Just Diagnosed

[KyleGreene70]

I am a 16 year old boy, my life was running very smoothly until 2 days ago were I was diagnosed with diabetes T1. I am now taking insulin with every meal and having to prick my finger several times a day... I absolutely HATE having to give myself insulin and I was wondering if there are any tips/tricks to help me get through giving myself the shot. It takes me 10 minutes+ just to give myself a small prick in the stomach... I can't tell if this is from my fear of needles which I am sure I will overcome soon or the fact that the first time I gave myself the pen, it went horribly wrong and was painful. It is nearly impossible to give myself the shot and I do not know what to do. I feel like my whole life is going to be consumed with needles, and I know the pump will probably help but I am just very scared. Scared about the shots, complications later in life and what would happen if I was to wrongly dose myself with insulin. Also, how painful is it to put the pump in? Please be honest about the pain. I feel quite depressed also... I am just hoping to get some advice on what to do. Thanks for the time of reading this.

 

[DeejayR]

Hiya. I'm type 2 and about 300 years old but we're both diabetic so here we are willy nilly. I just want to wish you all the best in your journey to managing your T1 (which you surely will) with the help and encouragement of the brilliant people on here. Er, tall five, is that right?

 

[Ruth0212]

Hi Kyle. I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this. I'm sure others who are more your age will post and you'll see you're far from alone. I remember the total shock of being diagnosed -all sorts go through your mind. I remember being so scared of injecting too. It took the nurse and then my husband to do it to themselves before I could manage it! It shouldn't hurt at all- the pen needles are so tiny and they go in without you hardly feeling it, you'll be doing it like a pro in no time. I am now on a pump and the little needle/cannula that you insert don't hurt either. Good luck and a big hug x

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hiya. I'm type 2 and about 300 years old but we're both diabetic so here we are willy nilly. I just want to wish you all the best in your journey to managing your T1 (which you surely will) with the help and encouragement of the brilliant people on here. Er, tall five, is that right?

Thanks for the support

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hi Kyle. I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this. I'm sure others who are more your age will post and you'll see you're far from alone. I remember the total shock of being diagnosed -all sorts go through your mind. I remember being so scared of injecting too. It took the nurse and then my husband to do it to themselves before I could manage it! It shouldn't hurt at all- the pen needles are so tiny and they go in without you hardly feeling it, you'll be doing it like a pro in no time. I am now on a pump and the little needle/cannula that you insert don't hurt either. Good luck and a big hug x

Thank you for the encouragement, and this is great to know that some people who who hate needles more than me were able to overcome their fears.

 

[Serhii_k]

my fear of needles which I am sure I will overcome soon

Yes, you definitely will

Learn to inject insulin fast, and injections will become painless because the pen needles are very tiny.

I feel like my whole life is going to be consumed with needles

Not only needles, but also carbohydrates counting, menu planning, insulin doses adjustment etc.

the pump will probably help

Insulin pump has it's own disadvantages.

I suggest you to read the book Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. If will give you great professional answers to 90-99% of questions you have.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Hi Kyle

You will feel down about having diabetes. I cried myself to sleep everynight for 6 weeks before I could think 'well, this diabetes isn't going to get the better of me'. It is a huge shock to think of having injections constantly.

Were you offered a pump, did they show you one?

I have gone 30+ years now without complications. Yes, you can get them but the better your control (and positive thinking), the less likelihood if them. Many of us here have not got complications. I haven't been an angel..but have kept my control reasonable at all times.

As for a pump. I have had one for 4+ years. It saves getting injections out everytime you want to eat.
There are 3 types of pump currently;
One has tubes and a fully functioning remote control that you do your blood tests on and tell the remote how many carbs you are eating etc.
The second is a pump without a remote control and you just use the pump bit to programme your bolus's etc
The 3rd is a patch pump which has a remote control, the whole pump is small and is actually attached directly to your skin without any tubes.

I have the accuchek insight pump which is option one above.

Pumps need some time to set up and work out doses etc and initially more tests and more playing around...to get right. However, it does save injecting every meal.. You need to test more though initially. You would also need to change the needles (sets) that go in to you every 2 or 3 days.

They do not hurt at all.
I wear mine on my arm because I have a remote control with mine, so never need to take it off unless changing the tubes or sets.

It is life changing to have to have injections... And watch what you eat and drink but let me reassure you that its ok to be miserable to start off with... It takes as long as it takes for you to come to terms with it. However, medicine has hugely changed in the past 30 years and if I can get away with no complications on the old pens and syringes before that... Well there's **** good reason to think that you can do it too!

Have you got parents and siblings as well? Do they understand the impact of this diabetes on you?

 

[pinewood]

Hi Kyle. I am 25 and was diagnosed in December. I know what you are going through, it's a huge shock. I was terrified of needles but you do get used to it and it does become second nature. One thing I would recommend is making sure you are using the BD Micro Fine Ultra 4mm needles - I originally had the 5mm needles but I find the 4mm needles so much more comfortable to use. Good luck!

 

[Beckie2014]

Hi Kyle

I was diagnosed in November and has similar fears but I feel like a pro already with the injections, you will be absolutely fine love and it does become second nature and really doesn't stop you doing what you want and living your life.

Grab diabetes by the balls and show it you are the boss, keep your chin up and let us know how you get on xx

 

[donnellysdogs]

Also make sure your finger pricker setting isn't too deep. Ut only needs to be going in enough to get enough blood out. Most finger prickers have varying depths that they can stab. I would imagine that your finger stabber needs to be only gently set..

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hi Kyle

You will feel down about having diabetes. I cried myself to sleep everynight for 6 weeks before I could think 'well, this diabetes isn't going to get the better of me'. It is a huge shock to think of having injections constantly.

Were you offered a pump, did they show you one?

I have gone 30+ years now without complications. Yes, you can get them but the better your control (and positive thinking), the less likelihood if them. Many of us here have not got complications. I haven't been an angel..but have kept my control reasonable at all times.

As for a pump. I have had one for 4+ years. It saves getting injections out everytime you want to eat.
There are 3 types of pump currently;
One has tubes and a fully functioning remote control that you do your blood tests on and tell the remote how many carbs you are eating etc.
The second is a pump without a remote control and you just use the pump bit to programme your bolus's etc
The 3rd is a patch pump which has a remote control, the whole pump is small and is actually attached directly to your skin without any tubes.

I have the accuchek insight pump which is option one above.

Pumps need some time to set up and work out doses etc and initially more tests and more playing around...to get right. However, it does save injecting every meal.. You need to test more though initially. You would also need to change the needles (sets) that go in to you every 2 or 3 days.

They do not hurt at all. View attachment 10751View attachment 10752
I wear mine on my arm because I have a remote control with mine, so never need to take it off unless changing the tubes or sets.

It is life changing to have to have injections... And watch what you eat and drink but let me reassure you that its ok to be miserable to start off with... It takes as long as it takes for you to come to terms with it. However, medicine has hugely changed in the past 30 years and if I can get away with no complications on the old pens and syringes before that... Well there's **** good reason to think that you can do it too!

Have you got parents and siblings as well? Do they understand the impact of this diabetes on you?

Thank you so much on the information and experience given! It gives me a lot of hope. I get the pump in 4+ months so they know I can inject myself if the pump were to malfunction. My family is aware also, and have been helpful through this new experience. I am very grateful for the advice and help you have given me. Thank you!

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hi Kyle

I was diagnosed in November and has similar fears but I feel like a pro already with the injections, you will be absolutely fine love and it does become second nature and really doesn't stop you doing what you want and living your life.

Grab diabetes by the balls and show it you are the boss, keep your chin up and let us know how you get on xx

Yep. I will overcome this stage of depression very soon and control it instead of it controlling me. Thanks for the hope!

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hi Kyle. I am 25 and was diagnosed in December. I know what you are going through, it's a huge shock. I was terrified of needles but you do get used to it and it does become second nature. One thing I would recommend is making sure you are using the BD Micro Fine Ultra 4mm needles - I originally had the 5mm needles but I find the 4mm needles so much more comfortable to use. Good luck!

I will definitely look into the new needles and I am sorry to here that... I'm glad everything has been working out for you and thanks for the advice and hope! I hope all goes well to you also!

 

[KyleGreene70]

Yes, you definitely will

Learn to inject insulin fast, and injections will become painless because the pen needles are very tiny.



Not only needles, but also carbohydrates counting, menu planning, insulin doses adjustment etc.



Insulin pump has it's own disadvantages.

I suggest you to read the book Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. If will give you great professional answers to 90-99% of questions you have.

Thanks for the advice and experience, highly appreciated!

 

[Mike d]

.... and yet again, SOOOO many good people here ready to help.

Fantastic stuff

 

[dtennant9]

Hi Kyle,

At the moment things will all seem a bit surreal but you will get there soon enough.

The pump has the advantage of not doing any injections anymore. There are different ways of inserting the cannula, however I use an inserting device and you really do not feel a thing. This was one of the things I was worried about before going on it.

 

[dtennant9]

Also make sure your finger pricker setting isn't too deep. Ut only needs to be going in enough to get enough blood out. Most finger prickers have varying depths that they can stab. I would imagine that your finger stabber needs to be only gently set..

Haha, good advice.
When I was first diagnosed I set mine a little on the deep side and just about took my finger off.

 

[KyleGreene70]

Hi Kyle,

At the moment things will all seem a bit surreal but you will get there soon enough.

The pump has the advantage of not doing any injections anymore. There are different ways of inserting the cannula, however I use an inserting device and you really do not feel a thing. This was one of the things I was worried about before going on it.

Ok, Thanks for the advice and hope! Means a lot to me.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Ok, Thanks for the advice and hope! Means a lot to me.

It means a lot to us to be able to help and give our experiences too.

We all been new to this at some time (long time for some like me!!) but support is vital in your early days and you've got it from us.

You will get exactly the same support when you get a pump.

Makes me laugh now, when pumps came more available a few years back one of the biggest questions was "what colour?". Nowadays its more on the functions of the different pumps.

Let us know how you get on and if you are getting swings in your readings and can't get hold of your nurse for advice etc. we can give you examples of what has worked for us... However we are not qualified.. Just experienced in finding ways to manage.

Good to hear from you Kyle and we hope you keep posting and will find your way to overcome the initial challenges that diabetes can bring..

 

[Diamattic]

Hey man,

I was just diagnosed like 8 months ago myself, so i get what your going through. It sucks. The trick is (IMO) not to think about it. This is your life, you can't really do anything to fight so just roll with it and it will just get easier and easier.

I don't have a fear of needles so you'll just have to tough that out lol I'm sure you'll get used to them as time goes on and you realize that your life literally depends on it.

I use pens as well, and have found a couple things that can probably help you

- Experiment with different areas on injections. You stomach is a good start, the further from your belly button the less likely it will hurt, i tend to use like, way back on my love handles. Make sure you pinch and pull (you dont have to do that, but for whatever reason i have found it makes it less painful for me). Also, as weird as it may be, i have found a site on my butt (a couple actually - at the top of the cheek, and around where your leg and butt attach lol) that have been like 95% pain free. I obvs don't inject there in public but at home or in a bathroom thats my go-to site since i know i wont even feel the needle. Sometimes i have check to make sure it actually went into the skin lol

-I don't know what your doctor recommends but try to use the smallest needle you can, i have found a noticable difference between 4mm and 5mm needles, as well as between brands (some brands lubricate the needle to slide better, some brands are sharper, etc etc so they aren't all the same)

-if you grab some ice you can numb the surface of the injection site if you're really worried, make sure you wipe off any water before injecting. I don't recommend this for long term use, but since your new it might help ease you into the world of needles.


At the end of the day, it is what you make of it. It CAN be awful, if you let it, but if you ignore it and just check and inject mechanically without much thought then it just fades into the background and your life can be pretty normal.

Also, trying to eat low carb will mean you need less insulin, which means the chances of ODing are much lower. Its tough to over inject if you only needed 2 units in the first place, verses 10.

Chin up, you got this.