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Hello all, newbie here.

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C

Carl Jones

New Member
Just a little about my situation.

I attended a medical with work before Christmas, including glucose test. My father has type 2 so I thought I better have a test. Turns out my readings were through the roof, in the twenties I think. I was referred to my GP, where the nurse confirmed the high readings, and took some bloods. I've had a few more tests since and been referred to the diabetes centre of the local hospital.
I have yet to be fully diagnosed, as I don't fit the typical bill for type 2. I am at my target BMI, I hardly drink, don't smoke, and i'm quite active. It could be that I've developed Type 1 which is not the norm for someone in their early forties, though I understand it does happen. Or I could be the small percentage that lives a healthy lifestyle but still develop type 2. So, I'm waiting for the verdict!

I'm monitoring my level frequently, and have been given advice re hypos and high ketone etc. Alot to take in. I'm looking forward to meeting with the dietician. Very frightening, but coming to terms with it. And although they say people live a normal life, my life isn't exactly normal and I'm afraid I won't be able to do the things I enjoy anymore. Ohh well, it could be worse I suppose.
 
Hello, Carl, and welcome to the forum. Being diagnosed with Type 1 in your fifties is commoner than you might think, I was 51, and there are a number of others on here. I'm glad your GP has referred you to a specialist centre, and hope you get a firm diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Any questions, ask away on here, there's a wealth of knowledge and experience, which people are glad to share.
Oh, and I don't think I've given up anything I did before I was diagnosed.
 
There are some forms of Diabetes which are genetic - I'm a third generation diabetic. That is a very hard bullet to dodge!

Although, it's quite possible to get Type 1 at any age - despite what they might tell you.
 
Hello and welcome. What things are you thinking you might have to give up?
 
Thanks for the replies all!

At the moment, it's very much a case of 'its good to talk!'

I'm amazed at the amount of newbies diagnosed just this month, and that not including the people who haven't joined the forum.
It's sad, but kinda comforting to know it's such a common condition. Like I'm not alone, even though, being a single bloke, I am alone. Can't deny I'm scared of something happening at night and I've got nobody to help me. Hopefully it won't come to that.

As for my activities, I do abnormal things like climb mountains in the dark to photograph sunrise, sometimes even wild camp on the mountain. Not sure it'll be safe for me to do this anymore, which is gutting.

I must say, both my local surgery and hospital has been very good. I'm still confused about things, but the wheels are in motion and it's good to know there's support there. Top marks for the NHS, shame the government doesn't appreciate the work they do and reward them more appropriately.


Btw, I'm in my forties not fifties, not that it makes any difference.
 
Hi there
I’m newly diagnosed (last 8 weeks) with T1 and have just turned 50. Apparently it’s really, really common. I had no idea ! It’s great you have the wheels in motion. I’m pretty sure once you get your head around it all you won’t need to give up anything. In the short time I have been diagnosed I have learned a lot and also figured out a whole lot about how me and T1 are going to get along together. I have been scared of the hypos also and having had a few now I know it’s not uncommon and also not something to be anxious about constantly as I was. Life is for living ! Good luck with your appts and definitely don’t be worried about asking anything on here. I have asked a ton and people are generous with advice and it’s solid. It really is a no question is a silly question thing so go for it. I wish you all the best. Kia Kaha 🙂
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.
 
Hi Carl and welcome There is a lot to take in at first and it is all very daunting, but whatever type you have, you will get there. I was 26 when I got diagnosed with T1, like you I was surprised you could get it as an adult! I'd like to say it hasn't stopped me doing anything, I lived alone when first diagnosed, and I have done plenty of sporty things like the Great North Run, plenty of camping, swimming etc, have travelled for work and pleasure and eaten lots of varied things. I hope @Copepod will be along soon to inspire you, she does plenty of outdoorsy things, as does @Chris Hobson and @Matt Cycle and @HOBIE, to name a few. Once you are sorted with a diagnosis and meds you just have to test carefully and put in a lot of hard work at first, and make notes of what works and what doesn't so you can try and get things better next time. I try and live by what a T1 friend said when I got diagnosed (she's had it since her teens). She said "Doesn't change a thing, just put your pen and your sweets in your handbag and away you go". Substitute manbag for handbag and you're sorted 😉
 
Hi Carl
I think it is about 20% of people diagnosed with T1 are over the age of 40. So a lot more common than many GPs think, which accounts for many who are misdiagnosed as T2. I was 53 when I was diagnosed T1 and there are quite a few of us on here in the same position.

I hope that you get a clear idea soon. You have come to the right place as there is a wealth of knowledge on here, and I have learned most of what I know from people on this forum.
 
Thank you 🙂 I joined back on diagnosis in July and then forgot my password for ages.
 
I have often wondered about the 'what if something happens in the night' thing...
As a single parent, its a scary thought! I have shown my 15 and 13 yr olds what to do if necessary, but i have found that i will wake if sugars go low. Its usually around 4am.
I would try to live as normally as possible and just take insulin and glucose with you 🙂
 
Hello Carl, and welcome 🙂

I was diagnosed with type 1 in my 40s, and they seemed to think I was unique. Then I joined this forum and found that about half the type 1s here were also diagnosed as adults. According to this recent study, it's an astonishing over 40% of people diagnosed with type 1 who are over 30 - https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...ed-with-the-wrong-diabetes-study-finds.70492/
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/board...ed-with-the-wrong-diabetes-study-finds.70492/
Anyway, I'm glad your local surgery and hospital have both been on the ball about doing tests, and not just jumped to conclusions based on your age. And whichever type you turn out to be, diabetes is manageable, and it shouldn't stop you doing the things you enjoy, you just have to be a bit more prepared and do them a bit more carefully.

Have you been given any meds to start with, or are they just asking you to monitor your sugar levels while they wait for your test results?
 
Hello Chiffon, and welcome too 🙂

You might want to start your own thread to introduce yourself properly.
 
Thanks guys.

Yeah I'm taking 2 tablets twice a day aswell as monitoring BG and Ketones in the morning. I could do with seeing the dietician, I'm clueless what I should be eating. I acknowledge I need to cut down the carbs, but not being much use in the kitchen, I don't know what to buy and how to prepare a low carb meal.
Can anyone recommend a good diabetes recipe book? Cheers!
 
Carl Jones said:
Can anyone recommend a good diabetes recipe book
Click to expand...
Welcome Carl.... I had a bookshelf devoted to diabetes cook books..... To be honest they were not too good as most of them had high carb recipes, they got sold off at the last yard sale. A couple of great sites for diabetic friendly recipes are "ruled.me" and "Diet Doctor"
 
Hi Carl
If you google “carb free meal recipes” there is a shedload to be had.
I keep it simple. Protein + veges or salad. Always. I simply remove pasta / rice / potato as I find it easier and I feel better. You can eat some carbs but whilst you are looking to gain control then that’s what I would suggest. It’s worked for me and I can only provide advice From what I have experienced.
If you don’t cook as such there are loads of ways to still eat carb free. Salmon, chicken etc and buy some salads or veges you can steam cook in the microwave etc.
I eat nuts and yoghurt, cheese, grains, fruit etc and after a few bumps I think I have really started to feel better.
Good luck 🙂
 
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