Hello... please be patient with me.

[Lee Riley]

Hello, names Lee. I signed up to this places years ago but I've barely used it, so this is the first time I've been back in a long time.

I suffer with long term depression (surprise surprise, **** world n' all) and it's dramatically impacting on my Diabetes. I've had Diabetes for a long time and I feel that my Diagnosis at 3 changed me quite considerably (according to my parents) but over the years though my control has not been strict, it hasn't been horrendous either. Recently my mood has lifted and for the past 2 or so days my glucose control has actually been decent. Deceivingly, my hba1c looks good, but isn't, because its usually calculated and averages out a whole bunch of up and down blood sugars. Prior to the last 2-3 days I was low one minute and high the next, with hypo-awareness taking a drastic knock, so much so that at 1.8, I felt almost normal (notice issues like dull persistent headache or focus differences between the left and right eye when reading, helps me discover low glucose).

What I find most concerning though is how little doctors and these so called Diabetic nurses know. For a start, there is an over abundance of insulin supplies that cater to people who are borderline obsessed with treating the disease but very few that cater to real world people like myself. For example, I cannot for the life of me find an disposable or cartridge pen that has a screw cap. I carry my Insulin Pen in my pocket and the number of times my NovoRapid lid has detached, and knocked off the plastic needle cap to expose and ultimately bend the needle is ridiculous. Does any body know of an device that has a scrap cap? I've been on to NovoNordisk and they say no. Oh, I'm also the type of person that leaves the screw on needles on pens, until I'm finished with the entire pen. Apart from the occasional blockage in the needle on the Levemir pens (since they take longer to deplete) there has been no incidence that I've noticed whereby it effects blood glucose or causes any kind of infection. To change the needle every time, to me, seems rather excessive. Am I the only person who does it this way or are there any others out there who stick with the same needle?

Another thing which is a huge disappointment is that my local Doctor surgery now claims that Accu-Chek Aviva test trips are no longer available. Now considering these are made by Roche and they seem very well designed, I can understand, but unfortunately I think that comes at the cost of consistency for me. I was suggested (scrawled on my prescription and highlighted) about the Verio IQ, which quite frankly seems daft and the cheap Polymer battery they have opted for was a big no. The strips also look as if they're made of litmus paper. To me (and according to numerous other people / reviews) the Accu-Chek Aviva meter was a very consistent, accurate meter that had a large storage, so much so I believe they gave the meter itself a facelift. Unfortunately I'm now at a loss and I've got to find another meter. I don't like Bayer meters, for the simple fact that they're cheap. Cheap squishy buttons with nasty contacts and an often oversighted area which I dislike, being the carry case, which are also cheap and nasty with Bayer meters. My Accu-Chek Aviva was actually made with a bit of durability and the holds were sensible, as opposed to the Bayer offering. If anyone has any other suggests for good, consistent glucose meters I'd much appreciate it. I intend to keep my FastClix lancing device since every other pharmaceutical company seems to be stuck in the 1980s.

Anyway, thanks for reading. If anyone has any recommendations on products that don't suck and that they haven't only been using for 5 minutes (or aren't biased), I'd appreciate it very much.

 

[daddys1]

Hi @Lee Riley,

Cannot really help you, I am sure there will be some type 1s along soon, I'm type 2. I use the SD cOde free but I don't think that will be up market enough for you, the strips are the cheapest £6.00 for 50.

Just a tip, looked at your profile , you will not be winning many friends when they see what your dislikes are, 'Type 2 Diabetes through Obesity'

They are many thin diabetics that are type 2, that touches on a very sore area for some.

Neil

 

[Lee Riley]

I apologise for the offensive dislikes; sometimes I find it frustrating how bad Type 1 Diabetes care is in the NHS and find the over abundance of obese folk to be such a crippling effect on the NHS. I can't help but see the majority of Type 2s as an avoidable condition that has an effect on Type 1 care due to costs. Obviously Type 1 Diabetes is unavoidable as it is autoimmune whereas the majority of Type 2 Diabetics can avoid such illness through lifestyle changes. I do appreciate that some people who have weight issues are not to blame and I also accept that there are other factors that can cause Type 2 Diabetes such as complications with the liver or even such things as injury or pregnancy.

I do apologise again, I was more on the frustrated side when completing my profile - I'll be sure to change it.

Peace.

 

[jack412]

perhaps this will help you a bit, perhaps it wont? the T2's and everyone else are eating how they are told to and then it hits the fan

 

[Daibell]

Hi and welcome. It sounds like the support from the surgery is not very good. First, you mustn't leave a needle on the pen between shots; it's a No-No. Although some of us re-use needles (I use mine for 1-day) using 1 needle for a whole cartridge is extreme and risks infection. I sometimes have my Novopen in it's case in my pocket but try to avoid it due to the temperature the insulin may reach. The case avoids cap loss. You should be having a proper HBa1C around every 6 months' worst case annually. When was your last test? My surgery changed meters to the MyLife Pura which is nice and neat but we were allowed to keep using our old meter if we wanted.

 

[ally1]

sorry you have type 1. i,m type2
i feel whether we are type 1 or 2, that we should be treated the same

 

[AndBreathe]

I apologise for the offensive dislikes; sometimes I find it frustrating how bad Type 1 Diabetes care is in the NHS and find the over abundance of obese folk to be such a crippling effect on the NHS. I can't help but see the majority of Type 2s as an avoidable condition that has an effect on Type 1 care due to costs. Obviously Type 1 Diabetes is unavoidable as it is autoimmune whereas the majority of Type 2 Diabetics can avoid such illness through lifestyle changes. I do appreciate that some people who have weight issues are not to blame and I also accept that there are other factors that can cause Type 2 Diabetes such as complications with the liver or even such things as injury or pregnancy.

I do apologise again, I was more on the frustrated side when completing my profile - I'll be sure to change it.

Peace.

You really are a charmer.

Whilst, if I close my mind to the science, I can see how you might have reached such an ill-informed view of T2 diabetes, I could equally easily counter it by saying that you don't exactly help yourself with your own situation.

You state that your T1 was unavoidable. I don't challenge that, but I do challenge that your cavalier attitude to your self care is acceptable.

You say your numbers are all over the shop, yet can't be bothered to take the simplest of steps to ensure your personal management is at its best. By that I mean, serial use of sharps for your injections really. You say you don't think it impacts on your control, but do you really know that? Similarly, you reject a meter, based on others reviews, or that you don't like the buttons. How very open-minded of you. If you were a T2, you would be declined any form of testing support, so forgive me for being a little sensitive to your "all about me" attitude.

As one of those T2s who could quite clearly have avoided their diagnosis, I would ask you to outline to me the mechanism for developing T2 diabetes. I have done a significant amount of reading, and am beginning to understand some of it. Many health care professionals, including most GP based staff, who deal with diabetes, have no clue. So, if you think it's so easily avoidable; why not explain to me in plain language how. I might be able to use that to help others, and I miht find a bit of respect for you in the process.

Irritated moi? You bet your life I am!!

 

[gemma6549]

I'm not here to judge you for your opinion etc so in answer to the questions you have put forward:

The fact that the improvement in your mood has coincided with improved glucose control does not surprise me. I ran my sugars high for a number of years due to an eating disorder and my mood was terrible.

I've had good control now for just over 2 years and my mood is so much better. So if you work hard to get your levels down you will likely find you will feel a lot happier overall.

I too leave my needles on my pen in between injections and re-use the same needle and have never had any issues.

In terms of blood testers I have always had the Abbott ones, currently freestyle lite. There isn't much too them but they are easy to use and are always accurate. I've never had a problem so if you want something that will do the job and do it well I'd recommend that.

For glucose monitoring why don't you start keeping a daily diary (if you don't already) so that at your reviews you can show the consultant what your sugars are doing on a daily basis rather than just the hba1c and then they will be better equipped to help you.

Hope those points are in some way a little bit helpful.

 

[Pipp]

I apologise for the offensive dislikes; sometimes I find it frustrating how bad Type 1 Diabetes care is in the NHS and find the over abundance of obese folk to be such a crippling effect on the NHS. I can't help but see the majority of Type 2s as an avoidable condition that has an effect on Type 1 care due to costs. Obviously Type 1 Diabetes is unavoidable as it is autoimmune whereas the majority of Type 2 Diabetics can avoid such illness through lifestyle changes. I do appreciate that some people who have weight issues are not to blame and I also accept that there are other factors that can cause Type 2 Diabetes such as complications with the liver or even such things as injury or pregnancy.

I do apologise again, I was more on the frustrated side when completing my profile - I'll be sure to change it.

Peace.

Oh wow, I am trying to be patient, as I accept you are depressed, but Lee, you will only alienate people with that attitude.

Why not delete that first post, and start again with an introduction that will encourage more positive responses. You could learn something to help you get better control, better understanding and lift your mood.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Sounds as though a lot of hurt and anger is coming out there. Yes diabetes can be a huge pain and some younger people, like yourself can have a burnout and find it so hard with frustration and just 'want' to be 'normal' Your statement about type 2 is not helping anyone and true, many, many members have admitted being overweight or obese, with a terrible diet and lack of exercise and have managed to turn their life around with big changes, but not all are over weight at all.
When you are in a dark place, you mind isn't thinking straight and one thing on top of another can soon spill over, a simmering volcano I call it, but please try not to let it happen. Try and turn the negatives into a positive, you are in charge of the big D, don't let it be a burden or let it take over, a swift kick up the backside from time to time can work wonders.

This is a link on the forum, that I hope will be helpful and beneficial to you.:-

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/diabetes-burnout.74048/

All the best RRB

 

[Robinredbreast]

I apologise for the offensive dislikes; sometimes I find it frustrating how bad Type 1 Diabetes care is in the NHS and find the over abundance of obese folk to be such a crippling effect on the NHS. I can't help but see the majority of Type 2s as an avoidable condition that has an effect on Type 1 care due to costs. Obviously Type 1 Diabetes is unavoidable as it is autoimmune whereas the majority of Type 2 Diabetics can avoid such illness through lifestyle changes. I do appreciate that some people who have weight issues are not to blame and I also accept that there are other factors that can cause Type 2 Diabetes such as complications with the liver or even such things as injury or pregnancy.

I do apologise again, I was more on the frustrated side when completing my profile - I'll be sure to change it.

Peace.

Your apology has been duly noted. Well done to owing up to it and always best to move on.

All the best RRB

 

[Pipp]

Sounds as though a lot of hurt and anger is coming out there. Yes diabetes can be a huge pain and some younger people, like yourself can have a burnout and find it so hard with frustration and just 'wnt' to be 'normal' Your statement about type 2 is not helping anyone and true, many, many members have admitted being overweight or obese, with a terrible diet and lack of exercise and have managed to turn their life around with big changes, but not all are over weight at all.
When you are in a dark place, you mind isn't thinking straight and one thing on top of another can soon spill over, a simmering volcano I call it, but please try not to let it happen. Try and turn the negatives into a positive, you are in charge of the big D, don't let it be a burden or let it take over, a swift kick up the backside from time to time can work wonders.

This is a link on the forum, that I hope will be helpful and beneficial to you.:-

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/diabetes-burnout.74048/

All the best RRB

Well said, RRB.

Lee did ask that we be patient so I am willing to give him a chance.

 

[Pipp]

Your apology has been duly noted. Well done to owing up to it and always best to move on.

All the best RRB

Except as yet, not moved on, because after the apology there follows some prejudiced remarks about T2, before another apology. Smacks of insincerity, but I am still wiling to wait for a retraction if Lee wants my continued patience.

 

[gemma6549]

Remember guys it's just an opinion, it's not a fact, we all have them and we are always going to upset someone.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Except as yet, not moved on, because after the apology there follows some prejudiced remarks about T2, before another apology. Smacks of insincerity, but I am still wiling to wait for a retraction if Lee wants my continued patience.

Remember guys it's just an opinion, it's not a fact, we all have them and we are always going to upset someone.

I for one am not upset , so it's best to move on. Here is a young man with admitted depression and many younger Type 1's go through this, as I have seen so much on the forum.
Hopefully the OP will be able to smooth things out and he can then find some peace.within himself.

Best wishes RRB

 

[noblehead]

The Accu-Chek Aviva Expert is a good robust meter and it has a bolus wizard installed which helps with meal-time calculations. not sure about your insulin pen query but just keep looking and asking around.

Just one other thing Lee, just be mindful what you write on the forum.

 

[Brunneria]

Remember guys it's just an opinion, it's not a fact, we all have them and we are always going to upset someone.

Of course it is just an opinion.

So is yours. And mine.

But there is a very simple way to avoid upsetting people - resist the urge to say inflammatory 'them and us attitude' comments on the forum.

 

[Pipp]

I for one am not upset , so it's best to move on. Here is a young man with admitted depression and many younger Type 1's go through this, as I have seen so much on the forum.
Hopefully the OP will be able to smooth things out and he can then find some peace.within himself.

Best wishes RRB

Agreed, but then as an obese T2 perhaps I have a different tolerance level to opinions such as his, and am upset by them. After all it was T2obese that the negative comments were aimed at. We are all entitled to our own opinions. What we are not entitled to is our own facts, unless we can back them with firm supporting evidence.

 

[Pipp]

In addition, young T1 do not have the monopoly on melancholy.

Depressed T2 Pipp ... So please be patient with me too.

 

[Spiker]

Lee, like Gemma I recognise that two way connection between depression and poor control. They each make the other one worse. But as she says the good news is this cycle also works in reverse, so if you get your blood sugars on track it will really help with your depression and mood.

I share your frustration with pen caps that fall off, often exposing and bending the needle. I have a feeling that long, long ago I might have had one with a screw on lid but I couldn't swear to it.

It's good that you have come on here and said your feelings. That is positive for many reasons. It's good to share and it's good to learn. I imagine you've already learned that some of the beliefs you had (about Type 2) for example were not quite right. There is plenty more to learn and gain by engaging with this community, so - welcome.