12 years of diabetes and counting.

[Emile blake]

Hey there my names emile, Im kind of new to this now, I have been a member of diabetes uk got 3 weeks now. I was diagnosed when I was 12 but have struggled to come to terms with it. I still struggle with diabetes (type 1) till this day and I just feel like my life is going backwards instead of forward living with it.
It really makes me feel like an outcast at times as I struggle to open up to friends and family about the health problems it brings. I am hoping to gain more confidence with living with diabetes and would love to to hear from anyone who has gone through the same problem? Thank you !!!

 

[EmmaL76]

hi, I’m sorry your finding things difficult. If it helps I don’t think you will find many people on here that haven't felt the same way as you are feeling right now. There are many type 1’s on here with with a lot of knowledge on dealing with the emotional side of diabetes. The feelings you are having are completely normal and also justified. It’s a nuisance, but you can feel stronger with some support. I promise. There are a couple of members in particular who are excellent at offering this kind of support and Im pretty sure they will be along shortly. Until then I wish you all the best and lots of virtual hugs xx

 

[rebrascora]

Hi Emile and welcome

Sorry to hear that you have been struggling with your diabetes management. I wonder if an intensive education course Like DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) or your local equivalent, might help you if you haven't already done it. I think many people who are diagnosed as children miss out on the opportunity to do the course, so it is worth asking about. It is much more than the name title suggests in that it teaches you how to safely manage your diabetes through insulin in all manner of different (real life) scenarios including illness, alcohol, exercise etc and as a bonus it gives you an opportunity to spend a week with other Type 1 diabetics which is a real eye opener as exchanging experiences and discussing them is encouraged, including mental impact, as well as the practicalities of day to day management. It can also help to identify where particular insulins don't suit your body's particular needs and be a foot in the door to obtain technology to help manage your diabetes..... So lots of positives. The educators who run the courses are specifically selected to be none judgmental and their remit is to help you to stay as safe as possible with insulin usage, even for people who are alcoholics or drug users or disordered eaters..... Not that we had any of the first two in our group but I have certainly battled with eating issues. The "Normal Eating" part of the course title actually nearly put me off joining the course but so very pleased I did.

Anyway, that would be my main suggestion so ask your DSN about being put on such a course and do open up to them and tell them that you are struggling because it is very common. It has certainly helped to focus and motivate me by frequenting the forum here regularly and engaging with others as you learn such a lot and it is just comforting to read how others face the same challenges. I think we all go through phases of struggling with our BG management and it can be that there are other things in our lives which have taken our focus away from it or something which is totally out of our control. Finding a balance between living your life and doing the things you want to do and managing your diabetes is an important aspect, but you shouldn't be letting your diabetes hold you back, but you do have to put a bit more effort into planning for things than most other people.

Anyway, that is my take on it but I am sure others will be along to give you their thoughts and ideas.

 

[Emile blake]

Thank you, this mean a lot I will definately enquire about DAFNE

 

[helli]

Welcome @Emile blake
One of the biggest benefits of the DAFNE course for me was being able to talk to other people with Type 1 who "get it". It gave me the confidence to join a forum and met lots of other like minded (and like-pancreased) people.
The more open I can be here, the more natural it has felt for me to be open with friends and family.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Emile blake

Yes you are not alone. I’m sure many other members have struggled in the past, or perhaps are struggling right now.

Managing T1 can feel like a full time job, but it’s relentless, with no days off, and (for me) that constant feeling that maybe I’m not doing quite enough.

How do you manage your diabetes? Pens? Pump? Libre? CGM? Sometimes a new gadget or app can be a bit of a kickstart to pattern spotting and/or generally giving things a good once-over.

If DAFNE isn’t available many of the principles are covered in the free online BERTIE course (though it lacks the face-to face interaction which is so helpful).

Also books like Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner are really well respected here, and can give your diabetes toolkit a bit of a boost 🙂

Hang in there. You can make it through this tricky patch, and find yourself on the other side. 🙂