Hi Local shop, been type 1 for 48 years now and did DAFNE about 5 years ago. Had been pretty poorly controlled through basic ignorance as to how to look after myself. Every time I saw the GP he said my HbA1c was too high but did not offer any remedy....just told me I should try to get it down if I could, no feeling of urgency.
Every time I asked about going on a DAFNE course I was not encouraged to do so....and when I tried to get to be seen by a hospital I was told that was pointless as they did the same there as in my surgery.
I did manage to get a referral to DAFNE by walking into the hospital clinic and asking to attend a course. It was brilliant, meeting others like me, without much of a clue. Carb counting hadn't been done for 40 years by me.....when diagnosed I was only told to never miss an injection and I'd be okay. It was a revelation and since then my HbA1c has been around 6.5. Am also now seen at hospital clinic.
Libre is fab too....I have to pay for it and have to get my wife to put it in because I hold back when I feel it about to go in, so it does not go in properly! Started on a pump 6 months ago...once again, so much better than having 7 injections a day. Just started using a miaumiau2, which I love, as it sends glucose readings to my phone every 5 mins and warns me when I reach 3.9. I use it with the Tomato app, and despite poor reviews I am very happy with it. It has awoken me twice now at night when I dipped to 3.9.....how good is that!
In short, really recommend DAFNE, and Libre, even if you can only afford to use one a month, as I have done at times. Go for all you are offered, and good luck.