Help!

[JT007]

Hi everyone. I am fairly new to the sight. I have never asked for help before in my life from anyone but now is as good of a time as any I suppose...

I am 22, with type 1 since I was 6. Growing up I took decent care of myself. I started to falter in high school and when I moved out after high school in 2004 and up until now, I have just been taking horrible care of myself and I am ashamed to say it. I just didn't want to live with it anymore. Well, now, I don't know where to turn.

My question is, does anyone know of any good books, or sites, or anything that can help me get back on track? I need to get motivated to take care of myself and nothing seems to be working. Anything information would be greatly appreciated, truly.

Thanks everyone!

Jack :confused:

[xMenace]

Welcome Jack.

You found it!

First off, tell us about your regimine and A1C levels. Techniques are so good today that there's really no need to go through what you've been going through. Lotsa people your age here too.

[tanyatype1]

Welcome to DF Jack! I'd say the same as XMenace - you've found the best place for information and support! Any questions you have, or concerns that you need to talk about, we're here. When I was diagnosed at 35 I bought books and stuff too, but really the best thing for dealing, has been this place right here! Glad you found us :)

[JT007]

I am ashamed to say my A1C levels. Let's just say over 10.0. There was a time where I didn't go to the doctor for about a year and a half. I am on sliding scale of Humalog. 80 units of Lantus before I go to sleep. I started using Lantus about a year and a half ago and that seems to be working very well.

[tanyatype1]

Ya know what JT? Nobody's perfect. You're only 22 and you could live to 92 - so you have many years ahead of you to take control of your D! Don't worry about the past 'cause you can't change it - just start now and take control of your future! (I think I got this speach from Oprah! jk :))

[notme]

Hi Jack and Welcome to Diabetes Forums. You have found the best place of all for help.

I am type one and have had it for 21 years. I didn't take care of myself for the first 10 years and my A1c's were terrible. Now they are in the mid to high six range. We have all faltered at one time or another and some of us for a very long time.

I'm glad you found us and are willing to ask for help. There are a lot of great people here with tons of good advice. Check out the site. Read the archives and ask away. Someone is always here with an answer. :)

[JT007]

Thank a bunch guys. You are already starting to make me feel better!

[pjams]

Jack:
Welcome to the forum. It has helped me a lot ever since I joined earlier this year. Stick around here and you will learn a lot about controlling D and that will motivate you to do the right things.
Just now the following e-mail came in from a pharmaceutical company to which I subscribe. May be this will help you.
JayP

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Three Steps to Put Your Diabetes Care Plan into Action

Three steps can set you on your way to putting your diabetes care plan into action: Step 1-Gain Knowledge; Step 2-Set Your Priorities; and Step 3-Take Action. Your diabetes care plan can help you control your diabetes on a day-to-day basis and follow a path toward healthy living for years to come. Learn how Changing Life With Diabetes helps you step through the process of putting your diabetes care plan into action.
Steps 1, 2, and 3 Set You on Your Path Toward Healthy Living

Taking care of your diabetes means making changes. Take one step at a time. Be patient, as changing habits can be challenging-especially when it involves developing new behaviors. Once you are comfortable practicing a new behavior, repeat the 3-step process to change another behavior. Using this process will help you slowly, but surely, put a successful plan into action. Explore the online tools on Changing Life With Diabetes to master these 3 steps:




* Step 1-Gain Knowledge: Experts discuss 7 categories of diabetes self-care behaviors: 1) Healthy eating, 2) Being active, 3) Monitoring, 4) Taking medication, 5) Problem solving, 6) Reducing risks, and 7) Healthy coping. Over time, you'll want to learn about all 7 areas of self-care behavior at Managing Diabetes. To start making changes, choose an area of most interest to you. Then ask yourself, "What old behaviors or habits do I need to change? How would making these changes affect my daily life? When are the changes easiest and hardest for me to make?"

* Step 2-Set Your Priorities: Keep in mind that when people try to make lifestyle changes, they go through several stages. Using My Priorities, you'll find specific actions you can take; depending on what "stage of change" you are at. My Priorities helps you determine what changes to make based on 3 factors: 1) the impact this change can have on your diabetes management; 2) how ready you are to make the change; and 3) how confident you feel to make the change. Once you have identified your plan of action, you are ready to use the Diabetes Care Plan Tool to set your goals.

* Step 3-Take Action: Once you establish your goals, you are ready to put them into action. Perhaps one of your goals is to walk 10 minutes after your lunch break 3 days this week. Perfect! You'll want to track your progress. Use the chart in the Diabetes Care Plan Tool to track the minutes of physical activity you do each day. The Diabetes Care Plan also helps you track your progress, such as weight loss or improvement in A1C. Tracking progress allows you to communicate this information with your healthcare providers. Revisit your Care Plan regularly to track your progress and reset your goals. Pay particular attention to the "Follow-up Care Dates" section, which alerts you of upcoming and overdue care dates.

[Mich]

Hello Jack, and welcome.

I think every teen goes through a rough patch. I was no exception. You will be fine. Get back on track and do your best.

I would recommend the book THINK LIKE A PANCREAS (great title, no?) by Gary Scheiner. He is an insulin-dependent diabetic and a Certified Diabetic Educator. He writes in plain language. It's a good book to just have for reference.

The folks on this site are the best. You will be able to ask questions about every aspect of your diabetes and other things too. I'm glad you are here.

Mich