Recently diagnosed - General advice please

Hi there,

My name is Pete and I'm 26 and was diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic last Tuesday (14/06/16).

Overview
The news came a quite a shock and my symptoms came on rather quickly within about 3 weeks i.e. feeling thirsty, going to the toilet more often and feeling tied etc.

I'm a slender build and did not really notice any weight loss until my brother said that I looked thinner than usual. I had lost around 2.5 stone since December 2015.

After that I tried to bulk up and eat as much as I could for about 2 weeks, then when I weighed myself again, I had lost more weight and weighed around 48kg. My BMI reading was 15.1 'Underweight. (for my height and age). I then booked a Dr's appointment and a fasting blood test was taking the next morning.

By mid-afternoon (on the Tuesday) my Dr rang me and wanted to see me straight away, I then feared for the worst and knew something was definitely wrong. My blood sugar was in the high 20's and should have been below 7 for a fasting test.

I was then instructed to go to the AMU (Acute Medical Unit) and was hospitalised for two days.

Upon discharge, I have to take NovoRapid with meals 3 times a day and Levemir before bed.

I have since returned to work this week and have not let my diagnosis affect my way of life.

There is of course a lot to take in and learn, as it can be upsetting and overwhelming. With a positive attitude and help from family and friends, I have a confident outlook following my diagnosis.

Some questions
Any hints/tips on making finger bleed for blood tests? as sometimes little blood comes from lancing

Thus far I'm only injecting into my abdomen (as per instructed) - How do I site rotate?
I was told to switch sides when taking my insulin. i.e. NovoRapid one side and Levemir on the other, then switch sides the next day.

With also being a slender build (30in waist), should I use a pinch/skin fold?

Thanks for looking and for any advice in advance.

June_C said:

Welcome to the forum. The only thing I can suggest is always wash your hands in warm water as this helps to get enough blood for the test.

I can't answer your other questions as I no longer inject, but I'm sure plenty of others will be along to give you help.

Click to expand...

Thanks June for the warm welcome and advice provided. I shall give this a go when I next test my bloods.

LittleG said:

Hi Pete and welcome.
I am T2 so not much help with your questions but there will be better qualified help along soon. These forums are pretty much all you'll need outside of your regular doctor ( and maybe even more help *wink* ) in terms of information with a vast ocean of knowledge and support, what people here don't know ain't worth knowing. I reckon if they didn't know they would break a leg trying to help.

Click to expand...

Thanks LittleG for the warm welcome. Getting to talk to/see a doctor is an unbelievable nightmare - especially when newly diagnosed with a serious health condition. Some many questions to ask. I hope these forums can shed some light until I can discuss further with my GP.

LittleG said:

Yep, I had to wait 5 weeks to see the diabetes nurse, I wasn't told what levels I had been diagnosed at, no info at all. I knew nothing. Was told I had to wait 18 weeks to even get an appointment to see an eye specialist ( my diabetes was picked up in a routine eye exam). Obviously I was fretting, as an artist if my eyes go I am stuffed.
Luckily I found these forums got a meter and stopped eating vats of gourmet jellybeans. I dropped a C note on some sweet trainers and did some disco treadmill.
You will find your way and be A OK.

Click to expand...

My gosh that's bad!! I have had a game in getting my 'necessary essentials' added to my repeat prescription. Only one type of pen was added and I need two. I have spent the last two day getting my GP to add needles, test strips and lancets etc. All should be ready to collect tomorrow.
It's a poor do when patients are left in the dark, just causes more problems, anxiety and raises blood sugars (no pun intended!)
I think I shall call my GP again in the morning, to make sure things are in motion.

catapillar said:

Hi @Petey_89 welcome to the club, glad to hear you are taking things in your stride - hope you are getting lots of support from your medical team.

1. Getting blood

• Warm hand helps
• I like to shake my hand after pricking, but that might just be force of habit rather than actually helping
• If you find yourself having to squeeze, try not to do this but instead "milk" your finger, down at your hip (so below your heart) & from knuckle to tip
• Try to prick at the side rather than the pad of the tip
• Experiment with different lancet depth settings and/or different pricking devices - some have better reviws than others

2. Site rotation

You can inject in abdomen, lower back / love handles, bum, thighs and upper arms - here's a lovely diagram http://doctorsgates.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/common-recommended-sites-for-insulin.html

I'm not convinced by the switch sides advice, but I suppose it could work. You aren't supposed to inject your long acting & fast acting in the same place at the same time because the long acting will catch the fast acting & delay the action, so that might explain that advice. Good advice is to think same time of day, same general area, but not the exact same place.

There shouldn't be a need to pinch an inch, but no harm in doing. Do you have the 4mm needles?

Also, if haven't already, have a look at the book think like a pancreas - it is a good overview on things to be aware of as a type 1. & continue asking questions on here!

Click to expand...

Thanks @catapillar for the warm welcome and information provided.
Sounds like a good idea on obtaining a blood same, I shall give this a go.
I'm using BD AutoShield Duo 5mm needles.
I have little fat on my tummy, so I usually sit in a chair to relax muscles and do a pinch fold to get some fat up - seems to work for me at the moment,
I tried without a pinch and it felt like horrible - like a balloon popping. The resistance of push the needle in just suddenly went and pop sound. May have hit muscle that time.

catapillar said:

Ask for the 4mm needles - I think they are the smallest & would be better if you are very lean.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice - are those the BD Nano™ 4mm Pen Needle ones?

catapillar said:

also, if you are having problems with you prescription, contact your diabetic specialist nurse for help. You should have been discharged from hospital with their contact details, if not Google for the DSN contacts for your local hospital and get in touch with them

Click to expand...

Will do - hope I get more joy from them.