Type 1 new

Good question and certainly something I felt when I was diagnosed. I think there are a few parts of the question
- how do I deal with injecting every day for the rest of my life? It may be hard to believe when you have just started but I got used to it. It is just who I am now
- how do I deal with the risk of all those scary complications? I focus on minimising the risks. I keep an eye on my numbers and make sure they do not go too high (or low). The latest tech like CGMs really helps with this compared to when I was first diagnosed. I now have a pump but my advice would be to get used to injecting first before adding the complexity of managing a pump.
- how do I deal with the changes it will make to my life? By focusing on minimising the risks, I have not had to make any changes to my life. I still travel, exercise, work hard, eat what I want, party hard (although that gets more difficult for everyone as we get older) and live my life.

When I question myself (yes, I definitely have some off days), I think of the amazing people who have lived very full lives with Type 1 diabetes like Henry Slade (England Rugby player), Nacho (Spanish footballer), Este Haim (musician), Lila Moss (model), Ed Gamble (comedian), James Norton (actor), even Theresa May the politician. They inspire me not to be defined by diabetes.

After some time, the whole thing became routine for me and I'm totally used to it. I had no trouble modifying my diet and feel better for it. I too concentrate on minimizing the risks of complications and am firmly convinced that if I stay in range with stable blood sugar, my chances at a long, healthy life are maybe even better than a non-diabetic's.

Hi @Michael1989
welcome to the forum and you ask a great question.......with all the advancements that have been made in recent years with the treatment of type 1 diabetes you should not fear complications as long as you are sensible and do your best to look after yourself ..... education is a key so reading books , engaging with other type 1 people , using your health care team and just to realise that you can do everything you wish to do but with a bit more planning ............all are good ways to keep the t1d where it belongs ( part of you but not all of you )

Like anything in life you will go through the five stages denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Sorry if it sounds negative but we follow distinct behaviour patterns.

Good luck with finding peace with your condition

Michael1989 said:

The fear of complications is overwhelming at the moment.

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Don't read about it until you're sure your psyche is ready for it. Complications are something that has been developing for decades, and the phrase "high BG leads to complications" does not mean that if you have high BG during the day, something very bad will happen to you. In the first year you will definitely have no complications (unless, of course, you throw out your insulin), most likely everything will be fine for at least 10 years, and if you control diabetes well, nothing bad will happen to you for the rest of your life.

To be honest, my diabetes started so early that it was never a psychological problem for me, but last winter an event happened in my life after which I didn't know how to live on at all, and that's what helped me:

1) as many routine tasks as possible, such as mopping the floor, cooking, ironing clothes, even if the only thing you want is to lie down and look at the ceiling

2) work tasks, preferably requiring a lot of attention. Something that you can definitely control, because when your attention is focused on something that you can't change, the feeling of helplessness is too strong.

3) meetings with friends, any joint activity that used to bring pleasure

4) as little frightening information from the internet as possible

5) fresh air. Seriously, try just walking and looking at nature, it makes it easier

Michael1989 said:

Thank you for the comments guys I've found it all a bit over whelming I have a 6 week old son and 10 year old. The fear of complications is overwhelming at the moment. I have a huge needle fobia but have managed to move over that for the better. But I just find it somewhat engulfing at the moment and overthinking everything it's nice to have found a community that can't relate to these feelings.

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I suggest take a look at Tickleflex to help with the needle phobia. I can relate to the overwhelming aspect, this forum has been a huge support, hope it is for you too.

Michael1989 said:

Hi guys had the shock yesterday of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after being rushed to hospital. How do you guys deal with the thoughts of this is it for ever more.

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I find it really scary that I was diagnosed aged 44 nearly 2 years old