i need help

Before we go any further, if you are type 1 (injections) you CANNOT stop taking your injections. You will briefly feel an improvement for two reasons: you're comparing it to the bad control you've had recently, and secondly your body is still producing minute amounts of insulin (I assume this due to your diagnosis being recent). This will not last. You will go high. You will end up with ketones, and you will end up back in hospital at best. At worst you'll end up in a coma.

I don't mean to scare you, but this is pretty serious afterall.

If you are type 2, then I suspect you have a moronic doctor, and you've lost the healthcare postcode lottery. Get an appointment with anyone at your local surgery asap. Discuss your problems frankly. It sounds like you're on too high a dose but for a multitude of reasons (including legal ones) I cannot say for sure, nor advise you on how to adjust that dose.

In the mean time, resume taking your insulin, try eating a little more at every meal (to counteract the hypoglycaemia) and for do blood glucose tests every two hours or so. Write down what the results are, and over a few days you'll recognise a pattern - when you go high, when you go low, etc. Keep a food diary too - what you eat and when, and compare it to the blood glucose results you're getting.

I can only imagine how insane it is trying to manage diabetes while looking after kids, but it's for their sake that you'll have to find a way to do it. And I think between us we can answer most any question you have!

hya charlotte,
like the others have said please start your insulin now and take your bloods ,if you arent sure what they should be put them on ere,someone will help you,you dont say whether your single or not and believe me its worrying when youve kids, i have three and when diagnosed i was just splitting up from my partner so yes it is hard , you need to try keep as healthy as you can cos your kids need you,just concentrate on getting well,go see a dr as soon as u can and tell them everything as you sound depressed and certainly need some help, ive learnt most i know about diabetes by reading and doing a uni course on it as my health carers were also like yours,like lion said you will get ketones and then end up unconsious and in hospital and that will be scary for u and your kids,plz keep in touch and let us know how u get on
chin up girl x

Hello Charlotte, I am sorry to hear that you are having a hard time coming to grips with type 1 diabetes. Beleave it or not,it is a natural reaction. one moment every thing is all right with the world, then in a flash your world is turned upside down and you are told, not very often explained to, by a Doctor(s) that you are diabetic and you are subjected to information overload, what you must do and what not to do! It can be totally overwhelming.

Don't panic, many of us have been there. The first thing that you must do is to start taking your insulin again as soon as possible, but first get used to taking your blood glucose reading, this will help you to see what is happing with your body right now. The next thing is to start again with your basal insulin, this is your Lantus or Levemir injection, depending on which type of insulin you where given. Do you remember how many units you where told to inject? and at what time of day to do it. If not then you must contact your diabetic nurse for this information. it is better to speak to your diabetic nurse at the hospital diabetic center, than your GP.

This is enough information for now, or I will give you information overload. But please reply to my questions, and ask anything you like. If I can help you further I will. But remember don't panic, it will all seam much better in a few days time.

Hi

So sorry you are having such a horrid time. It sounds like you are still trying to get over the shock of everything that has happened over the last 3 months. I know how you feel and about the food etc as I still feel clueless. You must call your diabetic nurse and find someone to talk to about your concerns. If you can't say it why not print off your message and hand it over to her so she can see how low you are feeling.

I know what you mean about being scared about something happening when out with your boys, I have 1 son (going to be 4 on Saturday) and I have yet to have a hypo so dread it happeneing when out with him in case I don't respond quickly enough. I have bought a medic alert bracelet (they are a bit dorky I know but thought it safest) I have also been trying to teach him what it do if mummy is poorly - get help - say mummy has diabetes (he calls it diasweeties) call 999 (he can't use the phone yet) etc just trying to et the idea into him really. I have also shown him what mummy does re injections / lancing etc so he accepts this as part of me now. He even now asks if I am allowed to eat certain things - I think he understands more than I do!! It worked wonders when he had is preschool jab - he hard flinched - bless!

Please, please do call the nurse though and get some more guidance. You will feel better but you need to give yourself time. There are plenty of people on here that you can write to, they all seem very friendly and supportive (just don't ask about carbs or you will get a lengthy debate!!)

Take care and let us know how you get on with the nurse and your insulin.

Hi charlotte,

The key to handling type 1 in the early days is your daily routine.
To begin with you need to keep to a fairly strict routine as far as meals,jabs and tests go.
If you're not sure about judging meal carbs, then stick to what you know.
Eat the same type of carbs in the same portion sizes at each meal. It may
not be exciting, but it will help keep you on an even keel while you're getting the hang.

Also, don't be afraid to adjust your carbs/insulin to suit your activity levels. If you've
been busy then you either need more carbs or less insulin (sometimes both).
Remember too, that hot weather or taking a hot bath will make insulin bite harder
and faster (but also wear off quicker).

Once you have a little more knowledge of how it all works then it will all seem
a bit less random - and then you can start showing diabetes who's boss.

Good luck,
timo.