New Year, New Start

[LilRach]

Hi,

Not really a newbie to the forum as i joined a while ago, but never really come on here.

I have been diabetic since i was 8 years old, I'm now 24, but still struggle at times.

I get motivated and try to start a fresh, have my blood better under control etc, which is all good for a few days then i go back to my old ways and my blood creeps back up.

I wouldn't say i am the worst diabetic in the world, however whenever i have hospital appointments the doctors are never happy, even though every time i go, my average blood over 3 months has always gone down (not by much, but in the right direction). However they don't see it like that.

I know my blood could be better controlled and do try to keep it down. I'm not one of these that will sit and eat loads of chocolate and then moan when my blood is high. I think i eat quiet sensible but no matter what i try, my blood never really seems to improve.

I know it is all a matter of having the right amount of insulin and obviously adjusting it to what I eat etc, which i try to do. However, a fear of mine is being low when at work or out etc. I always carry dextros or lucazade with me, so not a problem, and most of my work collegues know I am diabetic, but yet i still worry.

Any encouragement/advise/help would be appreciated 🙂

Thanks

Rach

 

[Northerner]

Hi Rach, have you discussed your worries about hypos with a DSN? Might be helpful, I know a lot of people run higher because of this fear so you're certainly not alone in feeling this way. Have you been on a carb counting course at all? Do you test regularly? I would suggest, whilst you have the motivation still buzzing, keeping some regular records so that you can build up a better picture of where you might be able to make improvements. Take baby steps - don't try to change everything overnight, just identify the little things that will make a difference. I always think of the British Olympic cycling coach, Dave Brailsford, who puts his cyclists success down to 'The aggregation of marginal gains' - all those little steps will add up to you becoming well-controlled and much happier about your diabetes! 🙂

 

[trophywench]

Well Rach, the fear of hypos is summat that a lot of us suffered from and a number of us have been lucky enough to get pumps helped along because of that. And it is a lot easier to control and run generally at a lower level than whilst on MDI, once you remove the vagaries of long-acting insulin in your body, as long as you thoroughly and completely understand carb counting and dose adjustment/corrections.

And do it!

 

[LilRach]

Hi Northener,

yeah i have mentioned my worries to them, but don't seem very sympathetic or helpful. That is another thing altogether!!

I did attempt carb counting a few years ago, without much success, but maybe should try again. I have never been on a carb counting course, but have seen the dietian at my hospital who is very helpful. I understand carb counting but struggled to put it into practice.

I am pretty good at testing my blood, as soon as I wake up, most lunchtimes, before dinner most of the time and always before bed, so am quite conscious of testing.

I have just downloaded an app, in my motivation frenzy, so will try recording it on there and see what happens.

Thanks for your advice 🙂