Hi. I was diagnosed in 2007 as what we learned later as a slowly progressing type 1 diabetes. Of course I am now a mentor to teens and adults newly diagnosed here in Central OK. I am here to answer any questions all who are new to T1D. We are all learning and can learn from each other about T1D.
I was diagnosed in the 1970’s and try to help out where I can as well. Welcome to our community!
I’ve had it for 31 years, and I can honestly say I’ve only really known what I’m doing for the last 15 years. I was just too clueless, too broke, and too busy when I was younger to really focus on managing my T1D. We all get there at different rates, but I’m glad we’ve made it and are still here to talk about it, help others, and continue to learn ourselves. I’m thankful that we know so much more about T1D than when I was first diagnosed, and each generation that comes along has better and better tools to help them live full, productive lives.
Hi there. I’m so glad there are people out there that I can reach out to for help with all my questions. Brief history. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago at the age of 35 as a Type 1.I still have so many questions. My first question is after I eat, I do get highs. During that time, am I doing any damage to my body? Right now I’m doing daily injections and I’m trying to find a way to help me rotate better and remember where I last injected. I have a 10 month old and life can be hectic, so I just inject and go most of the time. I go where a CGM and it’s my best friend!! I’m considering the pump, but with a 10 month old, he is grabbing at everything. Is the pump better to prevent lows? I’d love some advice.
thanks
Hi Rachel -
I can imagine that would be tough with your little one grabbing at stuff. The Omnipod pump is tube-free and looks like a little egg flush against your skin. I use the Minimed pumps and love them, and will be getting the Enlite CGM later this month. You’ll still have lows even with a pump, simply because our bodies will do what our bodies will do even with the best of planning. The CGM system helps with lows because it alerts you when you are trending low, and you could always try the Dexcom sensor a la carte that you would have to clip onto your belt. It’s tube-free as well. But pumps are just so much more like a normal pancreas, as opposed to long-acting insulin that has that weird peaking effect or doesn’t last in your system for a full 24 hours. The pump gives freedom, and I’d never go back to shots. As for post-prandial (after a meal) highs, try checking your BG about 90 min. after you eat, then again after 3 hours. If you go high but then come back down in a good range, you might just want to reduce your carbs at mealtime. Bread, pasta, potatoes and rice are the usual culprits. If you can keep your carbs at less than 40g per meal, ideally less than 30g, that will help keep you from spiking afterwards. I wouldn’t worry about any post-meal BG’s under 160.