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Newly Diagnosed

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Pepsinicola1975

Newbie
I had to go into hospital for a drain on an abcess, i was diagnosed with high blood sugar and put straight on Insulin, I'd not really experienced an symptoms previously but it does run in my family.

The diabetic team came to see me and showed me how to check my sugars and told me that I had to take 30 insulin shots before breakfast and 20 before my tea but nothing else.

I'm sure I've waffled on but I feel like I've been left to fend for myself without the correct support!!

Luckily my Dad is Insulin assisted and he has been able to help me get my head around hypos and how to deal with them and if it wasn't for him I would have been going to bed with readings in single figures. Is this lack of support nationwide or have I just been unlucky?
 
Hello and welcome to the forum @Pepsinicola1975 . I'm sure this has come as a shock and you are probably feeling overwhelmed with the diagnosis and then having to go straight on insulin as well. That is a lot to take in. You have made a big step by joining the forum and writing a post, and no you didn't waffle at all. We have T2 members here on insulin, who I'm sure will be only too willing to provide help and support as you navigate all this. We also have T1 members, although a different type of diabetes, they have a wealth of experience and knowledge living with insulin most since childhood. So please feel free to ask questions and look through our many forums.
 
I was put on insulin when I was rushed into hospital with something completely different, and I was able to come off it once I was out. GP and Diabetic nurse oversaw this - hospital didn't even tell me I was diabetic. So you may have to stay on it or you may not, but either way is do-able under medical guidance. You must be feeling lonely and overwhelmed, but honestly, this is normal, and stress can raise your blood glucose massively as well. Stay and read around the Board, ask anything you like - no question is stupid or too small - if you want to ask, we are here to help. Medical support is very variable, but see if your surgery offers any or if there is a dedicated diabetic team available. Along with whatever you are offered, there is plenty of actual lived experience here. Welcome.
 
 
you were either put on insulin as a temporary measure commonly done in a hospital setting or you were diagnosed with type one which requires insulin. i suggest you see an endocrinologist, not a family physician to get a diagnosis. if you are not type 1 you may find modern meds will be effective without insulin. our programs and ebook are designed for those not insulin dependent and are type 2
 
Hi, I'm really sorry to read about what you went through and yes, Diabetes can be a lonely disease though I'm grateful for the lovely people in this forum.

Please when you can get a second and third opinion from a doctor and check in with them when you can.

Of course we're here for any support we can give and wishing you all the best.
 
Hi

You will be ok. It does take a while to get your head around being diagnosed with diabetes. You can request to be seen by a diabetic nurse at your local hospital and a dietitian who would be able to explain things to you. Ask your GP to make the referral for you. There is also diabetic classes you can attend you can request this from the diabetic nurse. Please don't think you can't eat and drink normal food you can. Once you get a better understanding of how it efforts you then you can get on with life don't let it stop you from doing things.

I've had it for 21 years. I just get on with life. I know how it effect me and just go with what my body tells me.
 
It is as mentioned here before important to know if you are type 1 or 2. In my opinion, speaking as a type one for a very long time, if it is type 2 you are lucky to be I a position where changes in diet and lifestyle can get you off insulin and that way take away the risks involved with hypos. I know it is said you do not have to change what you eat but see it as an opportunity not available to type 1 and you are if type 2 lucky to have that option.
If it is type 1, you most definitely will always need insulin and you need to learn about carb counting.

Best of luck !
 
The Mayo Clinic is recognised as being one of the leading international medical organisations. They recently published a paper which imho condemns current clinical practice.
30-60% of insulin users actually inject incorrectly.
The main issue is lack of training for new users. Unfortunately their paper is designed for medical professionals and is thus complex and lengthy. It can be found by googling “FITTER Mayo Clinic”

Luckily many here will read it and pass on help which is often lacking from HCP and hospitals.

“The most recent global insulin injection technique best practices were published in 2016 by the Forum for Injection Technique and Therapy Expert Recommendations (FITTER). While injection technique efforts in different regions have reflected some developments since 2016, a global effort was warranted to comprehensively capture new evidence and modern expert perspectives. In this article, we share the output of the “FITTER Forward” initiative, authored by 16 diabetes specialists from 13 countries who met virtually in 2023-2024. FITTER Forward provides an updated rationale for the importance of proper injection technique training and its impact on diabetes management.”

Thankfully some HCP will eventually read this and we may, in time, see some improvement in health care, but 2016 to now encompasses so many developments, particularly with sensors which can show injection failure by increased variability and differing spot values from blood and personal feelings.

30 - 60% of insulin users is not a small number. Lipohypertrophy is a vital issue.
You are not just unlucky and the lack of knowledgable support from HCP for PWD is not just national but international.
This website does much to help!
 
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The reality is that whatever type of diabetes you have (or any other chronic condition) then your health care professionals (HCPs) don't manage it, you manage it yourself with advice from HCPs.

I assume you mean that you had to take 30 units of insulin before Breakfast and 20 units before tea? If you don't mind sharing, what type of insulin did they put you on?

If the 1975 in your handle is your year of birth then it is likely but not certain to be Type 2.

Regards

Mark
 
I recommend you purchase “Diabetes The First Year” by Gretchen Becker: the best practical book on Diabetes I have come across!
 
Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 as the world's best hospital for the seventh year in a row. The "World's Best Hospitals" list is released by Newsweek every year. The ranking was reportedly based on a survey sent to medical experts as well as patient satisfaction and hospital quality metrics.26 Feb 2025

Most importantly for the USA, it is a Not for Profit hospital.
 
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