Hello!

[Neonpossum]

Hey all, my name is Matt and I've had type 1 for 19 years now (I'm 35). It's been... really hard. I had a lot of false information early on and then my general reluctance and denial led me to mistreat my diabetes for many many years. I did the DAFNE course in 2016, but it seems to far behind me now. Once again I have erratic blood glucose and I am trying to get them back under control.

I've joined diabetes UK once again for support and information, and I have started to read 'Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution' as I heard it is a good book. I previously read one called 'Think Like a Pancreas' which was also good and had much of the same information as the DAFNE course, so I might read that again too.

Anyways, nice to meet everyone, and I hope that this will hold me accountable to try and improve my diabetes and overall health.

 

[Christy]

Hello Matt and welcome! Don't know much about type 1 but there will be lots of friendly people along soon to help with any questions you have 🙂

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Once again I have erratic blood glucose and I am trying to get them back under control.

Do you have Libre or a CGM? They have features that help to show patterns (so if you're often going low after lunch, say, they'll show that nice and clearly so you can look at addressing that particular low). I found that enormously helpful (along with discussing the graphs with a DSN, of course).

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Neonpossum, welcome to the forum.

Glad that you've found us as I'm sure your experience will be helpful and you'll get the support you need.

It can be quite a journey so it's no wonder you've had some bumps but you're getting on the right track now which is what matters.

You've got some great reads there and sound like you've done the ground work so stick around and ask as many questions as you like, we'll be happy to help.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Neonpossum

I am glad that you have found the forum. There is plenty of experience To tap into on here.

You mention that your levels are erratic, are want To get them back on track. Some people find it useful to work on one thing at a time. As Think Like A Pancreas recommends, it is important to get the basal insulin sorted first, as if That is not settled it is difficult to get the other ratios correct.

If you are happy to do so it will help us if you let us know what insulin(s) you use.
I have learnt of changes in tech available from others on here over the years, often before my DSN.
whatever questions arise, just ask. Nothing is considered silly on here.

 

[Neonpossum]

Do you have Libre or a CGM? They have features that help to show patterns (so if you're often going low after lunch, say, they'll show that nice and clearly so you can look at addressing that particular low). I found that enormously helpful (along with discussing the graphs with a DSN, of course).

Hi, yes I have Libre 2 now, I've been on it a few years but then the last 5 sensors failed, so been off it for a few months. It seems to be working again so I'm committed to figuring out what's going on again!

 

[Neonpossum]

Hi Neonpossum, welcome to the forum.

Glad that you've found us as I'm sure your experience will be helpful and you'll get the support you need.

It can be quite a journey so it's no wonder you've had some bumps but you're getting on the right track now which is what matters.

You've got some great reads there and sound like you've done the ground work so stick around and ask as many questions as you like, we'll be happy to help.

Thanks, there is a lot of content here for me to read through and I'm looking forward to it!

Welcome to the forum @Neonpossum

I am glad that you have found the forum. There is plenty of experience To tap into on here.

You mention that your levels are erratic, are want To get them back on track. Some people find it useful to work on one thing at a time. As Think Like A Pancreas recommends, it is important to get the basal insulin sorted first, as if That is not settled it is difficult to get the other ratios correct.

If you are happy to do so it will help us if you let us know what insulin(s) you use.
I have learnt of changes in tech available from others on here over the years, often before my DSN.
whatever questions arise, just ask. Nothing is considered silly on here.

That's a good reminder! I think maybe my basal was too low, my DSN called yesterday and I've increased it a bit so hopefully it's going to help.

I'm on novorapid and tresiba if that helps 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Neonpossum

Glad you have reconnected with Diabetes UK, and joined the forum. I can very much relate to spending many years drifting along doing my own thing, before suddenly realising I needed to tackle things in a much more ‘front of mind way’. Hope that the forum can really help support and encourage you as you seek to make some improvements to your diabetes management strategies.

It sounds like you already have a really good grounding in modern intensive insulin therapy, but living with diabetes can be really hard can’t it, and it doesn’t always seem to have read the instruction manual!

All the best for your renewed efforts, and ask away with any questions you may have 🙂