I sympathise, Sally! There was a time for me, too, when I was too busy to take care of my health properly, but, as you say, you can't ignore diabetes, you will have to get on top of the health problems you've got at the moment, and that's what you've set out to do by joining the forum and asking for advice.
As a carer for your Mum, you're handling loads of responsibilities - so, first of all, well done for being such a great support to your family! By joining the forum you've shown that you know the time has come to start looking after yourself much much better - so again, well done, that' s a big step forward. There's nothing stopping you now!
Here are some questions/comments you might want to add to those suggested by
@donnellysdogs for when you see your consultant this week:
- I'm a young carer with heavy responsibilities at home.
- I'm not clear about whether I'm Type 1 or 2 . Please could you make sure I have the tests I need.
- I need more support with injections and other medication. Could I have Timesulin and a NovoPen Echo to help me keep track?
- I need more help with planning healthy meals.
- I need more support with learning how to adjust my doses.
- I'm struggling because of anxiety, tiredness and insomnia.
- Please check the sores on my leg.
- Could you get me onto a Dafne course?
- When I've tried to talk to a DSN, I haven't been able to get through and I haven't received a follow-up reply.
- Very often I feel unwell, needing to wee a lot, probably my blood sugar is too high.
- I want to control my diabetes and I've joined the Diabetes UK forum to ask for help. The people there have given advice and want to know how I got on at my clinic appointment.
If possible, type up your questions and comments, if not, write them clearly so you can read them and so you don't get flustered. Maybe take a pen with you to jot down anything important. You might get given leaflets - look after them so you can read them when you've got time. I'm sure you'll get on well, Sally, and can start making some changes. Let us know how it goes!