Can you take tablets for Type-1 Diabetes?

[KleboldKlan]

I've been on insulin (Novorapid and Tresiba) for nearly 2 years, and I don't think that is helping me. It would be easier to take tablets, as I don't always inject because my mental health makes me stay in bed, also with these stomach pains (constant stomach pains) it is hard to keep anything in my body and sometimes they last for hours and I am immobile with them, I can't move so its hard to grab my insulin and inject, (my mum is at work full time so she is not there to do it for me, and I daren't ask my brother). Stomach pains have reduced me to curling up on the bathroom floor for hours because no one is here to help me. I just don't know what to do anymore. I daren't ask my diabetes nurse for help as I am terrified they will just have a go at me and say "you need to take your insulin whether you are in pain or not", they have said this before.

I just think it would be so much easier for me to take a tablet and that is that, but I don't know what to do if there isn't anything. I am not allowed a pump either so that is impossible.

 

[Kaylz]

Why are you not allowed a pump? if you don't mind me asking! Have you actually asked since all this started? Do your team know the whole current situation?
Unfortunately the answer to your actual question is no there is no tablets we can take that would mean the elimination of injecting, its just a way of life I'm afraid, I have issues other than diabetes but I don't let it stop me testing and injecting as the alternative to me is by far worse
Are you seeing someone about your mental health?
xx

 

[KleboldKlan]

@Kaylz They didn't give me an exact reason for not allowing me to have a pump. I have asked this since I found out about insulin pumps (August 2016).

They know about the stomach pains, but they don't care. I have told them it is really hard to inject when you are in agony 24/7. I am waiting for my blood test results for Addison's disease hopefully Monday, and if I have that then its going to make everything 10x harder with diabetes, mental health etc.

I have been seeing a cbt therapist for nearly 12 weeks now, but it has not worked. I have no other option after this as I can not go back to my old counselling place due to funding and I am also over age for the other ones I use to go to. Every day is just getting 10x harder, its either don't eat and dont inject or inject and have my mental health get worse with thinking that suicide is my only option. That is definately how I feel right now. I don't really have much to turn too. Friends aren't there for me or supportive, family don't really seem bothered.

 

[Kaylz]

@KleboldKlan unfortunately with mental health issues things don't change overnight, it will get better, it will just take time and persistence
I know what its like to feel lonely, my 'friends' don't want anything to do with me now that I've got to inject but if they are like that then you don't need them as they are not 'true' friends
Please if you are having suicidal thoughts get in touch with the Samaritans and talk to someone, they are there to help, we will always be here to chat to as well but you really need someone who is qualified for the job too, please seek help from them, please xx

 

[Northerner]

Unfortunately, with Type 1 diabetes the problem is a lack of insulin production and the only thing you can do is inject (or pump) the insulin your body can't produce. Insulin can't be given in a pill form because the stomach enzymes would destroy it before it could become effective. As you might imagine there are many, many research projects underway trying to over come this problem, but sadly they are some years away from finding a solution

You should always inject your Tresiba as this 'covers' the glucoae released by your liver even when you are not eating, but the novorapid can be reduced if you opt for very low-carb food. This is far from ideal though, because you would still probably need to inject some novorapid.

I can imagine that it must be very difficult for you, but please do try to separate the mental health problems you are experiencing from the practicalities of managing your diabetes. It's an additional thing you have to deal with, but if you can just maintain the basic requirements of managing your levels it will take less of your emotional energy each day. I hope you can receive better support for the emotional problems you are encountering, and a call to the Samaritans is a good suggestion to speak to someone and try and order your thoughts.

 

[robert@fm]

I think that if you can get on top of your diabetes, that will probably help with your mental health issues. I know it does so for me.

Of course, it's also the other way around. It's a classic circular dependency.

I concur with the others, and I think you should also try to get a second medical opinion if possible, as your present care doesn't sound to me to be all it should be.

 

[Diabetes UK]

Hope you manage to get your blood test results today to follow up on the stomach pains you're experiencing. Sounds like your are not getting the best support at the moment from your healthcare team, and perhaps that is something you can challenge? But in the meantime, there is support on here if you need it, so keep us updated. Do you think it worth asking again about a pump?
If you are over the age for certain councellors, you could check if there is IAPT in your area - NHS access to therapy for adults: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/iapt/
You can check locally here: https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Psychological therapies (IAPT)/LocationSearch/10008
Please remember as well, you can always call our Helpline, who are trained counselors, with knowledge of diabetes. They may be able to support you in accessing better services as well, so do get in touch if you need to.
Helpline 0345 123 2399 (Mon-Fri, between 9am - 6pm).