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Not to worry, it's only another ailment.

freakfrog38

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello every one. I have been type 1 diabetic for 19 years. I was diagnosed when I was 8. I have took control of it myself (doing every needle after the nurse gave me my first one, myself) I've ate what I want, I've drank copious amounts of alcohol and took many a drug. All the while I test myself at least ten times a day, and only administer insulin when needed. (When I've had food or drank sugary drinks) I have never had my eyes checked, nor my HBA1c in maybe 3 years. I'm nearing 30 now and starting to settle down. I don't think I've done too much damage, but I am starting to feel tingles in my legs. I've had near 2 decades of fun, but I've also took many bad hypoglycaemic fits (maybe around 45 in 18 years and I've always been saved) is there still hope for me? I'm living alone now and it can be quite scary to think I may have a hypo and no one will find me. But hey. It's just another ailment right?
 
I don't agree with your thread title @freakfrog38

However in answer to your question if there's still hope for you, of course there is and now is a good time as any to take control and look after yourself better. Best wishes.
 
noblehead said:
I don't agree with your thread title @freakfrog38

However in answer to your question if there's still hope for you, of course there is and now is a good time as any to take control and look after yourself better. Best wishes.
Click to expand...

I can see why you don't agree. But can you not see that this type of optimistic outlook that I have, is good for your mental health if not your physical? I tell people it's ok to be diabetic, as in my opinion, it's just another ailment. It's maybe the outcome of where I was born and my culture.
 

Of course I believe that an optimistic outlook is good for your mental well-being, but being flippant about a condition like type 1 diabetes is never going to get you anywhere (reference to your ''But hey. It's just another ailment right?'' remark) as diabetes does need to be managed otherwise the consequences can be quite awful.

What I would suggest you do is get in contact with your diabetes care team and arrange to have your diabetes checks carried out (including eyes and feet), once that's done you can then sit down with them and work out a plan to get your diabetes back on track, there's also a good book you could buy called Think Like a Pancreas which comes highly recommended by the members here, the book covers all the basics of type 1 management plus much more.
 

Hi, there is always hope, I don't see diabetes as an ailment, for me it's a medical condition that needs looking after. I have brought up my now teenager virtually on my own and have had some scary moments, it has been tough at times, but still going strong. Maybe now it's time to have a fresh outlook and start to look forward to a long and hopefully a healthy future. Good management, trying to do the best we can, plus help and support from some great members on the forum, goes a long way. You can still have fun, diabetes doesn't stop us from doing anything, but always best to be sensible and realistic.
It's best to make an appointment with your gp about the tingling in your legs and if needed, they will make a referral.
Good luck.
 

Being optimistic is definitely good for your mental health

But perhaps there's something slightly defensive in your thread title? It's ok to feel worried sometimes. That's not failing at being optimistic, it's being sensible enough to be realistic. Both optimism and realism are good

And to answer your question - no, it's never too late to improve things
 
Hi FreakyFrog. I understand you are trying to not make diabetes a big deal in order to calm your anxiety about the condition but your title above I must definitely disagree with. It's not just another ailment. Thats like comparing diabetes to a common cold and throwing your arms up and saying meh! Diabetes is at times a very difficult condition that if left unchecked WILL lead to awful complications, amputations or worse.
Having a positive attitude is great and very much needed with this illness. Being flippant about it though, that's not helpful and of detriment to yourself.
 
Hi freakfrog, I've got two sons your age and I'm going to say to you what I would say to them.
Your attitude is admirable, don't let your diabetes define you.

What's done is done, no point dwelling on it.

However now is the time to take your health in hand, devote some time to finding out your bg and getting Good control.
You are young and have your whole life ahead, please do this.
 
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