So I was diagnosed initially as Type 2 on February 22 2021 (date is burned on my brain). Everything went ok and I took it in my stride. Then the Queen died and I noticed at that date that BG levels were rising although my diet and meds were still the same. So progress to being retested and finding out I am LADA Type 1.5, so OK I deal with a new regime of insulin. This past 6 weeks I have had panic attacks and think I am finally taking it in that this is lifetime and life changing. So 4 years on it has finally sunk in that this is it for life now. I know this is a bit on the late side to have this happen.
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ITS ALL CATCHING UP WITH ME NOW
- Thread starter rosalindb
- Start date
Inka
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Sorry to hear about your panic attacks @rosalindb Try not to think past the day you’re on. I find that helps. I also find this forum helps enormously, aswell as being a member of Diabetes U.K. (supporting their research and getting the Balance magazine, which was an absolute comfort when I was diagnosed 30+ years ago). You might also want to sign up for updates from BreakthroughT1D, formerly, JDRF. They’re focussed on a cure and I find their email updates informative and encouraging. We’re much closer to a cure now. Stay positive x
@rosalindb
If it's any consolation Type 2 is also for life. While you have it you have to stave off complications, and if you are lucky enough to achieve remission you have to sustain it.
So we all have to work out our rules of the game and stick to them as best we can. More easily said than done, I know.
A wise psychiarist said [in my words], ' What can I do now about getting to "where I want to be" is always a good question'.
Good luck
If it's any consolation Type 2 is also for life. While you have it you have to stave off complications, and if you are lucky enough to achieve remission you have to sustain it.
So we all have to work out our rules of the game and stick to them as best we can. More easily said than done, I know.
A wise psychiarist said [in my words], ' What can I do now about getting to "where I want to be" is always a good question'.
Good luck
Sorry to read about your recent struggles.
The good news is you finally have the correct diagnosis and correct treatment. It is understandable that this feels scary.
However, the best advice I received is “diabetes should not stop you doing what you want.”
That is what my DSN told me more than 20 years ago and it has motivated me ever since. It has not stopped me doing all sorts of activities like cycling, kayaking, climbing, skydiving or hiking. It has not stopped any travels to places like India, Nepal, Venezuela or Uganda. It has not stopped my career progressing. It has not stopped me eating what I want.
It has not been life changing beyond the need to carry a handbag and a bit more planning.
This may not sound likely at this time but it has become easier over time and now as habitual as cleaning my teeth twice a day.
The good news is you finally have the correct diagnosis and correct treatment. It is understandable that this feels scary.
However, the best advice I received is “diabetes should not stop you doing what you want.”
That is what my DSN told me more than 20 years ago and it has motivated me ever since. It has not stopped me doing all sorts of activities like cycling, kayaking, climbing, skydiving or hiking. It has not stopped any travels to places like India, Nepal, Venezuela or Uganda. It has not stopped my career progressing. It has not stopped me eating what I want.
It has not been life changing beyond the need to carry a handbag and a bit more planning.
This may not sound likely at this time but it has become easier over time and now as habitual as cleaning my teeth twice a day.
I understand where you are coming from but, with Type 1, the way to “stave off complications” (or rather reduce the risk of complications) is to inject a potentially lethal drug multiple times a day for the rest of your life.
And remission is never possible.
Thank you for sharing this - what you’ve written will resonate with so many people here. It’s completely understandable that it’s only now, after four years and a big change in diagnosis, that the full weight of it all is really sinking in.
Getting that LADA diagnosis after originally being told it was Type 2 is a huge shift - not just in treatment, but emotionally, too. Moving to insulin and realising this is something that will be with you for life can bring a whole wave of feelings that don’t always show up straight away. It’s not at all too late - in fact, it’s very human to just carry on for a while, doing what needs to be done, and then later have the emotional impact catch up.
Those panic attacks must feel overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people find it’s only once the dust settles and routines are established that the “this is forever” realisation really lands.
Be kind to yourself through this. What you’re experiencing doesn’t mean you’re not coping - it means you’re processing something incredibly big, and that takes time, space, and support. If you haven’t already, maybe consider talking with your diabetes team or a mental health professional who understands diabetes - they can really help you navigate this stage with more support. And also feel free to use this space as much as you need too - getting it 'out there' usually helps a lot too.
You’ve come a long way already, and you’re still moving forward - that’s something to be really proud of
Getting that LADA diagnosis after originally being told it was Type 2 is a huge shift - not just in treatment, but emotionally, too. Moving to insulin and realising this is something that will be with you for life can bring a whole wave of feelings that don’t always show up straight away. It’s not at all too late - in fact, it’s very human to just carry on for a while, doing what needs to be done, and then later have the emotional impact catch up.
Those panic attacks must feel overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people find it’s only once the dust settles and routines are established that the “this is forever” realisation really lands.
Be kind to yourself through this. What you’re experiencing doesn’t mean you’re not coping - it means you’re processing something incredibly big, and that takes time, space, and support. If you haven’t already, maybe consider talking with your diabetes team or a mental health professional who understands diabetes - they can really help you navigate this stage with more support. And also feel free to use this space as much as you need too - getting it 'out there' usually helps a lot too.
You’ve come a long way already, and you’re still moving forward - that’s something to be really proud of
trophywench
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
I have never in my life thought of what I need to do to keep me alive as being a 'potentially lethal drug' - even though Oh yes I could use it to kill someone, though since my whole life depends on it I'm far too mean to waste my insulin on anyone else - unless of course I happen to be on a desert island with another T1 who hasn't kept hold of theirs. Anyway No drugs used for my diabetes, instead I have always properly utilised the synthetic form of a hormone without which no-one including me, can survive.
Yes it is but i didn't find Type 2 as scarey and there was remission to aim yes. I appreciate that getting there and staying there is hard work
Thank you, that was very reassuringThank you for sharing this - what you’ve written will resonate with so many people here. It’s completely understandable that it’s only now, after four years and a big change in diagnosis, that the full weight of it all is really sinking in.
Getting that LADA diagnosis after originally being told it was Type 2 is a huge shift - not just in treatment, but emotionally, too. Moving to insulin and realising this is something that will be with you for life can bring a whole wave of feelings that don’t always show up straight away. It’s not at all too late - in fact, it’s very human to just carry on for a while, doing what needs to be done, and then later have the emotional impact catch up.
Those panic attacks must feel overwhelming at times, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people find it’s only once the dust settles and routines are established that the “this is forever” realisation really lands.
Be kind to yourself through this. What you’re experiencing doesn’t mean you’re not coping - it means you’re processing something incredibly big, and that takes time, space, and support. If you haven’t already, maybe consider talking with your diabetes team or a mental health professional who understands diabetes - they can really help you navigate this stage with more support. And also feel free to use this space as much as you need too - getting it 'out there' usually helps a lot too.
You’ve come a long way already, and you’re still moving forward - that’s something to be really proud of