• Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
  • We seem to be having technical difficulties with new user accounts. If you are trying to register please check your Spam or Junk folder for your confirmation email. If you still haven't received a confirmation email, please reach out to our support inbox: support.forum@diabetes.org.uk

New diabetic, not sure type yet

katesypoop

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Pronouns
She/Her
I found out last Monday that I'm diabetic and have my first appointment with the diabetic nurse tomorrow. I was feeling really upset at the start of last week but now just looking forward to knowing and hopefully understanding more after my appointment tomorrow.
 
I found out last Monday that I'm diabetic and have my first appointment with the diabetic nurse tomorrow. I was feeling really upset at the start of last week but now just looking forward to knowing and hopefully understanding more after my appointment tomorrow.
Welcome to the forum
I hope your appointment goes well but if you do a bit of reading to prepare you, the main DUK site has sections about the difference between Type 1 and Type 2.
I see you are 30 so it really depends on a number of factors as to which type you may be. Often GPs will assume Type 2 as they think Type 1 is only in children but not so, a friend was diagnosed at 80 so keep an open mind.
 
hi @katesypoop welcome to the forum
great that you found this fantastic resource so early on after your diagnosis, hope your appointment with the DSN goes well tomorrow
 
Hope your appointment goes well tomorrow @katesypoop

It’s perfectly natural to feel knocked sideways by a diagnosis with diabetes - so allow yourself time to adjust, and come to terms with things. Hopefully a little clarity over your diabetes type will help that process.

Let us know what they say 🙂
 
Hello @katesypoop 🙂 , I really hope that your appointment went well today and it would be good hear back from you. There are lots of members here with Type 1 and Type 2 so please do ask away with any questions you have as it can be really daunting at this stage.
 
Hi @katesypoop hope the appointment went well. I know it can sometimes be overwhelming just taking in all the information you receive from the nurse and others but stay calm and aware that these forums and the Diabetes UK website are great sources of information that can support you with understanding what you have been told.

No question is to silly.
 
Thanks everyone for your kind words and welcome, it made a real difference to how I was feeling.

It's still not been confirmed but after another appointment today they think I'm likely type 1 due to my age, weight and low risk factors/family history. It feels like a relief to know, even if it's not for certain, being in limbo these past few weeks has been tough. Now I can give a bit of focus to my reading here on the forum and online
 
Hi @katesypoop I know it was a relief for me when I was finally diagnosed as I had been feeling really awful for months. There is so much to take on board but we were all newly diagnosed once and are here to offer help and support 🙂
 
Thanks everyone for your kind words and welcome, it made a real difference to how I was feeling.

It's still not been confirmed but after another appointment today they think I'm likely type 1 due to my age, weight and low risk factors/family history. It feels like a relief to know, even if it's not for certain, being in limbo these past few weeks has been tough. Now I can give a bit of focus to my reading here on the forum and online

Have they made any changes to your meds due to the likely Type 1 status? How’s your blood sugar at the moment @katesypoop ?
 
Have they made any changes to your meds due to the likely Type 1 status? How’s your blood sugar at the moment @katesypoop ?
They are giving me a freestyle libre next week (which I'm grateful for because I'm finding I keep messing up the finger prick and getting frustrated!) and putting me on one long acting insulin injection a day for now. Linus or something I think it's called? I have some literature I need to read about it this weekend! And they said I need to stop the gliclazide once I go on the insulin.

My blood sugar is going up and down, 17.8 has been the highest (before lunch yesterday) and the lowest has been 6.8 after I went for a run this morning.
 
Sounds like Lantus @katesypoop Once you’re on the insulin you need, you should see a big difference. Lantus is a basal/background insulin. You’ll also need a bolus/meal insulin.
 
You’ll also need a bolus/meal insulin
This might be added later, once they see how your blood sugars go on the Lantus though. But if you’re T1 you will need it at some point.
 
They are giving me a freestyle libre next week (which I'm grateful for because I'm finding I keep messing up the finger prick and getting frustrated!) and putting me on one long acting insulin injection a day for now. Linus or something I think it's called? I have some literature I need to read about it this weekend! And they said I need to stop the gliclazide once I go on the insulin.

My blood sugar is going up and down, 17.8 has been the highest (before lunch yesterday) and the lowest has been 6.8 after I went for a run this morning.
Hi @katesypoop I've been using the Libre sensor for a year or so and I think it's brilliant! It's so helpful to know at any time what's happening with your blood glucose. I'm sure you'll find it a massive improvement to finger-pricking and far more discreet!
 
How are you doing @katesypoop ?
It is likely that once you have the right dose of insulin that you need you will feel a lot better. We just can’t do without it, and high glucose levels make you feel very rough.
You already have your basal insulin and they may well add in a bolus insulin to use for your meals. It is a lot take in at first but it does get easier. Keep any questions that arise coming. Loads of experience to tap into on here.
 
Please be aware that Libre does not replace all finger pricks as all CGMs have limitations.
I recommend mastering your finger prick technique. You should use it to confirm high and low BGs when you may be stressed.
 
How are you doing @katesypoop ?
It is likely that once you have the right dose of insulin that you need you will feel a lot better. We just can’t do without it, and high glucose levels make you feel very rough.
You already have your basal insulin and they may well add in a bolus insulin to use for your meals. It is a lot take in at first but it does get easier. Keep any questions that arise coming. Loads of experience to tap into on here.
Thank you, these messages are really helping me feel supported! It's a lot of info but I know I can always come back to it and read it again. I only just got my prescription so will do my first basal injection this evening and the nurse is helping me put on my first Libre tomorrow.
 
Please be aware that Libre does not replace all finger pricks as all CGMs have limitations.
I recommend mastering your finger prick technique. You should use it to confirm high and low BGs when you may be stressed.
I've worked out if I wrap a wheatie bag around my fingers for 5 mins before the finger prick, it works like a charm! I tried cradling a cuppa but it was too hot I'm glad I've found something that works because I know it's important to do alongside the CGM, as you say. I might get some of those reheatable gels for when I'm out and about to do the same thing
 
I've worked out if I wrap a wheatie bag around my fingers for 5 mins before the finger prick, it works like a charm! I tried cradling a cuppa but it was too hot I'm glad I've found something that works because I know it's important to do alongside the CGM, as you say. I might get some of those reheatable gels for when I'm out and about to do the same thing
I am reading this whilst hugging a USB charged hand warmer. It is something like this but a few years older.
I would recommend them for when you are out as they are easier to recharge than reheating gels (or even putting a wheat bag in the microwave for a few minutes) and it has three different, almost instant, temperatures.

There are a number of different brands on the market and I would recommend checking out the reviews before buying. The link above is just the first one I came across when I searched to give you an idea.

I have one on my desk throughout the winter and grab it if I am heading out.
 
I am reading this whilst hugging a USB charged hand warmer. It is something like this but a few years older.
I would recommend them for when you are out as they are easier to recharge than reheating gels (or even putting a wheat bag in the microwave for a few minutes) and it has three different, almost instant, temperatures.

There are a number of different brands on the market and I would recommend checking out the reviews before buying. The link above is just the first one I came across when I searched to give you an idea.

I have one on my desk throughout the winter and grab it if I am heading out.
That's a great tip, thank you! Just ordered some
 
Back
Top