Just diagnosed 48 hours ago!

[NatashaElaine]

Hey to anyone reading this!
First thanks for taking the time to read this.. I am newly diagnosed Type 1 but not new to the world of diabetes. I also suffer with depression and I'm worried once I leave hospital I won't manage myself well.

Does anyone have any tips or advice for me?

Thanks in advance!
Natasha

 

[SB2015]

Hi Natasha

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis of T1, but glad that you have found this forum.
What past experience of Diabetes do you have?
How was your T1 diagnosed?

If you were very poorly when diagnosed, which is quite common, you will no doubt feels a lot better now that you have some insulin in you. There is a lot to learn very quickly but it sounds as if you had a head start with some prior knowledge of the condition. It takes time to get your correct doses of background and basal insulin sorted at the start, so you will need to be patient with yourself and keep in contact with your specialist team, as they are there to help with this. At first a lot of people diagnosed with T1 have some beta cells still hanging around so things can be a bit unpredictable, as they start to pay again after a bit of a rest.

I know that a lot of people on here have found the book Type1 Diabetes in Children Adolescents and Young Adults by Ragnar Hanas a very useful reference. Ignore the age reference. I was 53 at diagnosis and still find the book helpful. It is well referenced and has very clear explanations throughout. It is also regularly updated with the latest technology, so well worth getting the latest edition.

You mention that you suffer from depression. It would be useful to mention this to your team as they may be able to give you access to specific support for those with Diabetes. If not talk to your GP. But above all remember that this condition is manageable, and there is plenty of support available from a variety of people on here. If you have any questions just ask. No questions are considered silly on here.

 

[Bronco Billy]

Hi Natasha, welcome to the forum.

The first thing to remember is that it isn’t your fault. You did nothing to cause the diagnosis. The concern about coping when you leave hospital isn’t rare or unjustified. I still remember clearly when my daughter was diagnosed how it felt when we brought her home after her stay in hospital. We got through it and so will you. You won’t be alone! Your hospital team should be available for you to ring, I would imagine they will also give you an out of hours number to contact. Have you met anyone from the diabetes team yet? While you are in hospital, they will give you some training in how to deal with type 1. This forum is also here with lots of experience available through our members. Please take advantage of it. As SB2015 says, no question is too silly.

If they don’t know already, make sure you tell them about the depression. They will tell you how to access mental health support. My daughter had issues caused by her diagnosis. She had some sessions with the psychologist, who gave her some coping mechanisms. This really helped her.

I can’t promise it will always be easy, but you will cope and get through it. Take care.

 

[NatashaElaine]

Thank you SB2015 & bronco Billy for replying to me!

My paternal auntie has been diabetic 40+ years and my maternal cousin whose the same age as myself (26) has been diabetic since 18. As children we used to help my aunt check her sugars and draw up insulin in the old style vile and syringe!

I feel a bit shocked still because I'm a massive chocoholic! Keep thinking of what could have happened if I never mentioned anything at a routine GP appointment for something completely different!

I've seen the diabetic nurse who showed me how to test my sugar and ketone levels which luckily I knew how to do but was happy for all the information I could get from her!

I'll make sure I tell the specialist about my depression when they eventually see them, are there any questions I should be asking? Whenever I try to think I draw a blank

Thanks in advance
Natasha

 

[SB2015]

I feel a bit shocked still because I'm a massive chocoholic!

Ooooo so was I when I was diagnosed with T1.
My solution to this is I now have one VERY NICE (expensive) chocolate each day after our evening meal.
I deserve a treat and you will be taught how to take account of this with your insulin.

It is difficult to think of what questions to ask at the start, but I would say the most important one is ‘how can I contact someone if I get in a muddle’. The specialist team will guide and support you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions as they arise, of them or on here.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

It’s great that you have family who can understand what you’re going through. Getting carb counting and recording your BG levels will take a bit of getting used to but within a couple of weeks you’ll be in the habit. The Carbs & Cals app and book are really helpful. Once you’ve got your head around some of the practical changes you’ll be able to start processing it mentally but it may take time and be an up and down journey, that’s ok.

 

[KARNAK]

Hi Natasha welcome to forum,🙂 as the others have said you soon get used to it. One thing I would say, always carry hypo treatment with you wherever you are.

 

[HOBIE]

Hello Nat 🙂. Your head will be in shock. Your Diabetic nurse should give you some advice & You have joined a good forum with lots of caring members. If you are not sure please ask. From a T1 for more than 50 yrs 😉

 

[NatashaElaine]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply to me! Makes me feel less isolated here!

My cousin has been a massive help once I finally told her, don't know what I was so worried about in telling people.

Finally got around to testing my own BG level this afternoon, a few errors at first but eventually got it!

Thank you everyone again for taking the time to reply to me

Natasha

 

[Ralph-YK]

specialist ... are there any questions I should be asking? Whenever I try to think I draw a blank

Yes, it's always a problem knowing what to ask, and remembering to ask. I suggest keeping a list, written down.
(I've not seen a diabetic specialist myself. My advice is based on general dealings with HCP, and dealing with specialists/hospitals for other matters.)
You always need to ask about tests. Ask for them in writing. Blood tests: they might do more than one test from a single vile of blood; then only mention one of the tests. So that's something to watch for.
Also, ask for a copy of any letters they do. (Often, when you see a consultant, they send a letter summarising the appointment, your condition & what was said, to your GP.) I find it good to look back over them, as a reminder or to check a detail.
Some places include you in on all letter automatically. Others you've to ask.