I have had T1D for 49 years. Diagnosed at 21 months. I don’t know if I’m in meno yet because I had a uterine ablation several years ago and no longer bleed (woo hoo!). My blood sugar usually runs high for about a week every 5 or 6 weeks (I consider that PMS week) so I’m guessing I’m not there yet. I didn’t see much difference at 40. But once I turned 50 I noticed my metabolism seemed to slow waaaay down & I started to gain weight. I’m also tired, foggy & forgetful. I don’t take very good care of myself because I have been lucky not to have significant complications & I’m kinda cocky, so that could be causing some of my fogginess.
I’m 45 years old and diagnosed 6 months ago after a quick trip to the emergency room with DKA. I’m adapting as well as can be and getting it under control. Since this started, I have dizziness when I stand and random sudden loss of energy several times a week. I can’t tell if it’s the td1 or my age, and nothing seems to make a difference - any recommendations?
Hi Mary,
Have you checked your blood pressure or your heart rate? I understand from an earlier post that you are very active, which may lower both. Being very fit has all kinds of benefits except for the inconvenience that your heart rate can get so low while not active, that if you sit down for a while and then suddenly stand up, your heart didn’t get the chance to give an extra beat yet to push the blood up to your brain. Does that make sense?
Best,
Dr. Dennis Van Hoof, PhD, CLC
[edited by moderator]
Thanks: this does make sense. I haven’t been tracking, but will do so to help see if it’s the case. Thank you.
Hi Mary, I’m T1d for 28 yrs, 56 and very active also. Seems minor but make sure you are hydrated well. I’ve never had either of those symptoms when low so I doubt that’s it, plus you’ve prob checked your Blood sugar when that happens
I’m 51 and have had T1 for 43 years. I recently started the keto diet and went off my pump after 23 years. I’m using insulin pens (Tresiba and Novolog) and my blood sugar has never been better! Haven’t had an A1c yet, but my average glucose according to the libre is 107. I am so happy to be “unattached” from the pump! I run low in the night and now am “unaware” but it usually corrects itself, which is another positive of burning ketones. I also can exercise without dropping now! I recommend reading “The Ketogenic Diet For Type 1 Diabetes” by Ellen Davis and Keith Runyun, MD. It changed my life!
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I’m 41 and have struggled since I was diagnosed at 23, after having gestational with my first child. I cannot get under control despite my efforts to eat well (I cook a lot), and exercise like a mad woman. I do crossfit 3x a week and other exercise in between days. I have a libre sensor and am on manual shots. I’m depressed and frustrated about it so much. Feel like I’m going to die early and can’t control it. I need people too!
Is it the liver? Is it my gut health? Is it my diet? I was on a support thread before that only made me feel like I was doing something wrong. They only questioned my insulin ratio. Honestly though, I will have maybe two good days and then something throws it off again and I’m a roller coaster-mostly high.
Wow! Maybe this is my answe!
Wow Jan! After reading a piece of your story I feel kind of stupid for feeling sorry for myself right now with a post lunch sugar of 446 (ate at a Korean restaurant that my husband loves, and for blood sugar reasons, I do not). you Are inspiring!
Hi Spicey @S-Pate, first, Welcome to TypeOneNation Forum! I hope here you will find support, know that you are not alone not being able to keep your BGL within range for more than a couple of days in a row, and maybe learn here a few tips that will fit your lifestyle. I can’t figure why my glucose shot up to 364 after a restaurant meal last evening.
You must be doing something right - you’ve got 18 years with this horror condition and you’ve become a mother. I too used to think I was going to die young - I was diagnosed on my 16th birthday and now I’m 78 - but now I’ve realized that we can do this. I look at this as one day at a time and try not to bash myself too hard when for no apparent reason I go hypoglycemic or my BGL goes sky high - with your Libre [in my 62nd year I began using a G5] you will be able to see early when your glucose level is headed out of range and make corrections.
Good luck to you!
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Hi, brand new to this forum. I’ll be 60 next month. I was diagnosed at age 12, so I’ve been riding the T1D rollercoaster for 48 years. I’ve been using MEDTRONIC Insulin pumps for the past 18 years. Just recently started the 670G Guardian 3 system and after a month I’m feeling less frustrated. I’ve navigated menopause
through my 50’s while on a pump so that helped with wild fluctuations of BGs.
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words. You lifted me up!
I’m in the Miami area … any other pumpers sharing this incredibly hot and humid weather along with me? Keeping everything glued in place is challenging!
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Hi Jodi @Jodijay, I’m in the Manatee Florida area and have been successful keeping my infusion sets in place - even while out bike riding for six or more hours a day. That is, since Medtronic improved the adhesive about 7 years ago.
Prior to the improved adhesive, I would use a Smith & Nephew “IV-Prep” wipe when preparing the site. I have not had any adhesion problems with the Tandem infusion sets or Dexcom sensors - I recently kept a Dexcom G5 on and working well for two weeks when my refill delivery got delayed.
I found the key to adhesion is to be “clean” [I’m not implying that you are not clean]. Soaps, conditioners and natural body oils will hinder good adhesion - the first step when I’m inserting an infusion set or sensor is to vigorously scrub the are with a perfectly clean wash-cloth wet only with fresh water - the site will air-dry while I’m opening the packages and filling the reservoir / cartridge.
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Thanks for the suggestions,
Yes, I use IV Prep wipes now
Under and over the infusion adhesive fabric
That has helped tremendously
Hello, I’m fairly new around here too. Type I for almost 20 years. I’ve had DKA once and it really got my attention. I’ve struggled with MDI for most of this time, but, recently switched to Medtronic 670G system (Used Dexcom 5G for a couple of years prior.) The CGM has changed my life, but, the pump really has given me hope. Thus, my username, HIGHHOPES. lol
Despite huge issues with this pump, I’m navigating it and despite those issues, have better control than ever, so, this is a huge thing for me. Moving forward, I can only see things getting better with pump treatment. I now can see why I struggled with injections. My insulin needs are not addressed well with injections. I need different things at different times. Now, I know and it wasn’t my fault. With a pump this can be addressed. So, if you’re struggling, don’t assume you are doing something wrong. It’s a matter of figuring it out. Don’t lose faith.
I’m fortunate to have one of the best endocrine teams in the country, including Endo and CDE. I don’t know how people survive without those people. I regularly attend TCOYD conferences. So helpful, informative and FUN too.
This site seems like a great place to give and get support. It’s good to know that others care and share.
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