had disappeared. I was told by the new doctor i could have died within days.

[@karenmielish-clausell]

Being misdiagnosed as a type, two instead of being diagnosed as a type, one is more common than you realize if you follow diabetic, his name is Justin, and he had the same thing

[@rebeccawalker8879]

I did, I was diagnosed at 37 with type 2, I was normal weight , cutting a long story short I was eventually sent to a diabetic doctor a few years later because my blood sugars where off the scale and I got DKA, I had an antibody blood test and was diagnosed with type 1, LADA in other countries at 43. I was so unwell for years, could of been sorted with a blood test at the beginning.

[@monmur7952]

Glad you went to an endocrinologist, as they can support you in your journey. GPs don't know enough about genetics/and even sometimes "basic" diabetes knowledge and the 1st or 2nd one should have said something about seeing an endo or referred you to one (if referrals are a thing in Australia).

[@rosenikon]

Me living my whole life with awful debilitating period symptoms until a dr finally sent me for a scan in my late 20's turns out I have PCOS and honestly having a NAME to your illness is more help than anyone knows. It makes you feel like you're not crazy.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so glad you now know what it is!

[@rosenikon]

@@CaitlinPawlowski You to Caitlin, you should be so proud of yourself for fighting for your health. We only get one chance, one body and one life. I hope you're feeling well rested after everything xo

[@lynnkayee1015]

I was also misdiagnosed as type 2 but a much shorter time - 1 year almost to the day. I kept thinking that I needed my medication adjusted because my levels weren't getting better and I couldn't gain back any of the weight I had lost (I was down to 93lbs). Then I lost my insurance for 4ish months and went completely untreated. Thank God my new doctor thought something was amiss and took blood tests even though I told her I had already had them...because I thought I had! What's funny is never went into DKA until after I got a proper diagnosis and then I got it every 3 months, like clockwork, for 2 1\2 years. I've made it 6 months without it now. The more I look into it, the more common misdiagnosis seems to be. Especially in adults. Which is kind of scary! It seems insane that it is such a common occurrence.

[@9377rita]

I had similar with my blood pressure. It turned out after years that I have anxiety and I need a good psychologist to reduce my medication dose. Similarly I came across a KZbin video about anxiety and then I learned I can tackle difficult situation and calm myself instead of taking extra pills. And after many doctors and examinations last summer turned out, I didn't need heart medication and from the other pill it is enough to take half per day. Now I'm having a relaxation method to soothe my brain.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I am so happy for you!

[@ericamartinez8030]

I have been thinking since I first started watching your channel that there is no way you have type 2 DM.

[@lostindawind4116]

What kind of diet and exercise approaches do you follow to manage this?

[@mranderson5668]

I thought type 1 couldn't live without Insulin??

[@NatashaEstrada]

Your case definitely needed to be followed by an endocrinologist rather than a GP from the git-go. I was surprised that your early onset of T2 wasn't a concern to them. Especially when you are of normal weight.

[@NatashaEstrada]

I've had issues with Drs not listening. I was diagnosed with chronic depression that didn't respond to medicine for years. Eventually, I had some gallbladder issues and they removed it. Do you know what disappeared with it? Yup, my depression. Basically, my symptoms were labeled as being a disease in and of itself.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😯

[@tkap1900]

You are so right that doctors don’t listen to women. Finally found a wonderful GP in Melbourne. I’m no expert but in my experience the bulk billing ones are ones I stay away from

[@mranderson5668]

so type 1 and type 2 have different genes???

[@viesmith4685]

Caitlin, why didn't ANY primary doctor you ever saw advise that you should go ahead and connect with an endocrinologist so that if and when your numbers ever change, you are already connected with a specialist. I have both thyroid and diabetic 2 in my family. My primary doctor monitors my thyroid with me, and I have seen an endo every 5 years to check in, especially when my thyroid numbers have gotten high from weigh gain. Definitely connect with an endo if you want to have a child given your family history. I"m really SMH at all this!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I wish I knew the answer do that 🙄 frustrating af

[@carashaw8083]

OMG Caitlin, I was mis-diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Once I got onto an endocrinologist he sent me for more tests, turns out I am type 1.5 diabetic which can be mis-diagnosed for type 2. Feel your frustration as I have cried from controlling my food, the prick tests my god the obsession I would have and my poor fingers, it’s been so depressing. Glad you have been heard and have answers ❤

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Hey cara I can’t believe how similar your experience was! Thankyou for sharing ❤️

[@annabiggs2534]

Hi, I’m a type 1 diabetic and didn’t realise there was a thing called 1.5 but makes sense. I think my Mom may be 1.5 but she is treated as type 2 but with insulin.

[@carashaw8083]

Hi Anna, my endo told me type 1 diabetes is diagnosed during adolescence, type 1.5 normally presents in someone’s 30’s (I did have GD with my second pregnancy but not my first) and eventually insulin may be needed. I’ve been prescribed meds as diet it’s doing nothing. Eventually I may need insulin, just important to track and be on top of my blood results.

[@jacquelinemoss1911]

I feel your pain Caitlin 😔 I have seen a zillion doctors/specialists over the past two decades and they would look at me blankly too. Then one day one said to me that the doctors don’t know what’s wrong and that’s why they look at you like that and the other day I changed GP’s for the first time in 29 years and though this lady can not give me what I need as she knows nothing about my condition she at least said to me that she just doesn’t know the answers to my questions and that in itself is so refreshing!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I’m so glad you found someone who is better than your last! X

[@corikay]

Congratulations on finally being HEARD!!!! Stay healthy and enjoy that Mexican Salad!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your life with us!!!🥰

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou xx

[@dragamboazulinqiacupuntura122]

So wonderful that you inspite of not being heard made it a deal to research and get the information and have your voice heard. I am proud of you for the inspiration you're giving to others. hugs

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou❤️

[@jeannefidler]

Same thing happened to me. Still happening. Also have MODY GCK. Got genetic testing from U of Chicago. Told my Dr. But no understanding. Basically told my Dr. I refuse to take medication.

[@sqwekity2]

It’s a complex issue you bring up. People always advocate for socialized medicine but free does not mean good. Unfortunately when someone just gets paid whether they do a good job or not it breeds incompetence. Then we have to touch on who are the large donors of medical schools? Do these big corps have influence on how medicine is taught? Does it affect the drugs prescribed? Then there are the effects of a litigious society. Does that affect doctors decisions? Do they err on overdiagnosing to avoid being sued for neglect? IMHO a balance between western and “alternative/eastern/traditional” medicine is a good idea. Western medicine is good for acute problems. A broken rib cage, appendicitis, broken arms etc. something that needs immediate treatment but chronic conditions need a whole body integrated approach that involved mental, exercise, diet etc.

[@Skyebright1]

Advocating for your health is definitely important. My grandmother had a large swelling in her knee that grew and caused her to have difficulty walking. Her doctor kept promoting that it was harmless fluid buildup. It was cancer and her leg had to be amputated

[@LVCoffeeLVer]

Oh goodness. Drs are terrible here too. They don’t listen and misdiagnose constantly. Being a woman makes it all so much harder. Also, diabetes is a code that drs actually get paid for. So when a dr puts that code on a bill, they get more money for it…isn’t that crazy. I didn’t know this until I started auditing for these specific codes.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Wow I didn’t know that!

[@marajw87]

How frustrating! Is the rest of your family going to get tested for this also?

[@gisellamarquez]

Yeah it is hard to find good doctors in Brisbane 😣 is so frustrating.

[@LaLa-ed9qo]

Misogyny is everywhere

[@meminionru]

The quality of medical care is not great. I can tell you, genetic does not play too big of a role in medical training. No wonder they looked at you with glassy eyes. The genetic consultants are better experts at genes, more so, because new info is added all the time. You did great consulting with dr. Google. Why not, a lot of client, do the same. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching!

[@lydiaornot]

I can understand your frustration so much and you really touched on another important point there, too, namely that women are just not listened to! I am a psychologist and you'd be surprised by how much research has been done only with men. Only slowly does it trickle down into mainstream psychology that e.g. ADHD presents differently in women. But due to the fact that research has been conducted mostly with men, the DSM-5 and its predecessors are full of misogynistic diagnoses. Clinical psychology does not care for female experiences and needs. Thus, it is very quick to discredit absolutely normal female trauma responses as "histrionic personality disorder" and similar contested diagnoses. The "crazy woman" trope is still alive and thriving in mainstream psychology. But we feminist psychologists won't stop fighting for more critical and feminist methodologies and discourse within the field. ✊🏼

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

👏👏👏 yes Lydia!

[@Maryam-mt9fd]

It’s crazy that they didn’t send you for further testing when you were diagnosed at 15!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Ikr!

[@Restless318]

So so sorry for you

[@Ltucy]

Omg I was so sad I had spent years trying to find a good GP and then the left a year later. The struggle is real

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

This always happens 😔

[@taniyafidge5990]

Your hair looks beautiful right now! Such a youthful and fresh look . 😁

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Oh thank you! X

[@Panda-us8eg]

❤ the content. And continue advocating for yourself always !!!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou ❤️

[@annabiggs2534]

Caitlin do you not have an endocrinologist ? I always get my bloods and T1D managed at a diabetes clinic with these specialists, not a GP.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Nope not until this year 😑

[@annabiggs2534]

Glad you now have one. Hopefully now you have this managed correctly by the health system.

[@hlp-1798]

I suffer from vaccine-induced Narcolepsy since my early 20’s. My GP kept checking my thyroid and blood sugar to find the cause. Never really heard me when I described my symptoms. Was finally properly diagnosed 15 years later by a specialist.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Wow! Thankyou for sharing this!

[@katesmiles4208]

Just for info.. the reason exercise usually works to reduce blood glucose levels is because glucose is drawn into the muscles without the need of insulin. Good luck. I hope you check out the link

[@cockatoo657]

It is so frustrating when you go to the doctor and get told it is anxiety when it something completely different.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Yep 🙄 it’s too common!

[@Skyebright1]

The old idea that women are being hysterical