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Reaching Out

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VelvetPaw

New Member
Hello lovely people

I was diagnosed with diabetes a week ago and have been through a rollercoaster of emotions ever since. The initial shock has subsided a bit and it’s started to sink in. I have discovered this community and hope that some of you might be able to help me find my feet at the start of a journey I never expected to be making.

I requested blood tests because I’d been exhausted - I’m 48 and thought it was the menopause. Instead I got a Hb1ac reading of 124 and blood glucose of 32. My cholesterol is at 8.

An urgent referral to hospital later I was diagnosed with diabetes. Which type I don’t yet know - the diabetic specialist thinks probably 2 but can’t rule out 1. I’m told the results will take 14-15 weeks to come back: does anyone know what the test is called any why it takes such a long time?

In the meantime I’m being treated as a type 1 and have been prescribed 2 types of insulin (Levemir and Novorapid) with the possibility of Metformin in the future.

I’ve got straight on it with the diet and exercise and over the course of the week my glucose readings have been on a slow downward trend, at 11.9 this morning. But I’m feeling so anxious about everything, especially the seemingly random results that don’t seem to correspond to what I’ve eaten or how much I’ve moved. Will it always be this puzzling?

I’m so scared about what damage may have been done to my heart already and that this is going to kill me. My Dad was diagnosed aged 37 and died of heart failure at 49. I’d be grateful for any advice and welcome a bit of reassurance that I can get this under control.

Thank you and sorry for the rant!
 
Welcome @VelvetPaw 🙂 It does get easier so don’t worry that you’ll always feel like this. A diagnosis is a shock and going onto insulin is a big change. Gradually it will become more routine.

The Type 1 tests are for antibodies and C Peptide. They do, unfortunately, take a number of weeks. The very good thing is that you were tested and not just assumed to be Type 2. Many adults are misdiagnosed as Type 2 when they’re actually Type 1, so console yourself that you’ve had excellent treatment.

Have you been shown how to count carbs? Are you on fixed doses of Novorapid?
 
Inka said:
Welcome @VelvetPaw 🙂 It does get easier so don’t worry that you’ll always feel like this. A diagnosis is a shock and going onto insulin is a big change. Gradually it will become more routine.

The Type 1 tests are for antibodies and C Peptide. They do, unfortunately, take a number of weeks. The very good thing is that you were tested and not just assumed to be Type 2. Many adults are misdiagnosed as Type 2 when they’re actually Type 1, so console yourself that you’ve had excellent treatment.

Have you been shown how to count carbs? Are you on fixed doses of Novorapid?
Click to expand...
I really don't know why the type 1 tests should take so long as the technology used is standard antibody type test which would be able to be completed in a few hours, I can only think it is because there are not many labs able to do it and there is therefore a delay. The sample itself does need special storage for the transit to the processing lab which makes it more difficult.
 
I assume it has to go to a specialist lab @Leadinglights I know I was told it was sent away and would take weeks. I think they tested mine for four antibodies.
 
Hi @VelvetPaw - I know how scary a diagnosis can be but it really does get easier! My best tip is to try not to worry about getting perfect results because like you've already said, it's moving down gradually already and it does take time and practise. You really should congratulate yourself for doing so well so quickly.

I find sometimes my results don't match what I've done or eaten too. So it could be down to the amount of insulin you're on, as I'm still working on getting mine right. Could you maybe ask your diabetic team about your ratio of insulin to food?
 
Inka said:
Welcome @VelvetPaw 🙂 It does get easier so don’t worry that you’ll always feel like this. A diagnosis is a shock and going onto insulin is a big change. Gradually it will become more routine.

The Type 1 tests are for antibodies and C Peptide. They do, unfortunately, take a number of weeks. The very good thing is that you were tested and not just assumed to be Type 2. Many adults are misdiagnosed as Type 2 when they’re actually Type 1, so console yourself that you’ve had excellent treatment.

Have you been shown how to count carbs? Are you on fixed doses of Novorapid?
Click to expand...
Inka said:
Welcome @VelvetPaw 🙂 It does get easier so don’t worry that you’ll always feel like this. A diagnosis is a shock and going onto insulin is a big change. Gradually it will become more routine.

The Type 1 tests are for antibodies and C Peptide. They do, unfortunately, take a number of weeks. The very good thing is that you were tested and not just assumed to be Type 2. Many adults are misdiagnosed as Type 2 when they’re actually Type 1, so console yourself that you’ve had excellent treatment.

Have you been shown how to count carbs? Are you on fixed doses of Novorapid?
Click to expand...
Thanks @Inka, that’s so helpful.

I think I’ve been fortunate that I saw some really excellent people at the hospital. They were very thorough and I’d rather know what I’m dealing with than just hope for the best and muddle through. It’s hard to be patient in the circumstances though

I’m booked on a nurse-led dietary session later this month. At the moment I’m taking 4 units of Novorapid 3 times a day before meals and 14 units of Levemir before bed.
 
Leadinglights said:
I really don't know why the type 1 tests should take so long as the technology used is standard antibody type test which would be able to be completed in a few hours, I can only think it is because there are not many labs able to do it and there is therefore a delay. The sample itself does need special storage for the transit to the processing lab which makes it more difficult.
Click to expand...
Aha, that makes sense @Leadinglights. I was quite shocked that it takes such a long time (and so we’re some of the other nurses!) but good to have an explanation, thank you!
 
Ok, so with your fixed doses of Novorapid, you’ll find it best to stick to the same carb amounts for each meal. That carb amount might be different for each meal, if that makes sense. As an example, you might find your breakfast 4 units ‘covers’ 30g carbs but your evening meal 4 units covers 50g ( those are just example figures).

Gradually you’ll learn how to adjust your Novorapid according to the carbs you’re about to eat in that meal. That will give you more flexibility and normality.
 
Yaz96 said:
Hi @VelvetPaw - I know how scary a diagnosis can be but it really does get easier! My best tip is to try not to worry about getting perfect results because like you've already said, it's moving down gradually already and it does take time and practise. You really should congratulate yourself for doing so well so quickly.

I find sometimes my results don't match what I've done or eaten too. So it could be down to the amount of insulin you're on, as I'm still working on getting mine right. Could you maybe ask your diabetic team about your ratio of insulin to food?
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for the encouragement @Yaz96, I really appreciate it. I’ve given myself a really hard time for allowing this to happen and got very worked up about what damage has already been done. I’m going to try and relax a bit and learn as I go - it’s helpful to know that trial and error is normal. My insulin dose is still under review, so I’ll speak to the diabetes team about it - I’m expecting a call tomorrow
 
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