Hi,
Firstly, I am so pleased that this support forum exists. I immediately feel less isolated and alone!
I too am newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and I am terrified. I have suffered from anorexia and bulimia for over 40 years. Somehow, I have juggled with that and other life threatening issues, but this diagnosis has created a new crippling anxiety. Despite that, I know that it is a challenge I can learn to overcome. I have to, not just for myself, but for the increasing number of people (mainly women) who need to know that there is not just hope, but to see how that hope can turn into successful nutrition and healthy living.
Luckily, I have been referred to a dietician who specialises in nutrition for diabetics with eating disorders. Although I am waiting for our first appointment, I am finding some calm from researching around appropriate nutrition, exactly what insulin does with carbs, how exercise affects all this and basically trying to right size the ‘enemies,’ and identify the allies.
For example, I felt that my diabetes nurse was an enemy because she did not seem to understand the seriousness of disordered eating. I felt she thought it was my choice, and surely I should just follow instructions!? However, just this morning, she suggested some truly helpful ideas regarding a meal planning app and a more flexible rapid insulin routine! Next week I am getting a Freestyle Libre glucose monitor from her too.
Later today I am speaking to a nurse from our local Severe High-risk Eating Disorders unit, and as well as their ongoing support, I should finally get a date for my first eating disorder/diabetes dietician appointment. I am also speaking to my GP to extend my sick note because I need to focus on learning to live with this as a priority. If I don’t do that, I will be incapable of doing anything. Full stop.
One thing I have learned is that I need professional help for serious issues, and that it is there, BUT, I have to be proactive.
I wish us all the best results and lives possible.
Torrianna - Apologies for taking so long to respond.
I'm sorry you've had a new diagnosis to add the the issues you have been living with for a very long time.
Whilst I am not T1, I am someone who has recovered from their anorexia, which was at it's peak some years ago, and took me close to death. When I was diagnosed T2 myself, I was terrified I would revisit my old, very harmful eating habits.
I'm pleased to say that although there were times when I was tempted, I managed to avoid redeveloping those behaviours. I don't really know how or why, except that when the going was tough (and everyone has periods like that - ED or not), I just took small steps and only planned forward to the next meal, next day or whatever, the repeated.
I'm sure your DSN will explain a lot of "stuff" to you, but I just also wanted to say that within most Diabetes Clinics/Centres, the have clinical psychologists working with people living with diabetes every day. I'm sure that gives them a specific edge iin understanding the additional challenges diabetes throws our way.
You seem to be proactively looking for the help you need, and it's important you remain your own greatest health advocate. Nobody cares more about our health than we do ourselves.
This forum is populated by people living with diabetes, and there are a number who either are or have lived with eating disorders alongside. Some are just a bit quiet about it, which clearly is a valid choice.
However, please do stick around, and please participate in the forum. There's a lot here for you and thousands and thousands, if not millions of collective experience. I can't think of many times when a member has posed a question, or asked for assistance in any given area or topic, and help/support hasn't been on offer.
Good luck with it all. It's a steep and fast learning curve, but you'll get there, I'm sure.