Newly diagnosed and fed up

[KarenStephens]

Hi. I was diagnosed as type 2 and put on metformin end of September after a few weeks of fatigue, excessive thirst, night time weeing and sudden weight loss. However a week later I was admitted to hospital with DKA and kept in on drips 24 hours then told I needed to start on insulin. Am on 4 injections a day and testing blood on waking, before every meal and at bedtime and if I feel like a hypo could be starting. Hypos were daily but less so now I have reduced insulin doses. I’m really upset right now as I’m losing a lot of hair and my community diabetes team said that is not linked to insulin so to contact my GP. What else is wrong with me

 

[Kaylz]

There are quite a few people that start losing hair when diagnosed and start insulin so please don't overthink it and think there is something else wrong, its not something commonly posted on here but I have seen it in many Type 1 groups on Facebook so be assured you aren't the only one to experience it

We all have times we get fed up of diabetes, I'm there at the moment too after a rough day yesterday but it does get easier
xx

 

[Inka]

Hi @KarenStephens As @Kaylz says, a number of people have reported hair loss after diagnosis. I don’t know the cause but a Type 1 diagnosis is a huge physical and emotional change and it would make sense that that would affect people in various ways.

 

[KarenStephens]

Thank you @Kaylz and @Inka. It’s just when the diabetic team said it’s not diabetes related it makes me worry ‍♀️

 

[Flower]

Hi @KarenStephens and welcome, glad you’ve found us- sorry you needed to.

Diagnosis is a huge shock physically and mentally and is really distressing, your body has been in turmoil struggling on desperate for energy with a dwindling insulin supply. High blood glucose affects every system and cell in the body and it takes a while for things to settle back into equilibrium once an insulin supply is established. Give yourself time to get settled into a routine and with lower more stable blood sugars things will hopefully start to improve for you.

If things don’t settle with your hair loss ask for a thyroid function blood test as thyroid problems are more common with diabetes and thyroid problems are linked to hair loss.

 

[Kaylz]

Please try not to worry, as we've both said it happens probably more than what the diabetes team are aware

As @Flower says, things take time to settle so don't get yourself in a flap my lovely
xx

 

[Inka]

Thank you @Kaylz and @Inka. It’s just when the diabetic team said it’s not diabetes related it makes me worry ‍♀️

That’s understandable but please take comfort in the fact other people have had the same thing. If you’re really concerned, you could always ask for other blood tests to put your mind at rest.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @KarenStephens

Hope your hair loss is temporary and short lived.

As @Flower says, if it continues it might be worth asking for a thyroid check as hair loss can be associated with hypothyroidism.

Must have been scary to have to be rushed into hospital like that - but it’s not all that uncommon. Many adults presenting with diabetes are assumed to be T2 primarily because of age.

How have you taken to the insulin? Have you been given any support in matching your doses to your food (carb) intake?

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @KarenStephens I an Glad that you have found us.

It is a big shock being diagnosed at any age, and so common that adults are misdiagnosed as T2 initially. Things will settle now that you are on your insulin injections, and your whole body will start to feel better. You will gradually get used to the one routine and it will become your new normal.

Your specialist team will work with y U to help you to learn how to adjust your insulin doses to match the amount of carbs that you are eating, all of which will become glucose. It takes time to sort these out as we are all different, and your body will need to adjust slowly.

Although I was diagnosed as an adult I found the book T1 in Children Adolescents and Young Adults by Ragnar Hanas was excellent. It explains things very clearly and is regularly updated, so worth seeking out the latest edition, as things are changing so quickly in the management of T1. The age reference is to be ignored, you might just skip the chapter on going to school.

Others on here are very helpful and there is loads of support from people that get it.
Ask any questions that you have. Nothing is considered silly on here. Just ask.