- Messages
- 165
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
Hi all,
I've been T1 about 15 years, and had always managed it quite well - I actually managed to lead an almost "diabetes free" life for most of that time, and many of my friends didn't even know I was diabetic at all.
Everything changed in June last year, when I had a very bad hypo one evening after I got home from exercise. Luckily my partner was there to call an ambulance; the paramedics arrived and I was okay, but the experience had a lasting effect on me.
Over the months that followed, I developed an anxiety about taking insulin, and an irrational fear of hypoglycaemia (even if my sugars were high); which meant that I ran my blood sugars much higher than they should be; I also gradually lost about 10kg in weight (which I didn't really have to lose to begin with). Over time, the hypo-related anxiety became a significant and constant health anxiety, in which I became convinced that every little ache or pain was the result of something serious (which as it turns out, wasn't actually the case at all).
Next week, it will be exactly a year since my hypo, and I think I've only just recently (finally) turned the corner. I've gained back a few kilograms, and my sugars are now under much better control; hopefully I will be able to continue to improve.
Although the last year has been a bit of a right-off , the important thing for me is to now draw something positive out of the whole experience, and to make up for lost time. I've learned a lot about my condition in the last year, and I've definitely changed my approach to diabetes, diet and lifestyle. The hypo has also caused me to actually deal properly with my diagnosis psychologically, which, strange as it may sound, I don't think I ever really did 15 years ago. The anxiety issues are still ever-present - I don't think they ever do really go away; but in time, and with a conscious effort, I think you can learn to recognise it, live with it, and factor it out of your life.
I didn't realise it before, but I think connecting with other people facing the same issues, may really help. I've never joined a forum like this, and it occurred to me that I've never really discussed my diabetes with anyone with similar issues; so, a year on, I thought it was time to take that step.
I'm sure I can learn much from others who've had similar experiences - but I've also learned some valuable lessons myself along the way; and if I can help someone else get through something like this, or any other challenges they may be facing in life, then it will be more than worth it.
I've been T1 about 15 years, and had always managed it quite well - I actually managed to lead an almost "diabetes free" life for most of that time, and many of my friends didn't even know I was diabetic at all.
Everything changed in June last year, when I had a very bad hypo one evening after I got home from exercise. Luckily my partner was there to call an ambulance; the paramedics arrived and I was okay, but the experience had a lasting effect on me.
Over the months that followed, I developed an anxiety about taking insulin, and an irrational fear of hypoglycaemia (even if my sugars were high); which meant that I ran my blood sugars much higher than they should be; I also gradually lost about 10kg in weight (which I didn't really have to lose to begin with). Over time, the hypo-related anxiety became a significant and constant health anxiety, in which I became convinced that every little ache or pain was the result of something serious (which as it turns out, wasn't actually the case at all).
Next week, it will be exactly a year since my hypo, and I think I've only just recently (finally) turned the corner. I've gained back a few kilograms, and my sugars are now under much better control; hopefully I will be able to continue to improve.
Although the last year has been a bit of a right-off , the important thing for me is to now draw something positive out of the whole experience, and to make up for lost time. I've learned a lot about my condition in the last year, and I've definitely changed my approach to diabetes, diet and lifestyle. The hypo has also caused me to actually deal properly with my diagnosis psychologically, which, strange as it may sound, I don't think I ever really did 15 years ago. The anxiety issues are still ever-present - I don't think they ever do really go away; but in time, and with a conscious effort, I think you can learn to recognise it, live with it, and factor it out of your life.
I didn't realise it before, but I think connecting with other people facing the same issues, may really help. I've never joined a forum like this, and it occurred to me that I've never really discussed my diabetes with anyone with similar issues; so, a year on, I thought it was time to take that step.
I'm sure I can learn much from others who've had similar experiences - but I've also learned some valuable lessons myself along the way; and if I can help someone else get through something like this, or any other challenges they may be facing in life, then it will be more than worth it.