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Hello everybody

Teapot99

Teapot99

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Pronouns
She/Her
Hi everybody,

I am a 26 year old T1d and I have been diabetic since I was 5 years old, so it's not very new to me. I am joining the community forum in hope to be able to meet some other diabetics that are going through a similar situation to me as I am not alone (surrounded by supportive friends and family), but I feel alone in my current situation.

I have recently started properly carb counting, I have tried multiple times since I have been diagnosed but as a young child/teenager I wanted to 'get on with life' and live as 'normally' as I could. I am now looking at getting an omnipod pump, which is why I have started carb counting, I have heard that they work wonders but I really struggle and get incredibly anxious with change. The other day my blood sugars dropped not long after a big meal and I panicked and drank a 250ml full fat coke, four jelly babies and a packet of crisps as I was really worried about my blood sugar levels going low and them not coming up (something that has only ever happened when I was young and unwell). I spoke with my diabetes nurse the next day and she explained that I had corrected 2 hours before dinner, also did a gym work out and then did my carb counting correctly for dinner but this all meant a lot of sugar was being taken and caused the sudden drop. So I no know what to do if I am working out and I am trying not to 'insulin stack'.

So, I am now battling with low blood sugar anxiety and diabetes burnout. Each day I am feeling like I am slowly getting better but then suddenly out of nowhere I start to worry again and need my family/health care professionals to help me think everything through and calm down. I have been told that I am doing very well (by both health care professionals and family) and I need to take little steps as this process is a marathon and not a sprint. I do feel like I am slowly getting to grips with everything but I am still finding it overwhelming. I have worked from home since the blood sugar incident last Thursday but I took a big step with going back into work Monday and Tuesday (being around work colleagues helped to distract me from worrying) and I am currently working from home today by myself and I think I am doing well. I won't go into detail for this part but I am currently seeking help with my anxiety in hope that sorting that will help me relax and think a bit more logically, this was suggested by my diabetes nurse.

Although I am lucky to have this support, and I appreciate that some people don't, I still feel a bit lonely as I do not know any other T1D people or people that have gone through the T1D burnout like I have. I would really appreciate it if anybody was to reach out that may have been through a similar situation just so I know that this is all normal and okay and it does happen to other people.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post and I'm sorry for the length of it
 
Welcome to the forum @Teapot99 I joined last August shortly after my diagnosis with type 2. I have learnt so much including about type 1. The type 1 members are very knowledgeable and encouraging. I think a lot of type 2s dip in when first diagnosed and dip out when things are on an even keel. My best friends husband is type 2 but I have no relatives who are. I recently looked for groups where I live on the Diabetes site and Google but they centred on children or type 1.
I'm sure you will get lots of encouragement plus useful tips and advice.
 
saffron15 said:
Welcome to the forum @Teapot99 I joined last August shortly after my diagnosis with type 2. I have learnt so much including about type 1. The type 1 members are very knowledgeable and encouraging. I think a lot of type 2s dip in when first diagnosed and dip out when things are on an even keel. My best friends husband is type 2 but I have no relatives who are. I recently looked for groups where I live on the Diabetes site and Google but they centred on children or type 1.
I'm sure you will get lots of encouragement plus useful tips and advice.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much, I am hoping others understand where I'm coming from, I know I'm not alone and I really appreciate everybody that reaches out so thank you <3 When you mentioned groups, is that in-person groups? And Can I ask what sites you used please? I'd love to speak to people over here or in person 🙂
 
Hi @Teapot99 and welcome to the forum - sorry to hear you've been struggling recently - personally I will only correct before my next meal (if necessary) - good that you have started carb-counting properly, as this will really help in meaning you don't need to correct so often because if you get it right your levels should be back in the correct range before the next meal - hypo anxiety is a big thing for many (myself included to an extent) but will ease the more you are in control of your levels (at least it was for me) - have you been offered an online or face to face DAFNE Course (or equivalent)? That would really help you with the carb counting - it is all very overwhelming and we all "get it" on here and you are certainly not alone - we are all here to help and support each other - glad you have found us
 
This is where I looked

Local support groups

If you or a family member has diabetes, it's often helpful to meet other people who are going through the same thing at our diabetes support groups.
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk

I then googled diabetes groups + the county where I live. It came up with more but not many. I'm sure part of it is diabetes 1 is lifelong and people want support at different times eg parents with young children and diabetics as adolescents or students. I wasn't diagnosed until I retired and I suspect a large number of type 2s are middle aged or older and maybe not seeking groups particularly if they already have family members who are diabetic.
This forum will broaden your horizons.
 
Hi Teapot

Welcome to the forum

I have recently been diagnosed with type 1 and a new member to this forum.

I have just started counting carbs and adjusting my insulin for each meal. It’s not easy but I think after doing it for a while it will get easier.

I have tried to take notes and right down the carbs and measurements for a typical meal I would have so I don’t need to count them every time.

I went for a long walk after my tea a couple of nights ago and my BG levels dropped quite fast and went quite low, I started to panic but thankfully all was fine.

I have noticed that my anxiety levels have increased however when I get more confident with everything I am sure my anxiety will get better.

I have spent quite a bit of time reading through this forum and finding it really helps
 
mashedupmatt said:
Hi @Teapot99 and welcome to the forum - sorry to hear you've been struggling recently - personally I will only correct before my next meal (if necessary) - good that you have started carb-counting properly, as this will really help in meaning you don't need to correct so often because if you get it right your levels should be back in the correct range before the next meal - hypo anxiety is a big thing for many (myself included to an extent) but will ease the more you are in control of your levels (at least it was for me) - have you been offered an online or face to face DAFNE Course (or equivalent)? That would really help you with the carb counting - it is all very overwhelming and we all "get it" on here and you are certainly not alone - we are all here to help and support each other - glad you have found us
Click to expand...
@mashedupmatt I really appreciate your comment so thank you. I have been offered a DAFNE course and I did accept it back in 2018/2019 I believe and I did complete it but then I didn't carb count and now I have just come back to doing it. I think I am doing well with the carb counting but I will eventually need to change my ratios once my hypo anxiety has subsided a bit. I usually love my food and the past week has really worried me so I am just getting my appetite back and feel comfortable eating if I need to with lower blood sugars. Thank you so much, I am glad to be speaking to other people going through the same thing and appreciating my struggle
 
saffron15 said:
This is where I looked

Local support groups

If you or a family member has diabetes, it's often helpful to meet other people who are going through the same thing at our diabetes support groups.
www.diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk

I then googled diabetes groups + the county where I live. It came up with more but not many. I'm sure part of it is diabetes 1 is lifelong and people want support at different times eg parents with young children and diabetics as adolescents or students. I wasn't diagnosed until I retired and I suspect a large number of type 2s are middle aged or older and maybe not seeking groups particularly if they already have family members who are diabetic.
This forum will broaden your horizons.
Click to expand...
@saffron15 thank you so much for this, I will definitely look into it. I am also considering speaking to my diabetes team to see if they do groups through the hospital? I assume this is a thing? I really appreciate your help so thank you. I will definitely be looking on this forum more and it's nice to see people responding to my messages too - as that was a worry for me
 
Elliott said:
Hi Teapot

Welcome to the forum

I have recently been diagnosed with type 1 and a new member to this forum.

I have just started counting carbs and adjusting my insulin for each meal. It’s not easy but I think after doing it for a while it will get easier.

I have tried to take notes and right down the carbs and measurements for a typical meal I would have so I don’t need to count them every time.

I went for a long walk after my tea a couple of nights ago and my BG levels dropped quite fast and went quite low, I started to panic but thankfully all was fine.

I have noticed that my anxiety levels have increased however when I get more confident with everything I am sure my anxiety will get better.

I have spent quite a bit of time reading through this forum and finding it really helps
Click to expand...
@Elliott I really appreciate this message so thank you. I see you're feeling quite similar to me but I am glad that reading through the forum has helped you as I am definitely going to keep looking on here for more info. I'm sorry to hear about your BG dropping the other night but it's great to see that you were able to sort them. It's comforting to hear that anxiety is common with diabetes - it sounds stupid but I felt like it was just me and I was going crazy!
 
Teapot99 said:
@mashedupmatt I really appreciate your comment so thank you. I have been offered a DAFNE course and I did accept it back in 2018/2019 I believe and I did complete it but then I didn't carb count and now I have just come back to doing it. I think I am doing well with the carb counting but I will eventually need to change my ratios once my hypo anxiety has subsided a bit. I usually love my food and the past week has really worried me so I am just getting my appetite back and feel comfortable eating if I need to with lower blood sugars. Thank you so much, I am glad to be speaking to other people going through the same thing and appreciating my struggle
Click to expand...
It is hard, especially after a low episode but if you are considering any ratio changes, just do them slowly, to be safe - I have completely different ratios for different meals (both in terms of the time of day, and their content/ingredients) - unfortunately it is all a bit trial and error, as I'm sure you know! And my ratios have changed dramatically over the last 18 months! Good that you have done the DAFNE Course but if haven't really been carb counting since doing it you will be a bit rusty! You could get a refresher by completing the relevant section on the BERTIE Course (its free and doesn't take long) - it can be found here:

Bertie Diabetes

bertiediabetes.com bertiediabetes.com

And any other questions or help you need with anything, just fire away - we're all here to help and support each other 🙂
 
mashedupmatt said:
It is hard, especially after a low episode but if you are considering any ratio changes, just do them slowly, to be safe - I have completely different ratios for different meals (both in terms of the time of day, and their content/ingredients) - unfortunately it is all a bit trial and error, as I'm sure you know! And my ratios have changed dramatically over the last 18 months! Good that you have done the DAFNE Course but if haven't really been carb counting since doing it you will be a bit rusty! You could get a refresher by completing the relevant section on the BERTIE Course (its free and doesn't take long) - it can be found here:

Bertie Diabetes

bertiediabetes.com bertiediabetes.com

And any other questions or help you need with anything, just fire away - we're all here to help and support each other 🙂
Click to expand...
@mashedupmatt thank you so much, I am currently working with my diabetes nurse who has said that because I am anxious, I am sticking to my current ratios and splitting the dose one half after eating and the other an hour or so after that. Then I'm building that up until I feel comfortable to take the full dose in one jab. Thank you for the link to the BERTIE course. I will definitely have a look into that. I got a bit emotional reading this as it truly isn't just me going through this so thank you for opening up.

Thank you so much - I really appreciate yours and everybody else's support. It really feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. As I said, I feel like I am getting better bit by bit everyday and today I have been a lot less anxious which has given me the courage to post. Thank you
 
Teapot99 said:
@mashedupmatt I really appreciate your comment so thank you. I have been offered a DAFNE course and I did accept it back in 2018/2019 I believe and I did complete it but then I didn't carb count and now I have just come back to doing it. I think I am doing well with the carb counting but I will eventually need to change my ratios once my hypo anxiety has subsided a bit. I usually love my food and the past week has really worried me so I am just getting my appetite back and feel comfortable eating if I need to with lower blood sugars. Thank you so much, I am glad to be speaking to other people going through the same thing and appreciating my struggle
Click to expand...

Welcome @Teapot99 🙂 Carb counting is crucial to good control. I would guess your anxiety might have increased a bit because you’re doing something new, ie a change. I’d say that’s pretty normal to feel a bit anxious about that. However, carb counting will pay dividends and, once you’ve got the hang of it, should reduce your highs and lows. So, maybe think of it as a positive thing, although a bit different to start with.
 
Inka said:
Welcome @Teapot99 🙂 Carb counting is crucial to good control. I would guess your anxiety might have increased a bit because you’re doing something new, ie a change. I’d say that’s pretty normal to feel a bit anxious about that. However, carb counting will pay dividends and, once you’ve got the hang of it, should reduce your highs and lows. So, maybe think of it as a positive thing, although a bit different to start with.
Click to expand...
@Inka Thank you very much for your reply. That is 100% the reason as I have never been great with any changes in my life, I think that's from finding out I had diabetes at the age of 5 and likely a bit of PTSD from that! I really appreciate your comment and I will definitely try that way of thinking. Although I am more worried about my lows at the moment, I know I need to be concerned about my highs too. I am trying to get more into a positive mindset with everything with help from family, my diabetes nurse and hopefully some CBT soon
 
Setting your Low alarm higher on your CGM can help @Teapot99 That way you get more warning to ward off any drops. It can help relieve low worries too, knowing you’ll get good warning.
 
I have just thought of something to ask. Does anybody have issues with their Libra sensor 2 saying that it has lost signal? It seems like that is a default message for me, sometimes I scan and it comes up with the reading and new readings will pop up if I go back into the app. Other times it says no signal and then says I have to wait 10 minutes to rescan with no reasoning as to why. Any advice would be great, thank you
 
Teapot99 said:
I have just thought of something to ask. Does anybody have issues with their Libra sensor 2 saying that it has lost signal? It seems like that is a default message for me, sometimes I scan and it comes up with the reading and new readings will pop up if I go back into the app. Other times it says no signal and then says I have to wait 10 minutes to rescan with no reasoning as to why. Any advice would be great, thank you
Click to expand...
This definitely happens from time to time - if it starts doing it repeatedly I always report it to Abbott and they will send a replacement (regardless of how long you've had it on for)
 
Hello @Teapot99, welcome to the Forum (and great username!).

Can I clarify please, is it just carb counting you want to get up to speed with or do you need a refresh on the fundamentals of getting your basal right along with bolus insulin calculating? I ask, because it took me a while to appreciate that counting the carbs was only the start of a process that led to the right amount of bolus insulin.
 
Teapot99 said:
@mashedupmatt thank you, I didn’t know whether it was just an issue with my phone. I’ll get in contact with them
Click to expand...
I don't bother ringing them I just use the online form

www.freestyle.abbott

Sensor Support Form | United Kingdom | FreeStyle Libre | Abbott

Need help? Fill in our online sensor support form for Patients from United Kingdom for your FreeStyle Libre 2 or 3 sensor today.
www.freestyle.abbott www.freestyle.abbott

You can try turning the phone on and off and then bluetooth on and off but the issue usually comes back as it's probably an issue with the sensor itself so as soon as I've had the "Signal Loss" and "Scan again in 10 minutes" a couple of times, I rip it off, replace it, and report it - they have always sent a replacement within a couple of days - it's annoying but usually sorted pretty quickly 🙂
 
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