Hello!

Hello!  I'm Christine, I was diagnosed with Type 1 about three months ago.  I am 33 years old.  This has all been so frustrating, scary & overwhelming.  I think I am doing okay, however, I've really been having a hard time with people understanding what I am going through.  I thought it would be good to join this site in order to find support and learn from other people dealing with this too. 

Don't think it's possible for a non-diabetic to understand what it's like.  I usually make sure everyone I spend time with knows that if I start acting weird they should ask me to test my blood or eat some sugar, but don't expect that they are going to become carb counting experts or diabetes gurus.  

You'll also encouter people who don't understand modern diabetes management.  Just forgive them their helpful "suggestions" like that diabetes can be cured if you eat honey, etc.  Try to educate people who really want to learn about diabetes and avoid the ones that want to tell you horror stories of their diabetic aunt having her toes cut off.  

You're so new to this, so try not to be overwhelmed.  If you're low eat some sugar, if you're high take some insulin.  Over time you'll learn how to deal with all of the other nuiances of managing diabetes.  

There are a lot of good books that I've found helpful.  Take a look at them when you're ready:

50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life; And the 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It by Riva Greenberg

Think Lika a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner

Using Insulin by John Walsh

Pumping Insulin by John Walsh (if you want info on using an insulin pump)

50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes by Sheri Colberg

The Diabetic Athlete by Sheri Colberg

Other books are available on the emotional impact of diabetes, being a type 1 parent, and all sorts of other related topics.  

Take care.  -Jenna

Welcome to the site. I hope you find the support you are looking for. We are familiar with your struggles and will help you in every way we can. We are very glad you found us :o)

Thank you both for the advice & support! Jenna, thank you for the list of books. I have A couple of them & I will check out the others. I am so new to all of this. Thank you for being here! I understand that most people don’t know what it is like to be diabetic, but I have a few people at work that have just been flat out mean. I’m learning to not let it get to me. Some days are better than others though.