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Husband diagnosed type 1 today

bevellar

Member
Messages
21
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Today my husband was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
He is 49
He had some blood tests on Tuesday after recent weight loss
To say we are shell shocked is an understatement
He has always looked after himself and we are finding this hard to understand
I have been so upset
He has been prescribed medication until he sees a specialist next week
Has anyone else experienced so many mixed emotions
 
Hi
My husband was diagnosed type 1 today after having blood tests 2 days ago . He has been losing weight for a couple of years which we put down to taking a more active job in work.
So yes today has come as a bit of a shock considering he is 49 and has always looked after himself , eating healthily , keeping fit etc .
He's taking it all in his stride but Ive got so many mixed emotions .
Have any partners felt this way ??
And does it get easier ??
His GP has prescribed medication until he sees a specialist next Wednesday .
She said he should be 40 and his ?? Was 148
Could anyone explain this please ??
 
Hi
I am type 1 myself so understand the shock factor, diagnosed at 33 years old
It is overwhelming at first but within 6 months it will all become 2nd nature. The 148 is his hba1c result, an average value for blood sugar in the past 8 weeks
 
Can you tell me what a persons hba1c should be please
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Type 1 is an auto-immune disease. So it's not a product of not looking after yourself. Your husband did nothing wrong.

Diagnosis is a big shock for anyone. It might not seem like it now but things do get easier.
 
Hba1c is tge average blood sugar values for the past 8 weeks. At 148 his blood sugar has been very high, this will come down when he starts his medication
 
In diabetes there are 2 sets of numbers, the hba1c numbers, which are also shown by some as a % and his blood meter numbers shown in mmol. This website has a conversation tool, just google hba1c converter. Your husbands reading of 148 is equivalent to 15% or a blood meter reading of 22.8 mmol, which is high. Having said that it would be high as he has been undiagnosed for a while, it will come down. I had similar figures when I was diagnosed, now 18 months later I am in control and my figure are 42 or 6.3% and my blood meter is normally at around the 5.8 mark. Your husband will get this under control, be patient as it does take time and dedication to acheive
 
As for what a hba1c should be it will vary person to person, I try to get as near to a non diabetics as possible which in my world is between 5 and 6% or 38 to 44 in numbers
 
It can be a big shock and a lot to take in, but it will get easier in time, just take a step back, deep breaths and take one day at a time, it's a learning curve also it is an auto immune condition, which means the person's body attacks it's self. Any questions or concerns, please ask, as someone will be around to help and give support. Take care both of you.
 

Firstly it's no one fault Type 1 is autoimmune so no guilt no blame anywhere.
Yes it will be a massive shock to the system (both body and mind)
Things will get easier for both of you as time goes on but Rome wasn't built in a day. Take one day at a time and you will get there.
148 is the HbA1c result which is an average of the last 3 months blood sugars 40 and below is normal I think. This is a chart showing the readings http://baspath.co.uk/Hba1c_table.pdf
Everything will feel overwhelming to start with and very confusing as so much to learn but it does get easier.
Ask as many questions as you need and someone will try and help you and your husband out.
 
azure said:
Type 1 is an auto-immune disease. So it's not a product of not looking after yourself. Your husband did nothing wrong.

Diagnosis is a big shock for anyone. It might not seem like it now but things do get easier.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your kind words
 
Thanks for your help it's much appreciated
It makes such a difference to talk about this with others
 
I was diagnosed 4 years ago, I couldn't believe it was type 1 as I took good care of myself and although hadn't been right for a while, it was the rapid weight loss and many other symptoms that came on so quickly that told my GP what it was, I was consumed with guilt, over time I learn't that there was nothing I could of done to of prevented it and it was a case of my body being in attack mode. I decided to become turn it into a positive and got involved with c peptide research for JDRF and under went trials for over a year at Bristol hospital as I was newly diagnosed, I also got into charity fund raising for both Diabetes UK and JDRF.

More importantly for me, I became an expert, so bought books, read up, talked to specialist type 1 doctors on my research programme, just learnt as much I could.

There is a sharp learning curve, but accepting this condition and learning to live with it is fundamental to his well being. It does get alot easier and yes it is a shock but it's not so hard to live with once he understands and looks after himself, it shouldn't change your lives. Lean on your diabetic team and shout out here for support too
 
Thank you
 
Thank you
This forum is a godsend
 
Hi bevellar - it is a tremendous shock and it takes time to get used to. When I was first diagnosed I went through the same mix of emotions - weeks later when I thought I was finally adjusted I then found myself crying in the supermarket. Over 2 years in and I still have bad days emotionally, but far less than at the beginning. My only advice is for you and your husband to support each other as best you can - it will be a tough time for you both, but it will get easier. And this forum is incredibly supportive if you have any questions (you'll probably have lots soon!).
 

Aw thank you
I have been thinking 'why him '
When he had always looked after himself
I understand that this makes no difference with type 1 but it's hard to get my head around it
The support on here is amazing and I'm already feeling much better today
He's taking it all in his stride
I'm normally the neurotic one !!!
 
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