• Guest, the forum is undergoing some upgrades and so the usual themes will be unavailable for a few days. In the meantime, you can use the forum like normal. We'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Just Introducing Myself

suk

suk

Well-Known Member
Hi, I’m 57 and have been type1 for 46 years. So far, I am complications free but the fear is always there. I can’t say I am a model patient but I try. My HBA1C was 61 recently and the lowest it’s ever been is 53 so should I be happy or worried? I’ve got through 46 years living this way and it is a pain but not as bad as some conditions. I just wish I had more willpower and when I read posts from fellowship diabetics with lower HBA1C results I feel lousy. Know the feeling?
 
Yes I know the feeling. Seeing other's pictures of flat lines on their CGM devices takes it to another level - so get ready!

Welcome though, hope you enjoy it here.
 
Thanks Urbanracer! Nice to get a reply.
Sometimes it feels like I’m fighting a losing battle but then I think ‘ you’ve had this for 42 years!’ And still going so it can’t be so bad?
The pump had made things better in that my hypos are no where as severe as they used to be ie I’d turn into this lunatic madwoman!
Anyway, such is life!
 
Hi @suk and welcome to the forum. I'm Type 2 so don't know much about T1 and can't comment on your figures, but I do understand the feeling when I see T2s posting consistently lower bg figures than I can achieve. But we are all different.
I expect some T1s will be along to give you more advice and support.
 
Last edited:
Hi @suk,
I have been on insulin for 51 years in Australia. Complications only minor like cataracts and as well as my diabetes the sun here can be fierce and is known to hurry cataracts along.( at least that is my 'excuse '. Plus I have had carpal tunnel and trigger finger releases.
What I most wish to say is that at the 45 year mark on insulin I was on basal/bolus doses (short-acting insulin Novorapid before each meal and usually up to 2 extra doses at other times plus my long-acting insulin, Levemir, twice daily.
Despite this degree of control (and all the finger pricks) I was experiencing hypos, mostly at night.
My HBA1c was about 50 BUT because of the hypos I was at risk of losing my driver's license, an important part of my ability to continue working and with all that a curtailment of my freedom.
In 2011 I was switched to an insulin pump and that has enabled me to keep working til retirement in 2014. Much fewer hypos, good HBA1Cs, more flexibility with lifestyle.
If you are struggling with keeping HBA1c to whatever your doctor quotes as the ideal (mine says 45 to 50), and if hypos are a problem you might wish to ask your doctor about the pros and cons of insulin pumps.
In Australia, though we do have a saying that 'If it 'aint broke, don't fix it'. So if you and your doctor are happy with your level of control then their may be no need to change anything yet but it could be a thought for future.
Like any treatment pumps have their quirks and the health authorities have their regulations about who can use them etc but technology has advanced so much over the last 40 + years with the continuous blood sugar monitoring devices etc.
Best Wishes and welcome. Please keep posting about your journey !
 
Thank you Kitedoc, about 3 years ago I lost my hypo awareness and had my drivers license taken for 3 months. This is when I was given the omnipod. I think I was expecting the pump to miraculously lower my hba1c but in fact it made my life a lot easier and no more injections. I have less hypos but as far as my hba1c results go they haven’t really improved. My consultant seems to be happy with my levels and as you say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
I suppose I need to accept that!
 
suk said:
Thank you Kitedoc, about 3 years ago I lost my hypo awareness and had my drivers license taken for 3 months. This is when I was given the omnipod. I think I was expecting the pump to miraculously lower my hba1c but in fact it made my life a lot easier and no more injections. I have less hypos but as far as my hba1c results go they haven’t really improved. My consultant seems to be happy with my levels and as you say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
I suppose I need to accept that!
Click to expand...
Thank you @suk. I agree that the pump takes away a lot of guesswork. I must say that it sure improves hypo awareness and I am ready to complain that now is too acute ! I start to feel the beginning of one sometimes when the finger prick reading is still at 4 mmol/l ( I think the level is falling quickly ) But that is a small whinge!!.
I understand research now shows that the level of diabetic control in the patient's first 10 years is the most crucial to development or not of diabetic complications later. My specialist is happy for me now, this far along, to be no lower than a HBA1C of 48 and less than 60, as he finds the lower the HBA1C the more likely hypos are to happen.
My other 'pump thing' is that I find the last 20 units in the reservoir/syringe does not work effectively compared to the rest of the insulin in that lot. My Diabetes nurse thinks that somehow I have partially stripped the thread on the screw which drives the plunger down. So in that last 20 units the amount 'pushed in' is not accurate. So, until I am due for a new pump (which will be a Tandem or Medtronic as Animas is no longer making pumps) I shall need to discard the last 20 units ( my nurse will not allow me to recycle it into the next reservoir!!
Best Wishes !! And a saying about perfection: There is no rest for the wicked and even less for the righteous (all tongue in cheek of course )!
 
Back
Top