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6 weeks as Type 1 and I'm actually happy

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Slugsie

Slugsie

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Before I knew I was Type 1 I was losing weight and it felt horrible, but now I am starting to gain weight again and feeling better about myself, plus I can now eat all the things I cut out of my diet when I wasn't sure what type I was.

A question to any Type 1 people, are there and decent looking modern medical warning wristbands or necklaces about that you'd recommend? I'm looking for something that doesn't look too silly and something that fits my wrists, I have very skinny wrists about 16cm around. Something a bit discreet I don't want to flash about that I have diabetes as I still feel there's a stigma around it.
 
Hey there and welcome to the forum. Great news that you have started to put weight back on.
There are lots of options for medical ids out there my best bet for a discreet but not so discreet wristband would be etsy.

Or you can try this website they have lots of options too. www.universalmedicalid.co.uk
 
So glad you’re feeling better. There are silicone wristbands cheap on ebay and the like if you just want a basic ‘diabetes’ one or loads of places like above where you can add more detail. It’s also worth adding emergency info to your phone either on the lock screen or as part of the emergency info as first responders tend to look there too these days.
 
I can 100% honestly say that I have never, ever experienced any stigma though I know some T2s used to but that was always ridiculous anyway. Another thing we can blame to press for, since unless you happened to be a stick insect they considered you beneath their contempt. Happy to fit that category frankly!

(There was a prog on TV last night (saw the adverts for it) where one of the participants weighed 60 stone and was 'trapped in the house' apparently. Personally I had absolutely no interest whatsoever in it - but some must do. WHY?? )

There again I've only been diabetic for 48 years so far, so there's still time!
 
Ah - most silicon wristbands are far to big for me too - 17cm, 6.5 inches. Have the same trouble with watch straps.
 
Hi @Slugsie Im glad you’re feeling better. It’s amazing what a bit of insulin does.

I have a MedicAlert bracelet. I’m female and have tiny wrists but got a bracelet that fits perfectly from them. Mine’s stainless steel and a very discreet chain that sits by my watch, but they do a variety of bracelets. They also store your info in case of an emergency. One of my children (who has a different medical condition) has one too, and again fit wasn’t a problem.
 
trophywench said:
Ah - most silicon wristbands are far to big for me too - 17cm, 6.5 inches. Have the same trouble with watch straps.
Click to expand...
You can buy kids ones that are sized if you really want one (I have the same issue)
 
I did wonder if you could - but never actually wanted one TBH. Watch on left wrist, gold chain bracelet a permanent fixture on the right for 30 years!
 
I can relate to the relief of a proper diagnosis and finally feeling better. You feel back to your old self again. What a relief! Glad you are feeling better.
 
I lost over 6kg reducing my carbs and exercising and of course it made no difference to my levels. In the past few weeks I've consumed so much junk food that I stayed away from for so long haha.

I'll check out the websites you guys have posted. Good call on adding the info to my phone, just done that now. Thank you.

Do any of you think having a wristband or something like that to be important? Is it worth noting the types of insulin I'm on too?
 
It’s a matter of opinion so some people might disagree - however I think having a medical ID bracelet is important. Emergency staff are trained to look for them. I’ve just looked at my bracelet because I couldn’t remember: it says I take insulin via a pump but doesn’t state the type (because that could change). But my medical info at MedicAlert does have the insulin I use. That info can be updated at any time eg if I change insulin or hospital, etc.

So IMO - yes, get a medical ID, no, don’t put the insulin type on there but do state you take insulin.
 
The last few wristbands I ordered I have defaulted to just saying ‘T1 Diabetes’. I figure that’s the most critical snippet of information.

This is my current one (from The ID Band Company)

1590699476534.jpeg

It was double-sided so I could have put an emergency number on the back.

I also have an old SOS Talisman on my keys which has a fold-out strip of paper inside with more details.
 
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I'd have had ongoing change and expense had I had anything with my insulin type - they hadn't even invented any of the current ones when some of us were diagnosed, and my original being porcine lasted less well than bovine in the finish - ISTR. Tested various ones personal on my way to where I am today, but still only 70 so plenty of time yet!
 
Slugsie said:
Before I knew I was Type 1 I was losing weight and it felt horrible, but now I am starting to gain weight again and feeling better about myself, plus I can now eat all the things I cut out of my diet when I wasn't sure what type I was.

A question to any Type 1 people, are there and decent looking modern medical warning wristbands or necklaces about that you'd recommend? I'm looking for something that doesn't look too silly and something that fits my wrists, I have very skinny wrists about 16cm around. Something a bit discreet I don't want to flash about that I have diabetes as I still feel there's a stigma around it.
Click to expand...
I picked up a nice one from amazon it was about £20 I can find the link if you’d like me to 🙂
 

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