I’m newly diagnosed (two weeks ago) was rushed to the hospital with over 600 blood sugar level. After a couple of days in the hospital I went home- saw an endocrinologist and was put on a sliding scale (not yet counting insulin to my food intake) I am also taking long acting insulin at night time. My levels are all over the place. Is this normal for the first month? I already eat healthy and am now eating extremely healthy. I am not sure what else to do? Any guidance would be appreciated. I have another DR appointment in a couple days.
Hi Brooke,
My son was diagnosed at the end of April, and he had some frequent adjustments to his doses, but his levels weren’t as high and he’s just 11. I suspect that you’re doing just what you should, so don’t get too down. Remember, your glucose levels didn’t jump to 600 in a day, and they’re not going to make it back to your target range (consistently) that fast.
As you improve your carb counting and figure out what your ratios need to be, your sugars will be a lot more consistent. Asking questions and getting the education to help you manage your diabetes is paramount to success.
I’m not sure how many people are dealing with this for the first time in your age range, but I’m guessing that it’s not a lot, so turning to this forum is probably a good thing for support. Feel free to ask your questions, as my handle says, I’m an ICU nurse and see people in DKA every week. Hopefully you’re feeling better at least.
Hi Brooke!
I was diagnosed at 22 - just over a year ago now - so I understand some of what you are going through. I think an important thing to note is that your blood sugars are not going to be perfect & are not going to be in a non-diabetic range and that’s okay. I think what you are experiencing is very normal & hopefully that next doctors appt can help you to fine-tune your doses and improve it further.
Also, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, I found the book “Think Like A Pancreas” by Gary Scheiner to be very helpful & to explain diabetes management at a useful non-doctor jargon level.
Brooke, I was 31 when I was diagnosed with T1. That was 23 years ago. As you follow the doc’s recommendation, your BG levels will begin to normalize. They will go up and down as you start to understand how certain foods affect BG. If you haven’t already, see a diabetic nutritionist who can help give you a daily plan and help deal with fitting your lifestyle around diabetes.
I remember feeling very restricted during the first months after being diagnosed. That goes away over time. There’s really nothing you won’t be able to do.
While not the same as diabetes, my children were diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago. It was indeed difficult at first, but, as we became more familiar with it, we got a lot more comfortable. Now dealing with it is second nature.
Hi Brooke!
Unfortunately, what you’re experiencing is fairly normal for newly diagnosed T1Ds. It takes a while to a) adjust to your new routine and figure out the best dosage for you and b) give your body the time it needs to do whatever the heck it’s going to do. The “honeymoon period” (when your pancreas is still producing trace amounts of insulin after diagnosis) is a tricky thing to handle, and it lasts a different amount of time for every person.
My point: it’s COMPLICATED. Your levels aren’t going to be perfect, EVER, and that’s completely ok. I promise it will get easier. The important thing is to keep asking questions (ask your doctor, or just post on TypeOneNation!). We’re all here to help. 
Hey Brooke,
I was diagnosed a little over three months ago and I am 15 years old. At the beginning, my sugar readings were everywhere and I was becoming frustrated with how slow the doctors would respond. The best thing to remember is that the doctors know what they are doing and will create the proper adjustments. A helpful app I use for counting carbs while eating out is CalorieKing. Always remember that sugar readings will never be perfect. My readings will change from something as little as wearing a t-shirt to school instead of a dress shirt.
Just keep on believing in yourself and never give up on the idea that you can continue on with your life.
Thank you all for your responses! I truly appreciate it. It’s so over whelming right now, but trying to stay positive! Your posts gave me some comfort!