My name is Emily and I was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day in 2012, I was 14. Now I’m 19 and still struggling just as much as I was the day I was diagnosed. I don’t know anyone with T1D. I’ve always struggled with letting anyone help me. I think it’s about time I’ve reached out for support. I know how to care for my diabetes, it’s just that I don’t want to. I’m still too angry with my diagnosis. I’m looking for positive words, advice, really anything that has helped anyone cope with T1D.
Hi Emily,
I would say that I have experienced what your feeling, but I don’t think its fair to say that anyone has the exact same experience - so I’ll say that like you I spent a lot of time angry as all hell about my diagnosis. I was diagnosed back in 2005 and am now 20 turning 21. It has been a long journey and one which I have yet to figure out all the details of and get to a place of really being able to manage my diabetes the way that would make me healthiest - but I think that’s ok. I honestly think that for each person it’s a different experience and a different thing that eventually helps them figure out how they want to control/deal with it. If I could give any advice it’s to not beat yourself up - sometimes we all just need a bit of time to be pissed off about stuff! But also work to figure out why your angry. For example, for me a lot of my anger and annoyance at my diagnosis came from how I perceived people treating me differently, and once I figured that out I was able to talk with my friends and family about it. I don’t know, but figuring out what was bothering me in a way helped me realize it wasn’t necessarily the diabetes itself that was the source of my anger. On motivation side, part of whats helped me start to get back top of my control is actually understanding what all the terms and numbers meant - health wise. By understanding what certain numbers meant and how it was directly affecting my body, I think I gave myself a wake up call - and used it to motivate me to take care of myself in a different way. I’ve also done things like set goals about how many times I test in a day and then when I reach that goal I have set reward - whether it be a shirt I’ve really been wanting, a cool event like a concert, or a special treat like a milkshake. (I’ve found having a tangible thing to show for my efforts sometimes makes it more fun and easy to go after).
Another thing my doctor has worked with me a lot on is seeing the numbers as just numbers - information to use in deciding on what to do next. For me, especially in the beginning with my parents there was a a lot of emotions tied into the BG readings and terms lie “bad” or “good” numbers. When I moved away from that and starting working on just seeing them as numbers, like road signs, that told me which way to go - it helped me change my relationship with diabetes and took some of the pressure around each reading away.
Hope this helps! If you ever want to talk, I’d love to!
Best Wishes,
Aleks
p.s. if your ever looking for a laugh around your diabetes look up “diabetic memes” There are some pretty funny ones out there! (and so relatable!) This is one of the first ones I found: Type 1 Diabetes Memes
@emilygrace hi!
U r coping with the same situation as mine … I was diagnosed 5-6 months frm now and I was also not having anyone to tlk to … Still… I don’t have anyone to talk to … But I found many groups on Facebook that helps me to some extent … Don’t feel urslf alone find pages and groups on Facebook there r many people like u 
U can add me also if u want … Redirecting...
Emily,
Yes, it a shock to be diagnosed and overwhelmed. No doubt it changes your life, but take heart, it doesn’t have to be your life. I was in denial and overwhelmed at first, but decided that it is what it us and there is nothing I can do to change it. Even though we have to manage it every day, it doesn’t have to define who we are. Try to take it a day at a time and as much as possible focus your thoughts on things that make you happy. Know that people who are on this forum are here for understanding and encouragement too, so don’t feel like you have to manage all on your own. We are here for each other. We do care. Best wishes.
Karen
Hi Emily, I was diagnosed when I was 11 y/o and I’m 39 this year. 28 years, I’m still struggling…LOL, thats the honest truth. I feel every words you said in your post, and I’m just reaching out now as well. Maybe we can help each other? 
Hey Emily,
I’ve been feeling the same way so I don’t think I can help much but I do know that when I take care of my blood sugar I feel a lot better and am more productive so that’s motivation for me. Also I want to be stronger than my diabetes. But I totally understand how you feel.