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In honor of World Diabetes Day, what is a piece of advice you would share with someone who is newly diagnosed with T1D?
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Don’t freak out every time the blood sugars fall outside of acceptable range. Just treat it (with food or insulin, depending on whether you’re hypo or hyper, figure out how much units [for insulin] or grams of carbs [for food]) and move on.
Get a CGM!
Thinking back to when I was diagnosed as an adult 44 years ago, Iād say finding a good doctor. In todayās world, there are many sources of information and tools out there, so Iād say, learn as much as you can and stay engaged in managing T1d.
Learn to take advantage of technology. Find a good endrocrologist. Find good health care. Find a balance between T1D and other interests.
Diabetes is not the end of the world. It is just something new you have to deal with. But, don’t let it stop you! You can be who you want to be and do anything you want, as long as you learn how to keep your blood sugars in range. So, my advice is, “Don’t let it stop you from doing what you love!”
There are ample virtual and in-person T1D communities out there. Make it a point to join one for support and learning. Also, breathe and take it one day at a time. You are not your number.
Education for you and your family members about Type 1 diabetes is so very important. Having an endocrinologist whose decision making you trust, and who takes the time to work with you to manage your diabetes is critically important. Realize that you are going to be learning a lot and ask questions about teaching points you didn’t 100% grasp. CGM is an absolute must have device, and insulin pumps make diabetes management better for many. Day by day experiences that encompass both sides of the coin, the good and the bad blood sugar days, will making living as a Type 1 diabetic easier.
Diabetes is not a death sentence. You can live your life and accomplish anything even with diabetes. It takes management not surrender! š
It will never be easy but it does get easier. Remember to be kind to yourself.
Be patient and watch your numbers!
Ignoring your diabetes because you are embarrassed, or ‘don’t want to be dependent on something’ is only hurting yourself. Embrace your diabetes, realizing that it sucks, and be open about it- management and treatment will improve if you view it this way.
Do not strive for perfection.
T1 diabetes is a challenging disease but if you stay fit, eat a well constructed diabetes diet, take your medication as prescribed by your doctor/Endo and the most important thing is staying positive…. There will be good days and days that are challenging, but if you stay at focused on the good practices mentioned above, you can lead a healthy, happy productive life with you T1 diabetes
Learn the rules and don’t be stupid.
You are going to be ok. Don’t ignore what you need to do to keep yourself healthy, but don’t let this diagnosis define you. You are able to learn and able to thrive with this disease despite the added layers of challenges to your life.
This is a manageable condition. You will get better and better at it with time. Be kind to yourself on the harder days. It doesn’t change who you are or what you can do, just sometimes how you do things. I still swim, backpack, cross country ski, and bike long-distance, as I did 29 years ago when I was diagnosed at age 35. You define your diabetes journey, it doesn’t define you.
And ALWAYS have glucose tablets with you š This is your backpack to carry and no one else’s.