Type 1diagnosis

[Siannie 49]

My son is 15years old. Was rushed to the hospital, after a visit to the doctors with blood sugars sky high.In Hospital for a week. Home today. What a rollercoaster of emotions. He's been marvellous. Doing his insulin injections before every meal, blood tests. Any advice to help us cope with it all. Just can't believe it's happening, he was always so fit and healthy.
Carb counting seems so daunting at the moment. Any tips?

 

[Thebearcametoo]

Hi and welcome. Sorry you’re going through this. You will get the hang of it. The first month or two your head will be in a spin but it does get easier. I really like the carbs & cals book for carb counting. There’s an app too but I find the book easier. You’re aiming to get within an estimate of about 10g of carbs either way so don’t worry too much about every gram of carbs. We had a notebook to begin with that had the carbs of frequent meals (including Dominos) and to scribble down the maths for each meal. It does get so much easier when you know what a portion looks like and can do the tot up easily.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear about your lad @Siannie 49

Great to hear that he is taking things in his stride from the outset.

And good that you are starting carb counting already too. Take it steady, and build up your knowledge gradually - expect a few surprises and head scratching moments, as while ‘diabetes maths’ can appear simple, there are a lot of other factors in play (42 by one estimate!). I would also suggest you try to be quite relaxed about the minutiae - rounding to 5-10g and/or allowing an ‘ish’ amount for any scraps and odd bits is often plenty accurate enough.

You might also find Ragnar Hanas’s book a helpful overview

Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Seventh Edition: Amazon.co.uk: Ragnar Hanas: 9781859597989: Books

Buy Type 1 Diabetes in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Seventh Edition Seventh by Ragnar Hanas (ISBN: 9781859597989) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Siannie 49 , and sorry to hear of your son’s diagnosis.

There is so much to learn very quickly at the start, but it does get easier and will become just part of his, and your new ‘normal’ life. Things can go back to normal for him it will just take a bit more planning and some adjustments.

The book that @everydayupsanddowns referred to is excellent. Well explained, clear diagrams and regularly updated (so worth getting the latest version).

Your son’s team will work with you all to gradually get his insulin doses appropriate for him, and this takes a little while as the levels come down. Come back with absolutely any questions you have. Give our best wishes to your son, and remember to look after yourself as well.