My life is in an absolute mess

[Kierantaylor]

Hi there in a new user to the forum I'm kieran. I have been a type 1 diabetic since 2001 but I need help badly. For I would say around the past five years I have been completely neglecting my diabetes as if it were not there. I'm supposed to take 12 units if novo rapid in the morning ten at lunch ten at tea time then 38 lantus. As of the past year or so I have only been taking my novo rapid and insulin injections of a night just twice so I have been skipping injections and I can't remember the last time I tested my blood sugar levels. I eat food that is not good for me like cakes ice cream sweets and chocolate. I know this seems straight to the point but I'm scared of the affect this has on my body. I smoke and I very rarely see a health specialist. I'm current In full time employment so I'm active during the day . I'm just scared as I also have depression and anxiety and worry a lot. I'm sorry for being so straight to the point I am just in need of help. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and any help would be greatly appreciated .

 

[Daibell]

Hi and welcome. Well the good news is that you know you have a problem and you know you must face up to it to avoid serious long-term problems. Those insulin shot levels imply you are overweight? The highest priority is to reduce your weight to help remove insulin resistance and allow lower insulin levels. We can't make you reduce the carbs in your diet but try to take steps to replace them with other foods you like such as a nice steak and so on. I have eggs and bacon for breakfast, review the foods you like that aren't carb loaded e.g. cheese, veg etc. If you have to have cakes go for ones without icing and with low-sugar content. You can wean yourself off sweet-tasting foods. You appear to be on a fixed insulin dose regime; not the best way to use it. Do investigate carb-counting where you match the insulin to the carbs. This way you can gradually reduce both the carbs and the insulin in tandem. Ask for a DAFNE course. Do ask more specific questions and good luck.

 

[Hooked]

Good on you for having the balls to come on here and seek advice on how to get back on track.
Firstly, get to the doctor for fresh scripts of insulin, needles, test strips, etc. Also do they can arrange appointments for you with the diabetic team.

Next, start testing. Don't see high results as a failure on your part, it's just a reading that will help h you to decide your course of action and amount of insulin to give. Ask the diabetes team about getting on a DAFNE course. I found dog this brought me right up to speed and really helped me get back on track.

A huge amount of us have been where you are now and know what it's like. Best of luck and remember we are all here each step of the way.

 

[jack412]

It could be worse, you could have my life. for a start I'm 60, fat and bald
just joining the site is a big step back to health, it shows you are ready.
there is also an anonymous care line, if you want a chat http://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hi, you have had some great replies from members and well done for facing up to what you are doing to yourself. You are not alone.

quote ' No on can go back and make a brand new start. Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending'

Also giving up the ciggys would be a huge benefit

Good luck and all the best RRB

 

[lizdeluz]

Hello and welcome!

You've made a good move in joining the forum as lots of people here will know what you are experiencing and will be able to offer you help and support. Like you, I tried to 'put diabetes in its place' , I worked too hard and had periods of anxiety and depression.

The good news is that looking after yourself can be a very liberating experience. Your posting on the forum is a first step probably and now you can improve things one step at a time. It's a gradual process, but you will soon start to feel better.

Probably, the next step is to ask your GP or Clinic to help you get back on track with correct insulin doses. As already suggested, a DAFNE course might also be a helping hand while you get yourself organised.

Keep posting and asking questions!

 

[phoenix]

Hi,
I'm so glad that you made the first step in taking control back. It's the next day now so I hope that you will take that second step of making an appointment to see someone. Do it today or if you can't use the helpline that Jack above has suggested.
When you get some real information and help then you can move forward and things won't feel nearly as scary as now.

 

[novorapidboi26]

well done in admitting you have an issue..............its not too late to make good changes...............I myself had a bad spell of about 5 years, and by bad I mean missed injections and bad diet/no activity.......

those years have caused some retinopathy, but I did make the change.........

getting on an education program is essential so you can learn how to adjust your insulin doses, both Lantus and Novorapid, you can even try out other insulin's too..........

make an appointment with your clinic and ask to be put on whatever program is available in your area......

 

[Juicyj]

Good on you for having the balls to come on here and seek advice on how to get back on track.
Firstly, get to the doctor for fresh scripts of insulin, needles, test strips, etc. Also do they can arrange appointments for you with the diabetic team.

Next, start testing. Don't see high results as a failure on your part, it's just a reading that will help h you to decide your course of action and amount of insulin to give. Ask the diabetes team about getting on a DAFNE course. I found dog this brought me right up to speed and really helped me get back on track.

A huge amount of us have been where you are now and know what it's like. Best of luck and remember we are all here each step of the way.

I second this - great advice. good on you for wanting to do something about it.

I think you'll also find if you can start testing regularly and taking insulin when you need to, that once your blood glucose levels come good then so will your anxiety and depression, unfortunately they happen when your levels are all over the shop. I had the same when I was first diagnosed about 2-3 years ago and went through a really low period . After talking to my doctor he confirmed that this was a contributory factor.

Everyone is here to help and give you advice, the rest is up to you. It does help knowing your not alone though so good luck and keep us posted

 

[Deleted member 45091]

I've gone lets just say abit down hill my hba1c is over 10% and had been for some years I haven't missd an injection and test up to 100 times a week and still rubbish control I eat even when my sugars are high fro craving carbs so your not on your own struggling I get fed up go drink bout 10 pints or more then smoke like there's no tommorow iam 34 and feel like **** with severe depression and anxiety just try and improve one thing at a time

 

[Kierantaylor]

Hi everybody thank you so much for you're replies that's an overwhelming response thank you so much I really appreciate all of your advice I would just like to get myself better it's har pretending everything is ok when it isn't at times . I would really like it to be the truth when I tell people I'm ok. I'm going to speak to my gp and get. Back to the hospital it can be difficult with work but my health is more important. And I am thinking about quitting smoking too. Drinking more water and juice and stopping fizzy drinks. I also have downloaded an app on my phone it's like a blood sugar notepad to record anything I need to record. Thank you again everyone

 

[mo53]

Well done Keiran you have made a good start today. Is tomorrows job contacting your gp? Brilliant.

 

[Kierantaylor]

It certainly is. Thank you

 

[jack412]

@DannyH and @Kierantaylor
most would suggest you start with 'miss a meal; basal testing
http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=120


a few T1 here are getting good results from the LCHF diet, better A1c and for stabilising their BG spikes



....
There is an online course for background and an idea to it. Free to registerhttp://www.bdec-e-learning.com/

This set of workbooks are worth reading and practising working examples only of carbs and doses
Don't change dose without nurse approvalhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9224 Overview

Workbook 1http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9225 Carbohydrate Counting.pdf
Workbook 2http://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9226 Carbohydrate Counting the Next Steps.pdf

Carb listhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9227 Carbohydrate Tables A6.pdf

Diaryhttp://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/Publications/9228 Free Diary Portrait A4.pdf


Sick day ruleshttp://www.diabetes-healthnet.ac.uk...flet_-_Sick_Day_Rules_for_Type_1_-_Nov_13.pdf
Sick day rules flowcharthttp://www.leicestershirediabetes.org.uk/uploads//documents/Type1 Sick_day_rules_InsulinV3.pdf


A workbook with USA numbers and math rules, but it has a good trouble shoot at the endhttp://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/download/insulin_adjustment_workbook_complete.pdf