Train wreck of a new diagnosis

[Daisys Driver]

Hi All.
So...61 and new diagnosis of type 1 probable, a week ago, no previous diabetic symptoms or numbers etc, then boom hba1c 110, ketones 6.4, and BM simply hi first few readings. And no family hx
To say rather taken by surprise is an understatement, not unfamiliar with it all as I'm Frontline ambo clinician.
Apparently could be stress triggered?
Often taken own bm's on shift simply because we can and no unusual readings, usually in the 5-6 area.
Whilst aware it can happen all seems a tad weird, now on insulin being helped with metformin as sugars still running free-range doh...um... anyway hello all...xxx

 

[lovinglife]

Hi @Daisys Driver & welcome to the forum

I can’t comment much as I’m T2 but a diagnosis of any condition at any age can knock you for six, take time to process it, we have lots of lovely T1 on the forum who are always happy to help & share. Some diagnosed in later life some when they were children

 

[Antje77]

Hello and welcome @Daisys Driver !

Ask away, vent if you need to, read everything that seems relevant (and discard half at a later point), and don't forget to go outside to enjoy the weather in between!

Finding the right doses of insulin takes time because the only way to find it is by trial and error. Some T1s need 10 units a day, others need 300, so slowly titrating up is the way to go.
Getting your head wrapped around a diagnosis takes time too, so on both accounts, don't forget to do other stuff that's important for you, this is a marathon, not a sprint anyway.

Early days on insulin is for staying safe and preventing serious hypos or going into DKA.
If you can manage that, you'll have plenty of time to learn how to manage dosing and working out what works for you. Take that time, please don't expect to do it all right next week!

What insulin(s) are you on at the moment?
Are you being treated by a hospital team (endo, diabetes nurse) or by your GP?

Here's a thread I think you'll like: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/5-things-any-newly-diagnosed-type-1-should-know.175425/

 

[Daisys Driver]

Still in hospital day 7, Insulin is two parts long acting and also a rapid at meals, currently about 46 units daily and just added metformin to help with resistance etc

 

[Antje77]

Still in hospital day 7, Insulin is two parts long acting and also a rapid at meals, currently about 46 units daily and just added metformin to help with resistance etc

I have my fingers crossed for you to be able to go home soon, and feeling confident enough to make a start with managing on your own!