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Bev68

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Carer/Partner
Hi .I've joined this forum just to get information on type 1 diabetes. From 2nd of August I'm going to be caring for a lady who is on insulin 2 x a day ànd I have to learn how to do her blood readings and then do the insulin injections. I've been practicing on a apple .I've done my NVQ and lots of other courses but not experienced this yet .I had pregnancy diabetes with one of my daughters and I'm doingva NHS diabetes course on the risk factors etc it is really interesting. So I'm looking forward to learning more about Living with diabetes. Thanks
 
Hi and welcome

Good for you reaching out to the forum to add to your knowledge in order to help your new patient. I am sure by reading through some of the posts you will get an idea of what is involved along with your own personal experience, but if there is anything particular you need to know or don't understand, just ask.
I am assuming the lady you will be caring for is on a mixed insulin since you mention just two injections a day. That means that she should have relatively fixed amounts of carbs for her meals at regular times. Will you be in charge of meals as well as administering insulin? It can be a bit more of a balancing act for some people than others and on a mixed insulin, you have no real option for correcting high levels, but I imagine the lady has been on this insulin regime for quite a long time so hopefully it is working for her. Do remember that advice on the forum will vary depending on type of diabetes as well as the type of insulin being used, so double check any advice you are given or pick up from threads before acting on it.
 
Hi Bev68, welcome to the forum.

It's always nice to see carers of those who live with diabetes on the forum as they're often not supported so we're glad to have you here.

I wonder if your GP knows of any specific courses for carers on the day to day practicalities or whether a diabetic nurse could talk you through things.

Either way, were right here by your side for support and will be happy to answer ay questions or concerns you may have.
 
Welcome @Bev68 🙂

I suspect a lot of the NHS course will be about Type 2 diabetes (I noticed you mentioned ‘risk factors’). Type 1 is a different condition. Here’s some basic info:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/type-1-diabetes

It’s an auto-immune condition. So when you’re supporting this lady, just keep in mind that her needs might be different from a Type 2s or someone who has Gestational (Pregnancy) Diabetes, which is related to Type 2.

A really important thing is to know how to treat a hypo. Again, so every basic info here:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/hypos/having-a-hypo

.
 
Welcome to the forum @Bev68

And well done for joining to try to get your head around things before you start.

There is a lot of useful information on the Diabetes UK website, and you may find there are some helpful modules in the Learning Zone (highlighted item in the main menu).

And keep asking questions here too - our friendly T1 members will be more than happy to offer their thoughts on any questions you have. 🙂
 
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