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Hi, Newly diagnosed and struggling.

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vickilr

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi everyone, I'm a bit nervous but I think I'm in desperate need of support and I would be nice to hear about other similar stories.

Little bit about me..... I'm 39, mum to three, the youngest has just turned 1 and pregnancy is where my diabetic journey begun. I was with diagnosed gestational diabetes ( Desperately diet controlled it just about ) @ 35 weeks. I had had symptoms for a while ( urine infections, extreme thirst, peeing more than just pregnancy related, thrush, some weight loss, glucose in urine etc ) but it was brushed aside. After delivery I had no follow up but monitored blood sugars myself and they returned to normal. Fast forward 10.5 months I needed back surgery no symptoms prior to surgery but after all the classic signs. I didn't twig until 4 weeks after when I noticed I'd lost 10 pounds without trying. Tested my blood sugars 25 and ketones. HBA1C was 86.

So here I am now 5 weeks from being diagnosed and hoping its all a mistake and normal life will resume tomorrow but it never does. They are not sure what type. I'm normal weight, no family history, no high blood pressure. Been started on levemir and novorapid. Really struggling to take the fast acting and I'm not sure why??? maybe I'm scared of hypos or just in denial. Currently waiting islet cell and GAD antibody results.

Just feeling so overwhelmed and want my old life back xx
 
Hi vickilr, welcome to the forum 🙂 Very sorry to hear about your diagnosis :( Your treatment will, of course be dependent on the outcome of those tests, but at least you have been put on one of better insulin regimes (often referred to as 'MDI' - Multiple Daily Injections, also 'basal/bolus') Hopefully your levels are coming under control.

It is worrying and overwhelming, particularly at first and especially if you start straight off on insulin - such a steep learning curve! Things do get easier though, honest, and whilst it's never a good thing to be diagnosed with at any time, the treatments for diabetes are the best they've ever been, and are continuing to improve all the time, so there is much hope for the future whatever the outcome of your tests. It's actually a sign that you are getting a good level of care as many people in your position are simply classified as Type 2 based on age and history, and that can lead to incorrect and inadequate treatments and care.

Try not to be afraid of hypos, the vast majority give you plenty of warning and are easily treated. Make sure you test regularly so you can build up experience of relating your blood glucose levels to how you are feeling and what/when you last ate.

Please ask any and every question you may have! There are loads of friendly, knowledgeable and experienced people here who know just what you are going through. No question is regarded as 'silly', so if it is troubling or confusing you - ask!
 
Welcome aboard Vickilr, don't worry about feeling overwhelmed with it all, you've had 30 odd years with a functioning pancreas so it's a lot to adjust to (I managed to squeeze out 40 years from mine just!). Must be especially difficult with youngsters running around 😱

I was diagnosed last year and thought I'd never get used to it, but I'm an old hand now so don't worry you'll get the hang of it. Hypos aren't pleasant but they're not nearly as bad as you think they might be, and if you listen to your body it will tell you when one is threatening. I'm a big fan of the preemptive biscuit or jelly baby myself 🙂
 
Hello Vickilr, from another newbie 🙂

I'm also normal weight, no family history, no high blood pressure (in fact mine is low) - I was diagnosed with type 1 aged 44 after I lost loads of weight and was rushed to hospital with DKA.

As Northerner says, you are getting the right treatment, and it's good they've done the tests they've done for you, rather than just assuming you're type 2 and leaving you to get on with it, which is what happens to some people. It sounds as though you will get plenty of support from NHS, and that's really good.

Try not to be scared of hypos - I have loads and most of them are really trivial, and even the unpleasant ones are soon over so long as you catch and treat them quickly.
 
Welcome, vickilr, you've come to the right place for advice, encouragement, support and oodles of fabulous information 🙂 ! Seconding (thirding?) what Northerner said, it sounds like you have a good level of care and that they are actually looking after you. You're not on your own, we're here to help, and if you feel like having a good rant or whinge, or are just looking for answers to questions, this is a great place to visit.

All the best to you 🙂
 
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