Advice for new diabetic

[calliegirl24]

I'm having trouble handling all of the emotional stress of being diagnosed with diabetes. Its starting to affect me physically now as i'm just feeling worn out and almost depressed. Any advice for 16 year old new at all of this? Anything would be helpful

[AngelKitty]

Hello Callie,
Firstly, sending you a big hug (((hug))) all the way from Melbourne, Australia :)
Being newly diagnosed is scary and very overwhelming and yes, life changing.
All of a sudden you have all these things to think about and daily rituals (testing your BGLs and injecting insulin) to get used to.
I know this may sound like a cliche, but you just need to give yourself a little more time to adjust to being a diabetic.
The people on this forum are very helpful and experienced, so don't hesitate to ask questions about anything you may want to know / share.
You're not alone sweety, there's quite a few of us out here (even my nephew Adam was diagnosed at age 6 (he's 7 now and doing really well, he's playing sports, swimming and having fun at school).
After the initial shock of being diagnosed and getting used to the idea that being a diabetic is now a part of who you are, there is no reason you can't live a full and happy life :)

[CaitE]

First....BIG HUG. Second... welcome to the club!

I agree that getting used to having diabetes really does take time. You ask questions like why me, or how did this happen? But try to look at the positives. I trully believe that some of the healthiest people are diabetics. Good diet, regular activity, and just generally being aware of your body and how it works are all part of this. Before you know it everything becomes second nature. You will just start doing things without thinking (i.e. counting carbs, testing regularly, and taking your insulin). Once it's part of your daily routine, you realize it just becomes a major part of you and it's not a big deal.

Make sure to take one day as it comes. Some days are harder than others, but just remember there are so many Type I diabetics who are happy, healthy, and reaching all of their life goals.

You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cwathne]

Hi Caliegirl!

Finding out that you have diabetes is very hard on a person. Its important that you try hard to keep positive, but also know that being emotional and depressed, at least initially, is normal. When i was diagnosed at 14 i was a wreck, things were really bad; this is how it is for most everybody after diagnosis.

I promise you that things are not as bad as they may seem, and that you will soon start feeling better.

I hope you feel better! :)

[calliegirl24]

Thanks to everyone so far. Thats what I've heard that it just takes time. Is it normal for me to be worn out and stuff in the beginning? Somedays I feel good but for instance today was a hard day for some reason. I'm currently only taking one shot a day and i take it at night before i go to sleep. Apparently I'm lucky because most people start off having to do alot more. This seems like a really great resource for questions and everything so thanks so much to everyone<33 It's only my first week but I really hope it starts getting easier soon.

[jshuffle]

It will get better. Because it is a daily thing, you will learn very fast. Once you start to find the humor in diabetes, then you will have made it past the initial bumps.

We are here to help, so feel free to ask whatever you'd like. We have all been in your situation, we understand.

[Gordonm]

Someone else from New Jersey also. I have been at this for 35 years now. I can say it does not get any easier just more routine. Yes it is hard but don't get down on yourself. Look forward to all you have to do in life and don't let anything stop you. Sure it is tougher with diabetes but you can do it. Just take the needed precautions and always be prepared.

[Mich]

Hi Callie and welcome to the forums.

It's perfectly normal to be stressed into exhaustion at the beginning. Unless you are different from the rest of us, you really weren't expeicing this and really would not rather deal with it.

You will get used to it. You will learn to establish a routine to do the right things to care for yourself. You will get used to thinking about things you never knew existed, and calling yourself a person with diabetes.

You'll learn to do things for yourself and let your parents know that you are capable. Diabetic kids are responsible a lot sooner than others. You will be a superb adult. We all are. :cool:

Come here often and share your experiences. Many here have been through the same thing. Ask questions. You are not alone. I began to post here after 46 years of being a type 1 and I still learned a LOT of great information from the people here.

Again, welcome.

Mich

[mortis505]

Hi Callie and welcome to DF! You have found a great resource here with many wonderful people.

At first you will feel the whole range of emotions/stresses but in time, due to getting a routine established, it will feel like second nature.

First piece of advice I like to give is test, test, test. Test when you wake up, before meals and two hours after the first bite of food, and before you go to bed. It may seem like alot, but it will give you a decent idea of how foods/rest/activity affect you. Try to stay under 140mg/dl on your meter. If you see that you are starting to go higher than that on a consistent basis, then call your Dr and let him/her know.

Talk to your Dr about seeing an Endocrinologist if you aren't already seeing one. Endos specialize in diabetes care and are generally accepted as the "go to" docs for D.

Most importantly remember that this is YOUR health and not a Dr's. Dacs may be great with advice but if they suggest something that ends up not working for you, then find what does work.

[sanjidcb]

Hello
U Follow this. I hope u benefited.
First, I gotta say "good for you". You seem to have a good mindset now. Most of us have slipped along the way, which , by the way is normal, often takes a 'rude' awakening to snap us out of it & get back on track. In the future, you will slip again, which is normal, but you will realize ' that you have to pick yourself up & get on with it'. One thing you have going for you is 'that you are still young' and it will be easier for you to adapt to the changes, 'diet & exercise' that you must do. A great number of us are much older than you, being diagnosed later in life & have serious complications. Our goal is just maintain and keep the complications from worsening, to the best of our abilities, but you have the chance to have a long and succesful life, "so don't blow it". Best of luck in your endevors!
Thank U read my topic.

[Shadow251]

Once you start to find the humor in diabetes, then you will have made it past the initial bumps.


This is completely true... I was diagnosed when I was 10. (17 now) Now I joke about my diabetes all the time. In fact I started a thread on this site called funniest diabetic moments. you should take a look some are quite funny.http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/young-adults-with-diabetes/34016-funniest-diabetic-moment-post439064.html#post439064 :proud:

[mazea]

Hi Callie.
I had some great advice from my diabetes educator once. When I said I wasn't doing well and my blood sugars weren't good, she scolded me and told me that I wasn't to say that. The diabetes educator told me when I get a bad reading I should always pat myself on the back and tell myself I am doing a great job and the best I can!:)
This advice has helped me a lot!:)

[UpNorth]

Welcome to the forums, and the "wonderful life with diabetes".

It is overwhelming in the beginning after being diagnosed, so it's ok to feel confused or down, angry or depressed. So many things to learn and so many new things to do everyday. It will however get better! When you've learned what you need to learn and the D things become routine you'll probably not think about diabetes much even. It's about as natural as brushing teeth after a while :) But seeing that you're only taking insulin once daily and your levels were not higher and don't go very high (i've read your other post too), you're very lucky to have been caught early! If it had not been discovered "by accident" now, you could have gotten really really ill in just a few weeks time and might have ended up in hospital with dangerously high levels and DKA.
When i was diagnosed in 2004 i had a fasting level of over 360 and not far from DKA. Had only been feeling odd for about a month or so, out of which 2 weeks had been pretty bad with just about every sign for diabetes. I dare say you don't want to experience that:eek: However, i've never really been sad or depressed about my diagnose, even though i was nearly 19 when diagnosed. it's a life changeing diagnose yes, but for some reason i feel diabetes has completed me in a way:confused: and without diabetes, i'd never have found this great forum and the people here:D

Just ask any question that comes into your mind, there's an answer for everything on here :)

Big HUG

[ant hill]

Hello Callie, And welcome to this fine institution as we will help you on all issues in your life. You are a brave lady to take on this stupid disease and it's OK to cry. There will be mistakes and diet crashes and exercise woes and the occasional must have a bite thang. (((HUGS))) Cheer up as there is better things to look forward to and live life. :)

[MJM]

Hi Calliegirl,
This shouldn't stop you doing anything you want to do in life. I got diabetes when I was nearly 14 and now 50 years later I'm still very active. I played a lot of different sports, travelled quite a bit, and indeed am still travelling.
With the improvements in insulins etc. these days you shouldn't really be restricted in what you can do.
There is an organisation that is geared towards young people with diabetes and organises groups on specific active holidays each year. You would meet others with D and in fact probable learn a lot. If you want the name PM me and I'll let you know their web address.
Is there a diabetes group in your area or near your area that you could join.
If you want to stay healthy there is of course some advice on how much you eat, and not so much on what you eat.
I do hope the emotional stress that you feel right now disappears, real soon, and that you can get back to enjoying life again.

[mattp2007]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was just diagnosed myself 3 months ago. At first it was really hard, and id say it took me a good 2 weeks before the gravity of the situation really sank in. what got me through it though was just being around all my friends who were VERY supportive and helpful. And i took the stance of "Im not going to let this interrupt my life, im going to control it, it wont control me." So call i can say from my point of view is face this head on. In my situation it worked out great and its put me months ahead of the learning curve and i already have an insulin pump too which REALLY makes this condition almost easy to manage.

With my best wishes and support,

MattP

[roddick]

I'm having trouble handling all of the emotional stress of being diagnosed with diabetes. Its starting to affect me physically now as i'm just feeling worn out and almost depressed. Any advice for 16 year old new at all of this? Anything would be helpful

Hey diabetes is not a disease. You consider it as a disability which you can control. You can live with it. Millions of people all over the world has this problem and we are not new. Take it in your ride.
Never postpone a clinical examination or a check up

[genie86333]

Hi, Callie.

How are you blood sugar readings? Part of this might be a reaction to high blood sugar as well as the stress.

Hope you start feeling better soon!

[Pazzesco]

Hey Callie!

Diagnosed at...13? 14? Seventh grade, anyway. 17 now. Yes, it will get better and yes, it sucks, but it really teaches you to never take the health you DO have for granted. Play, love, live, etc.

A tip: Don't be embarrassed. I laughed when people told me this after I was diagnosed but it's true. Getting a low BG in class and having to leave puts a spotlight on you, and it took me the longest time to get over it. Just remember that NOTHING, including politeness and teachers' orders, is as important as taking care of yourself.

[dr.sweet]

everybody feels bad when they here that they have this disease , but its ok it's just a period of time and it will go if u do it the right way if god wants .So u said it has effected u physically i suggest u to do some exersicing and eat some fruits and veges .