My Introduction

[Jinckse]

Hello all, I'm a 21 year old full-time college student diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in August of 2003.

I've obviously had it for a while, and along with that I have experienced many of the possible complications (and self-destructive phases) that come along with it. This is also attributed to the fact that I was diagnosed at 14 (not fun).

I'd like to start interacting with other diabetics and learning more about it as I find myself feeling like I'm still brand new to the disease every once in a while.

I've also been on a Lantus regimen for most of this time, and I would like to start looking into using a pump (partly because I'm getting absolutely sick of all these shots and 6 years of constant needle punctures have left my thighs in ruin). The only problem is I know nothing about pumps nor do I really know anyone that uses one.

I don't currently have a doctor for my diabetes either. (After I turned 18 and could no longer go to the children's hospital it just never happend.)

I'm in good control of it right now as far as I know (and based on what my family doctor tells me), but I'd like to start taking more initiative in terms of my treatment and management. I'm also yet to consistently check my blood sugar.

I suppose I feel that by getting involved on a message board such as this one I'm taking another step toward being in better control of my disease. :)

[xMenace]

Welcome.

Dx'd at 14 myself 34 years yesterday. I know you!

Pumps are the ultimate tool. Really, they are. With some work you can match your patterns pretty closely. My A1C dropped from mid 7's to a current 5.9. That was fairly easy. I expect a mid 5's next time. That's not so easy.

There are some negatives. Constant attachment takes getting used to. But it's really not bad. You can detach if you need to. I did tonight playing hockey. IMO the benefits far out-weigh the negatives.

Been down that testing road. What finally made me test regularly was coming here. Nearly losing my sight, nine 911's, and many doctors warnings didn't trigger a thing. It's other diabetics doing great things and being great supporters that made it possible for me. I'm now a testing freak. I test 6-8 times daily. Some are less and some are many more. I hit 50 one day when I was testing meters. I think also that pumping helped. With finer control I feel I need to know my numbers, especially with almost total hypo-unawareness. I'm on a fine line of hypoing most hours of the day. I rarely have hypos now, but running near normal BGs makes me nervous ;)

Stick around. There's tons to learn, and I guarantee you'll learn things here you won't find in books or hear from any of your health team. I'm constantly amazing at how much I've learned here and also home little I do know.

[kgm0612]

Hi Jinckse & Welcome!

First........find yourself a good Endo in your area and make an appointment. If you don't know where to start, try calling your local hospital and asking if they have a Diabetes center located there. If they do, they should be able to give you a good referral.

From there, you should be testing your blood sugars quite often. Limit your carbohydrate intake. Keep a log book by writing down your readings, and the foods you're eating. This way you can see how certain foods effect your blood sugar.

Most importantly, get in some form of exercise if you're not already doing so. Walking is great!

Karen

[Subby]

Hi Jinkse, welcome! I got diagnosed at 15. Lots of fun eh? You know, I had a lot of trouble controlling my blood sugar on shots - not for psychological or compliance issues, but because there were certain physical reasons they didn't work too well. Moving to the pump was a new lease of life for me. With the pump, I felt in better health at 31 than I ever did through my 20s, and that was with an A1c going from 7s to 6s (but a much less volatile A1c, far less up and down). I also saw a lot of niggling issues retreat, like aching and affected nerves from poorer control (I won't call this neuropathy, as it seems to be mainly the stuff that's reversable). Now, with just the earliest signs of retinopathy in one eye occuring, I am very grateful to the pump and for having solved other control issues, at this stage. I feel I am in a strong position compared to before, and it's a good feeling that lets me tuck my diabetes away a lot more. That said, I still have some things to improve and clear up with my insulin therapy, before I am fully satisfied...

If you feel you could do with more tricks to actually control your BG, that's the central reason I think the pump worth pursuing - or to at least check out your options with a pump-approving endo/de.

[buddy7]

Hi Jinckse! Hello good evening and welcome to the forum, got to say, you have chosen a great site, for understanding ones condition information and support, you're in good hands, there are some very knowledgeable people on here, so please take full advantage on what's going on here.

Hope you like it here, all the best.

[Sneezer]

I agree with finding an Endo. It will likely take a recommendation from an Endo and specific education from a CDE to get approval for a pump. I would suggest for starters to get a copy of the 4th edition of Pumping Insulin by John Walsh... not avaulable in book stores but is available from Amazon. This book will certainly help you understand pumping. You can contact Animas, MiniMed, or Omnipod local representatives to get information on their pumping options. Ask the Endo and CDE for a recommendation on what pump they would suggest and do your own research. If you have health insurance, you should check with them for what pumps they cover. A lot of prepatory work, but it is worth every minute spent.

[lark 27]

Welcome,

I was dxed at 15, and waited till just this year (now 33) to go on a pump. I'd recommend the pump (coupled with willingness to work hard and fine-tune basal as well as bolus dosing) very highly. Even if you don't go with the pump, glad to see that you're learning and looking at options. My college days were not all that great as far as D control, and it's a regret still. Take good care,