I recently came really, really close to having a seizure for the first time in two years of having type one. I was diagnosed when I was 15, but I never went through the grief and the fear and the anxiety that my parents went through. In fact, I didn't really understand why they were so upset. But now I do. It's like I started over. I'm going through everything I didn't two years ago, and it's awful. If anyone could give me some advice on how to deal with this, I'd really appreciate it. Iam scared all the time, but I practically have a panic attack if my blood sugar goes low. When I'm not anxious or nervous about what my blood sugar is doing, I am either incredibly sad about having to do this for the rest of my life or just hopeless. I don't know any teen type ones, and I'd really appreciate your input.
i've been diabetic for 15 years now. if you need anything, i'm the girl for advice. i'm happy to help. i dunno where you live but 16 and i'm a teen with diabetes, and it's hard to find others, so i know where you're coming from. it sucks a bit. but keep in mind that diabetes doesn't define you as person. it's not who you are. it's just apart of you that will make you stronger seriously. i can give more in depth advice if you message me hah.
I definitely agree with Charlotte. I've had it for almost 15 years now and I'm 16 also. Just in the past couple years I've really started going through the emotional part of diabetes and being sad about having to do it forever, etc. I'm here to talk to when you need someone. I say "when" because at some point I think everyone needs someone who understands exactly what we live with. Even my parents can't help, even though they may want to, because they don't understand. I understand, cause I've been there. Message me if you want to talk more.
I agree with both of you guys ^. I am 17 and was diagnosed when i was 3. I , kinda like you, never got a chance to go through the " grieving stage"- i was a toddler. My grandmother had died of type one diabetes before i was born ( when she was in her 40s?) - almost the time my mom got pregnant- so my whole family was terrified. I of course never understood the problem- once in second grade I remember comparing it to having asthma haha- i didnt know :P . It was when i was in middle school that i stated realizing what it really meant. I stated not taking care of myself- and at one point i had an A1c of 12- i was actually surprised if i ever got a number under 200. Looking back on it now that has been the worst mistake of my life. I wasn't focusing my sadness on trying to make things better for my future, i was just trying to forget it all together. I just pray that those years don't come back to haunt me. If there is one thing you do, don't make the same mistake i did. Don't give up because your scared, fight it even harder :) I have luckily never come as close to a seizure as you have so i cant totally understand but i know how scary it can be. We all go through times like this, just remember your not alone and even though it is hard sometimes remember there is always hope- even if they don't find a cure in our life time the treatment is getting better and better to the point we may not have to worry about it someday. Live like you wont have it forever- like it will go away. It will help you keep your head up just having hope :) . Feel free to add of message me id love to talk to you!
I remember when I was first diagnosed. I was so depressed that I was almost suicidal...but that was four to five years ago. I hope that you aren't at that point (and I'm better!). As far as being scared about when your blood sugar goes low, don't be (i know, easier said than done), think about that time as when you get to splurge on something sugary. Like Kelsey said the treatment is getting better all the time! If I lived back when they had those huge needles I don't think I could give myself my shots. I hate needles as it is :P but I manage. Probably just like everyone here, I here if you need someone else to talk to.
Meg, I'm 17 and have had diabetes for almost 3 years and reading your story felt like I was reading my story. Inbox me and I'd be more than happy to help you.
Bad lows are a reality check and in my life have always been a warning sign that I need to change something in my diabetes care. Maybe test more often, bolus more carefully, or have my doctor take a look at my insulin dose.
At some point all diabetics have to make peace with the fact that a few extra units of insulin can cause a dangerous low. The funny thing is that all people, diabetic or not, can have crazy health things happen. Diabetes just gives you insight into your own mortality that most 17 year olds don't have.
You can't live in fear, you just have to reduce risk as much as possible and go on with your life. It's like driving a car... you can't prevent every accident, but if you drive reasonably well and not speed like crazy, it greatly reduces the chances that you'll have an accident. Take extra good care of yourself and maybe let your blood sugar run a little higher than ususal when you've just had a bad low or are in a stressful time in your life.
And make sure to tell your friends you have D, wear a medic alert bracelet, and carry glucose tablets or some other quick sugar on you at all times. People, even complete strangers, will be quick to help you once they understand what you need.