Can anyone tell me if they feel as lonely as I do

[Darren w]

This website is the only thing that has made me feel like I'm not alone , I've only been here a few days but still feel scared to talk to people . Is that normal ?

 

[Northerner]

Hi Darren, yes, I would say it is normal. Diabetes can be a very isolating condition, and it is for this reason that this forum was originally set up by a lady who had been diagnosed fr over 35 years but who had never met another Type 1. The thing is that, with diabetes, you probably don't appear to other people to be any different to people without it, and it does present us with a bit of a dichotomy - we want to appear healthy, and that diabetes doesn't stop us from doing anything, but at the same time we want people to be aware that it's not just as simple as having a couple of injections and you're fine - it's a lot more complex than that. It's a massive change to your life when you are diagnosed, as you have to start thinking about everything you eat - something you need to do every day. You may also have worries in the background about what the future may bring. All these thoughts are natural, but hopefully you will come to see, through hearing the experiences of others, that you are just a 'new normal'. Diabetes is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide, so I would recommend being upfront about it whenever the need arises. This may be difficult to begin with, but it will become easier, and it ismuch better than being fearful of what others might think and feeling you have to hide it away.

I'm glad you have found this forum so early on, and hopefully you will see from reading the posts that you are far from alone, and that people with diabetes are really no different from anyone else, except perhaps a bit more empathetic regarding the struggles and difficulties of their fellow human beings 🙂

 

[Steff]

Hi Darren yeah your far from alone in this feeling mate, thats why this forum has been the catalyst for me, without it i would of been so alone, ive made many many true freinds on this forum and attended many meets which also could be something in the future you could think about?.
Diabetes is like a huge shock to the system you go from being care free to what you eat drink etc to then suddenly have to sit up and take note of everything that goes into your mouth quite literally...It takes time and alot of getting your head around sometimes it takes people many years to finally realise that diabetes must be taken seriously but on the other hand it does not have to totally take over over your whole being..
Just take things in slowly dont try and overload your brain with to much at once,and hay now you have all these other crazy diabetics to keep you propped up and help you anytime you need it x.

 

[delb t]

Darren-I havnt got diabetes- only a parent of one-and even I think its isolating because those normal folk just dont get it! - just come on here and rant to let off steam if it helps

 

[Flutterby]

Hi Darren, welcome to the madhouse - oops I mean forum! Do join in with discussions, everyone is very friendly. I love the fact that we have "off the subject" it's such a friendly place to join in and before you know it you'll know quite a few people. Other people have preconceived ideas about diabetes but here we all know what it's really like so we can moan and grumble or laugh about it - hope you soon feel part of the "family".

 

[MargB]

I felt alone when first diagnosed but talked and talked and talked about it at work and slowly but surely, other people said they were diabetic too.

I found this forum either on the day I was diagnosed or the day after so honestly feel that everything I have learned about diabetes is from here. There is a lot of mis-information, wrong assumptions, sheer ignorance out there but because of what I have discovered on here, which books to read and so on, I can argue and put people straight. Within a year my GP was acknowledging that I knew more about diabetes than she did as I have it and she doesn't.

Remember there are no stupid questions so if anything seems odd, ask about it on here. It may have been asked many times before in which case you will not have to wait long for an answer. People like answering questions and makes us realise how far we have come ourselves.

You are not alone really but there may be times when you feel you are. As soon as you can, get on here and be one of the crowd.

 

[Darren w]

Thankyou guys one and all for all your messages . I wish that there was an advert on tv or something like that about this support group so those that are suffering in silence don't have to . I've had diabetes for two years now and only just learnt about the support that is out there . Today I received my booklets from diabetes uk . And looking forward to trying out some of the recipes I'm a rubbish cook but got to give it ago 🙂

 

[Mossey]

Welcome Darren. I've not been on the site long but it's great to finally speak to people in the same boat. I've never spoken to another diabetic in my ten years and well meaning friends ask how I getting on and I just say fine because they don't really understand. Now I 'belong' somewhere 🙂

 

[Mark T]

...Today I received my booklets from diabetes uk . And looking forward to trying out some of the recipes I'm a rubbish cook but got to give it ago 🙂

Oo er - you are a braver man then me unless the DUK cookbook has changed in the last 2 years 🙄

What's the carb's per portion for a typical lunch suggestion?

 

[LeeLee]

If you're after low-carb versions of recipes, post a question in the Food/Carbs section - between us we'll find something to suit!

 

[Darren w]

I don't know mark carnt find that bit

 

[robofski]

Hi Darren, diabetes 'can' make you feel quite alone, but it doesn't have to! This is a great place to talk to people who really understand what it's all about and as has already been said, I too learnt most of what I know from this forum.

I think how you feel about your diabetes also depends a great deal on the people around you. My wife has been a great support and my daughters are very clued up now about diabetes, I seldom sort my own injections out at home one of the girls beats me to it and prepares everything, makes me feel much less isolated. I know not everyone is so lucky but it sure does help.

 

[spiritfree]

Hello Darren. It's great that you have found this site. Before I joined I didn't know anyone at all with type 1 diabetes. As time has gone on I have learned many things from here. We are a friendly lot and hope you feel easier to join in with us.🙂