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What a three weeks!

G

Gorilla_Biscuit

Newbie
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4
Hi everyone, I'm 36 and 3 weeks ago after a short bout of what I thought was food poisoning I was blue lighted to the hospital to be told not only was I Type 1 diabetic, but I was in DKA with a ketone level of over 7!

I'm now settled into a routine of eating regularly and taking my injections but after 3 weeks while I'm happy everything has sort of settled I'm also kind of wondering what is next?!

I've got an appointment with a dietician in a couple of weeks. "Fortunately" I've been teetotal (the username being a bit of a clue) for a few years now, so that's one less thing to have to factor in!

If anyone has been through a similar experience I'd be glad of any advice or resources. I've already picked up a copy of Carbs and Cals and signed up to the Diabetes UK website

Thanks and I look forward to becoming part of what seems to be an amazing community
 
Welcome to the forum. I am a T2, other T1s will be along shortly. This site is the best place on the planet for all things diabetic.
 
Hi @Gorilla_Biscuit
My suggestion would be to take things slowly. Get to grips with the routine, then carb counting and learn as much as possible about insulin action, food timings and exercise effects.
Read Think like a Pancreas. Ask questions here and welcome aboard.
 
Welcome, I admire your acceptance. I don't believe I've accepted being type 1. I still think I may wake up tomorrow and begin producing my own insulin again.
I really recommend the DAFNE course. You have to ask at your specialist appointment. Try to write down your blood sugars (waking, before and four hours after meals, bedtime), insulin doses and carbs every day so that the specialist can review your numbers. Also, I recommend that you ask about the Freestyle Libre.
Good luck.
 

Hello and welcome,
I think considering that you were only diagnosed 3 weeks ago you've got a really positive attitude! I can't even imagine what you must of felt like with a ketone of 7 but hopefully you're staring to feel more like yourself again now. My main advice would be to listen to what your nurses tell you cause they know what they're talking about and like others have said try and keep track of wat your eating and your daily blood sugars so that patterns can be identified. I also think that its really important to make the people around you aware so that they can look out for you, its a lot easier handling this condition with a good support around you.
Good luck with everything and welcome to the community!
 
Thank you everyone for the advice and the warm welcome!

In terms of my "acceptance" I think it's more just pragmatic getting on with it at the moment! People keep asking me if I'm OK giving myself injections and I do keep replying that I've not really got much choice!!
 
It's a learning curve that's steeper at the beginning. What you want to do is learn to carb count and dose for the carbs as soon as possible. This will end up giving you more freedom in what you eat as time goes on. Right now you are probably in what we call a honeymoon period and that means you still might be making some insulin for a while until you don't. So that can add on a layer of erratic blood sugars for a while. Being pragmatic about it means you will just get on with it and do fine!!!!
 
Hello and welcome,

I'm a type 2 so n to the best to be giving advice but wanted to welcome you.

This site is a great resource.

Welcome.
 
Hi everyone, just thought I'd post an update of how I'm getting on.

I had my third review with a specialist nurse on Monday and I found out that my HbA1C has come down from 146 to 86, so while there's a way to go I'm pleased!
 
That is great news- it's a great improvement and what you are doing is working!
 
Welcome to the community!
I'd definitely recommend the DAFNE course, ask your GP or consultant if you can be referred, extremely useful for carb counting and getting to grips with diabetes. I've just attended after being diagnosed 7 years ago and can't for the life of me fathom why they don't roll this out to all type 1s!
Definitely do as much reading as you possibly can to get used to all the terminology they will throw at you.
Most of all take it day by day, it is alot to take in especially being diagnosed at 36. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
 
Just as an update, my most recent HB1AC came out as 39, and when bowing the scan of my recent results the consultant said "we never see results like this!"

I am feeling a bit pleased with myself but on the other hand (and this isn't a humblebrag) but I really haven't changed too much, so part of me is wondering how I've managed to get everything so low and stable so quickly
 

Hi Gorilla, my guess is that you are still firmly within the so called honeymoon period, ie your body may still be producing its own insulin so is helping you out naturally to keep your levels stable. Long may it continue, (mine is still going after nearly 3 years). x
 
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