Third type of diabetes can be misdiagnosed as Type 2

Type 3c is more common than previously thought and should be treated differently.

  • By Constance Gibbs New York Daily News
  • Thursday, November 30, 2017 7:12pm
  • Life

Three’s a crowd.

British scientists say Type 3c diabetes may be more common than previously thought, saying some people with Type 2 may have been misdiagnosed.

The study, published in the November issue of Diabetes Care, found that about 1.5 percent of 31,789 new cases of diabetes over a 10-year period were diagnosed as Type 2 instead of Type 3c. One percent of new cases were Type 1 diabetes, making Type 3 more common in adults in this research.

The study says Type 3c forms differently from the first two. Type 1 diabetes typically forms in childhood and is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce insulin at all. Type 2 is seen in adults when your pancreas can’t keep up with insulin demand; it is usually related to weight gain and poor eating habits.

Type 3c, however, is seen after damage is done to the pancreas due to inflammation, cystic fibrosis, cancer or surgery. Type 3 affects the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, but also the body’s ability to properly digest food properly.

While it’s a relatively small portion of patients, study author Andrew McGovern wrote in The Conversation that, “Researchers and specialist doctors have recently become concerned that Type 3c diabetes might be much more common than previously thought and that many cases are not being correctly identified.”

Those with Type 3c diabetes need insulin as well as supplemental enzymes to assist with food digestion. Type 3 could present as late as 10 years after the initial damage to the pancreas was done.

A National Institutes of Health study from 2008 also identified Type 3c as an underdiagnosed form of diabetes, but still many people aren’t aware of it.

McGovern said correctly diagnosing Type 3c diabetes is important in determining proper course of treatment.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Arlo Frostad, 7, and his twin brother Harrison Frostad, walk through the fields of Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The largest tulip festival in North America features five gardens and runs through April.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Grayson Bed and Breakfast (Photo courtesy of HD Estates and Grayson Bed and Breakfast)
The Grayson Bed and Breakfast: Where strangers become friends

A cozy retreat with scenic views and pet-friendly amenities just two miles from downtown Monroe.

Image from Prince Life Photography website.
Light, lens & love: These photographers bring the magic

Want to see who’s turning everyday moments into jaw-dropping memories? Let’s find out.

Small SUV Provides Big Time Value. Photo Provided by Chevrolet Newsroom
2025 Chevy Trax Activ Delivers Beyond Expectations

Sub-Compact SUV Surprises With Value And Features

Hai Viet Hong, center, performs with the Huong Viet Performing Arts Group during The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, April 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett artists celebrated with The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards

Award recipients included a former City Council member and the former publisher of My Everett News.

2025 Honda Civic Si sport-compact sedan (Provided by Honda).
2025 Honda Civic Si could be the darling of young drivers

Bold styling, fun-to-drive performance and reasonable pricing are part of the appeal.

The Tulalip Resort Casino. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Check in, chill out, and wake up to comfort

These top Snohomish County stays are serving up relaxation, charm, and a touch of luxury

The 2025 Ford F-150 full-size pickup, in the XLT trim (Provided by Ford).
2025 Ford F-150 can do hard work but still be comfortable

The multifaceted popular pickup meets the needs of many different buyers.

Q4 55 e-tron quattro photo provided by Audi Media Center
2025 Audi Q4 55 e-tron SUV Makes Driving Electric Easier Than Ever

Upgrades Include Enhanced Power, Range, And Quicker Charging

Trailhunter photo provided by Toyota Newsroom
2025 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter Designed For Off-Road

New Standard Equipment Adds Even More Functionality

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.