Newly Diagnosed Type 1 - Hello!

[Martin55]

Hi 🙂

I was diagnosed with Type 1 a few days ago, so this is my first post on the forum although I can't count how many threads I've read over the past few days gathering info!

I'm actually feeling really positive, just happy to have my energy back (I lost a fair amount of weight) and having the tools and support to manage the condition. It'll be a big change but definitely a challenge I can handle!

I'm interested to know if anyone has any advice for a type 1 starting out on something of a new phase in my life, any mistakes to avoid, things to bare in mind. I'd definitely also be interested to hear people's advice with regards to running, I'm a keen runner (few times a week) and will aim to ease back into this over the coming weeks. Hope you're all well and enjoying the sunshine!

 

[Ditto]

Hello and welcome. 🙂 Never be without your jellybabies. 🙂

 

[helli]

Welcome @Martin55. I guess I would pass on two pieces of advice.

My first is don't expect perfection. This is about managing your diabetes not controlling it. There are many things which can affect our blood sugars and some cannot be predicted like the run to catch a bus which could cause them to drop or the bad news at the dentist which may raise them. As long as you understand why they have gone up or down and are able to correct them without diabetes taking over your life you should be ok.

My second was something my DSN told me the first time I met her: diabetes shouldn't stop you doing what you want. I have tested this a bit over the years with lots of travel from gorilla tracking in Uganda to mountain trekking in Nepal and gourmet tour in Vietnam, with activities such as climbing, sky diving and flying trapeze, a successful career that has provided challenging meetings, short notice trips to Seattle, fun nights out and annoying colleagues, a social life of eating, drinking and clubbing, and probably more. Some times I needed to do a bit of advanced planning but other times I just ad libbed and didn't let diabetes stop me.

OK, there's a third - don't be afraid to ask questions. The forum is here to help each other so make the most of it. It is often said that there is no such thing as a silly question.

 

[Inka]

Welcome @Martin55 🙂 I’d add that Type 1 is a lot about self-management and knowledge. It’s not something where you can just take the meds and get on with things. You’re basically having to take over a very important job your pancreas did. You’ll gradually learn how your body reacts and gain confidence in your own diabetes and your own ability to manage it. If you haven’t yet been shown how to carb count, push for that or just teach yourself as many of us did.

Always err on the side of caution as far as hypos are concerned - particularly at night. Keep hypo treatments on and by you, along with some top-up carby snacks.

Be prepared for the honeymoon period where your body recovers a little and randomly squirts out some of its own insulin. That can be confusing and increase hypos.

Make sure you know the Sick Day Rules. Illness can mess with blood sugar a surprising lot.

Take things slowly, test lots and be kind to yourself. Also, get the book Think Like A Pancreas!

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Martin55, welcome to the forum.

Just popping in to say hi. Glad to hear that you're feeling well again. Sounds as though you're off to a great start so keep it up and let us know how we can help.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Martin55 from another late starter. It is a lot to take in at the start, but it definitely becomes easier. If you can remember learning to drive it is a bit like that. after a few years it becomes automatic and you are watching for obstacles along the way.

As @helli said don't expect perfection. It is impossible. There are so many different factors to juggle. Just do the best that you can, and be proud of the job you do taking on the role of your pancreas.

Carb counting and learning to adjust your doses increases flexibility around what you eat and when you eat. This can also help with exercise as you will gradually work out what adjustments to make in order to do the level of exercise that you want to, such as your running.

Have your hypo treatments, whether that is jelly babies, glucotabs, juice, .... every where.
I had them squirreled away in various places at work, in every room at home, and every bag.
Dont be surprised if some hypos come quite unexpectedly initially, just test and treat and then try to work out why it happened. It can be just your pancreas mucking around after you have given it a bit of a break. The Honeymoon Period.

Also just keep asking questions. There is plenty of experience to draw on from the vast experience on here.
No questions are silly. Just ask.

 

[Martin55]

Thank you all for your replies, it's always reassuring to hear real life experiences proving that diabetes shouldn't stop me doing or achieving anything, it's just another thing to plan around and consider. Thanks 🙂 🙂

 

[trophywench]

Martin - an essential in life now, if it wasn't before (can't imagine that really) is a darned good sense of humour!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Martin55 and congratulations on your delurking 🙂

You might find this selection of tips from various members thought provoking

5 Top Tips for Better Diabetesing

Just found myself absently wondering what I would say to myself if I could go back in time ‘Bill and Ted’ style and offer newly-diagnosed-me some hints and tips for better diabetes management, and a better relationship with my diabetes from future-me. What 5 hints and tips I might offer myself...

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