Newly diagnosed, unsure of type yet

[UnravelledGhoul]

Hi.

So, I'm Alex, 33 years old and over the last few months I've shown quite a few textbook signs of diabetes, excessive thirst, increased urinating, fatigue, etc.

GP sent me for a blood test on Friday just passed. Got a call from them first thing Monday morning saying my levels were "significantly out of range." I now know my HbA1c came out at 97.
Did a urine test the same day, they found ketones and a lot of sugar in it.

Got a blood glucose monitor and my average readings are around 15mmol/l.

Today, went to the hospital to talk to the diabetes team. I'll be getting a blood test on Friday to test for antibodies and confirm if I have type 1 or 2.
But they started me on insulin today. Better safe than sorry.
Once they've confirmed which it is and how my levels are on insulin, they might switch me over to meds instead (hoping for this!)

Thing is, I hate needles. So I'm having to try to get over that while dealing with all these changes.
I did my first injection at the hospital, but it took me 15-20 minutes to psyche myself up to do it. But I did it.

Anyway, this whole thing is a bit scary. Trying to stay as calm as possible, but it can be difficult.
Good news is, I've been given a couple of weeks off work to try to adjust.

If anyone has any tips on getting over needle aversions, feel free to let me know!

 

[catinahat]

Welcome Alex
You have a lot going on at the moment, try not to dwell too much on the needle thingy, you will be surprised how strong you can be when needs must.
If you are eventually confirmed as T1 those needles will be saving your life, hopefully you will come to see them the same as paying taxes, you don't have to like it, but you can't avoid it.

 

[b1505]

I’m similar to you, in that they don’t know which type I am and I’m currently awaiting results of the antibody test. However, I’m being treated as Type 2 to start with so I’ve been given Metformin and Gliclazide rather than insulin.

Whilst I can’t help with the injections (I know I’d be feeling the same way) I did really panic and struggle at first with using a lancet to prick my finger when using my glucose monitor…now a few weeks later I can do it without even thinking about it! I guess the more you do something the easier it becomes

 

[Circuspony]

Hopefully they've given you the little needles?

I tend to not over think it and just quickly shove the needle into the blobby bit at the side of my belly. I wasn't great with needles but you have so much else going on when first diagnosed that it really does become routine.

 

[EllieM]

Hi @UnravelledGhoul and welcome to the forums

We do occasionally get posts on here from people with needle phobias, it's tough if you are on medication that has to be injected.

Hopefully you'll soon get used to it but if not have a chat to your team - I believe there is some sort of counselling available to help with the phobia and there are alternative injection devices that help some people (eg tickleflex???)

Here's an interesting article from this site

Needle Phobia – Overcoming Fear of Needles

For many people with diabetes, injections are simply a necessary part of life. Yet for many, both newly diagnosed and those who have been managing the condition for many years, the injection process can be very distressing. But what turns a plain dislike of injections into a phobia? Well, a...

www.diabetes.co.uk

Have they got you onto a libre sensor or are you fingerpricking for blood test results?

 

[GreyFox]

Hi.

So, I'm Alex, 33 years old and over the last few months I've shown quite a few textbook signs of diabetes, excessive thirst, increased urinating, fatigue, etc.

GP sent me for a blood test on Friday just passed. Got a call from them first thing Monday morning saying my levels were "significantly out of range." I now know my HbA1c came out at 97.
Did a urine test the same day, they found ketones and a lot of sugar in it.

Got a blood glucose monitor and my average readings are around 15mmol/l.

Today, went to the hospital to talk to the diabetes team. I'll be getting a blood test on Friday to test for antibodies and confirm if I have type 1 or 2.
But they started me on insulin today. Better safe than sorry.
Once they've confirmed which it is and how my levels are on insulin, they might switch me over to meds instead (hoping for this!)

Thing is, I hate needles. So I'm having to try to get over that while dealing with all these changes.
I did my first injection at the hospital, but it took me 15-20 minutes to psyche myself up to do it. But I did it.

Anyway, this whole thing is a bit scary. Trying to stay as calm as possible, but it can be difficult.
Good news is, I've been given a couple of weeks off work to try to adjust.

If anyone has any tips on getting over needle aversions, feel free to let me know!

Hi Alex. I'm another Alex and in exactly the same position as you. In fact looking at your date I think we were even diagnosed on the same day! I am still waiting for my HbA1c results to come back before they tell me what flavour I am. I'm only just getting used the needles as they have stuck me on 4 finger pricks and 4 shots of insulin daily. I find the ones in my stomach hurt more, but my nurse said it was fine to give them in the thigh - around where your pockets would be and these are barely noticeable. I also find a big deep breath before the injection, then blow out slowly as I inject keeps my find focussed on the breathing not the needle.