That was a surprise

[XrayWill]

Hello all

I am 47 and have know about my diabetes for about 3 weeks.
I hade some bloods done, was told I was diabetic and was prescribed Metformin. I took them for a week at the. One week later I had fasting bloods done and returned to the surgery the following day for the results and found myself being sent straight to hospital and admitted with a blood sugar of 21 and ketones of 4.6 my HbA1C was 138.
I had lost 2 stone in a matter of weeks really. Was thirsty and going to the loo frequently. I did not put 2 and 2 together.
So I am now being investigated for type 1. Unusual I believe, but not impossible as I presented in a typical way apparently.
I am on Levemir and Novorapid, basal bolus approach so injecting 5 times daily. Changing diet and routine completely. Feeling a little (lots really) overwhelmed and information overloaded.

 

[helli]

Wow! I completely understand why you are so overwhelmed.
Being diagnosed with Type 1 as an adult is not that unusual - more than half of us were diagnosed over the age of 20 years old and 30% of adults with Type 1 were initially misdiagnosed as type 2. It often takes much longer to get a correct diagnosis.

So, welcome to the club.
Please ask any question - no question is too stupid (although some answers can get a little silly )

You do not mention having a Libre. I would highly recommend requesting this as it makes understanding your blood sugars much easier than 4 times during the day. The NICE guidelines changed last year to cover all people treated with insulin. It is only a guideline and not all CCGs have caught up but, unfortunately, diabetes management often requires being pushy so don'd be afraid to ask.

 

[XrayWill]

Thank you for the reply.
I will ask about the Libra, thank you for the suggestion. I have not heard of it before.
The hospital consultant looking after me when I was acutely unwell said I may have been undiagnosed and uncontrolled for anything up to 6 - 12 months prior. A scary thought.

 

[helli]

The hospital consultant looking after me when I was acutely unwell said I may have been undiagnosed and uncontrolled for anything up to 6 - 12 months prior. A scary thought.

Definitely scary but I recommend looking forward rather than looking back at what could have been - you can't change the past.
I was diagnosed 18 years ago (as an adult with no family history of diabetes) and have continued to live a full life with no complications.
There are some amazing long term members with 50, 60 years under their belt who lived most of that without finger prick glucose meters let alone CGMs, insulin pumps and basal bolus insulins.
I wouldn't wish a Type 1 diagnosis on anyone but, if you have to get it, this is a much better time for diagnosis than any time in the past.

 

[trophywench]

Don't be concerned if you did have it for 6 months prior to it being diagnosed - that was me, 50 years ago aged 22 - felt I shouldn't take time off work just to go to the doctors - it was us that chose to live so far away from Birmingham so I mustn't abuse that ...... and I'm still here and certainly got a few other health things going on now aged 72, but no complications of diabetes yet!

 

[XrayWill]

I agree. Look on the bright side....trying to. Thank you for the kind words. People keep saying it will become easier to manage. It's all very new to me.

 

[Inka]

I agree. Look on the bright side....trying to. Thank you for the kind words. People keep saying it will become easier to manage. It's all very new to me.

It does become easier definitely, but it is overwhelming initially as I well remember. Pace yourself and be kind to yourself. It’s a huge emotional shock as well as a practical one.

 

[Inka]

Here are two great books about Type 1:

Think Like a Pancreas’ by Gary Scheiner.

And Type 1 Diabetes in Children Adolescents and Young People by Ragnar Hanas (ignore the title - it’s great for adults too)

 

[BeeBusy]

I just wanted to send you a big fraternal hug. I'm happy you've found your way here, where there are so many wonderful people with lots of experience who can help you manage your way through this difficult times.

 

[Robin]

Hello, and welcome to the forum, from another late starter. I was 51 at diagnosis, and was misdiagnosed as Type 2 to start with. I had also put off going to the doctor, so looking back I know I’d had it for some months, and it was only when I started to feel better, that I realised how dire I’d actually been feeling. But I'd just put it down to 'Oh this must be how it feels to be post-menopausal and getting old!'
I second the Gary Sheiner book. I didn’t know the Ragnar Hanas one existed at the time, but I know many people on here swear by it.
I'm now 15 years on, and it’s become second nature. Which isn’t to say it always behaves itself, but it’s certainly manageable.

 

[XrayWill]

I will look at the books recommended. Thank you all for the encouragement. The people posting on this site are fantastically supportive of each other. I am really glad I reached out.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I will look at the books recommended. Thank you all for the encouragement. The people posting on this site are fantastically supportive of each other. I am really glad I reached out.

I’m glad you found us Will.

Diabetes can be scary, isolating and overwhelming, and it can make a huge difference to have folks alongside to share the frustrations, vent, let off steam, pour out your worries, and also to share the hilarious situations diabetes can get us into, and the “I AM A DIABETES GENIUS” moments of victory when a completely guessed dose for a tricky meal ends up working perfectly with barely a BG wobble.

You are bound to have loads of questions, so ask them all. Nothing will be considered too trivial, obvious or silly.