Hi Dectjoh
I am a type 1 of 25 years, and unlike Jeb I have not found it all easy to keep motivated all the time to keep levels within parameters, infact I have really struggles at times. I have found enormous help from various GP's and HCP's and friends and family and this forum. It is the support of others throughout life that can add to the motivation.
My worst practice was to try and improve my HBA1C before my diabetic checkups. Every year for the past 3 years I have had incidents of hypo's, and I can genuinely put these down to two things:- having a checkup in July and having my Mum stay in July too. Both cases, have given me worse hypo's than my normal living. I recognise this now, but last years hypo was the worst scenario for me at anytime in my 25 years, and I never want to experience anything like that ever again......so my advice is to try and live a normal life, allowing treats and special occasions etc-(everything in moderation!!)- and NOT to try and get better results just prior to having hba1c tests done!!!
Motivation does come from within, but external influences also have a big impact too. Some like Jeb can achieve levels of low hba1c with type 1 diabetes....and there are others that really struggle to get a good balance at times.
Your last hba1c is pretty good for a newcomer to type 1, take it easy with tweaking diets, insulin etc, as the most important thing to know is that diabetes lives with you, and not the other way around. You need to find your balance with your lifestyles and living.
Lots of people have ups and downs, but nowadays I think that is life in general. Type 1 is not so limiting nowadays as it was many years ago. You will be able to get a balance that suits you, and the motivation will continue. Make sure that family and friends are there to support you, and don't be afraid of speaking up asking for help when you feel that you need it. In addition this website is invaluable for support and friendship too.
Some of us haven't found diabetes easy to get a grip with. I have had my best result at 6.3 in 24 years recently, but this includes some days, really struggling to get my bg's above 4. So, some of us find it hard to get levels that Jed stated without hypo's interfering. It is for you to get a balance and levels that suit you and with agreement with your HCP's.
You will do it, I think your levels after such a short while as type 1 are great and hope that you will get a balance of life with the diabetes that suits you.