I’ve decided I need to take this more seriously, I’ve had T1D for 4 years and am only young in my 20s. I feel that I need to become more knowledge to understand this better. What can I read to better educate myself and does anyone have any tips for food plans that aren’t too full on. I am on using pens and don’t want a pump, nor do I see any specialists, but have just booked in with a new doctor today.
I am in a fair amount of pain and at times lack motivation.
Top book “Think Like a Pancreas” Here is a link Amazon
it is common to feel exhausted because a life-long chronic disease, is, well, exhausting. A person could easily feel like hiding or have “what’s the point” feelings when confronted with t1d.
you cannot do it alone. I have a better relationship with my primary care physician, but the endo is better for picking the right tests, being a specialists in all things t1 and on the lookout for specific issues… you know , add on problems.
no one can motivate you but you. talk about whatever you are feeling - anxiety, anger, depression, fear, self-worth, shock, disappointment, whatever. everyone goes through denial, anger, bargaining, depression and then finally acceptance - and no one gets a break or a shortcut.
us old timers will tell you that you can do it. that you are stronger than you think you are, and that we’ve all had depression. I know it doesn’t make it any easier because being stuck can stink. I’ll also add that there is no perfection with this, there’s just what you can manage. you’re alive so I say you are managing fine. in the next phase you can be more than just surviving if you want to.
I am just about to turn 20 and have had diabetes for over 8 years now. I COMPLETELY understand the lack of motivation part of your entry. It’s like I want to live a healthy life, I do. But some days I am just like I dont want to be a part of it. I just decided this past week that I am going to start taking this more seriously. I appreciate your honesty, good luck!
Hi Katy,
Thanks for your reply and honesty! This is a big thing for me to open up, usually I’m pretty tight lipped on th t1d subject, only a few people on my life know about it.
I have great motivation most of the time and nothing can stop me, until i recently came off the pill for pcos (about a month ago) so my hormones and body are also changing. In addition to me starting up a business 2 months ago, so I’ve decided to do it all at once, but I’m so thankful for the change and the chance to do it. So I hope to encourage you also to do what you are passionate about and not let this stop you.
Health and nutrition wise, my advice would be so something each day even if it’s only for 10 mins, I love weights and have a few kilos at home. Also food wise I aim to eat right, but that’s not always what happens, I try to have a healthy juice when I can for vitamins, and if I’m going to eat something bad, I’ll at least inject for it. At the moment I have next to no appetite too…
That’s great! Me too, i think being so young, we owe ourselves to try to manage it as best we can, when we can. If you need any help or advice let me know 
Hi Joe,
I’d like to thank you for commenting on another post of mine, I truly appreciate you taking the time out to do so.
I am pretty bad for taking timeout to look after myself, but I’m slowly learning to do that. I self manage and have since I was diagnosed the best I can. However I have just picked a new doctor and will start to attend appts. I refuse to let t1d rule my life, I live my life and carry on as if I don’t have anything wrong with me, aside from the testing and injecting. I experience pain/aches and not often do I feel almost 100%. I tell myself to get up and do it, however since coming off the pill and changing female hormones, I’m feeling more drained and in pain more than usual. I just opened a business 2 months ago and I’m here 7 days, I’m slowly working on taking this more seriously, and educating myself better so that I can better help myself too. I feel like I’ve pretty much got this mentally, but that my body is refusing to keep up and usually I am able to just get things done.
I hope that with improved diet and exercise I can get back on top of my game.
Thankyou again for sharing your experience, it sounds like you have a good understanding of your body and t1d. Keep up the good work!
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@mmg hi G,
I try not to underestimate the connection my mind and body have. When I have an “issue” in my head it can affect me physically. When I am feeling depressed, even if I don’t admit it, I can get exhausted, even if I am not outwardly down.
me? aww heck no, I don’t have a clue. I only know the things others have said to me. My own best thinking got me cornered in a depression that could have been the end of me. When I finally stopped and listened to others dealing with the same thing I was, and they somehow found a way to deal directly with it and do more than survive, that’s when things turned around in a meaningful way.
for me, it was the HATING of diabetes, and really myself, that was making me exhausted. When I put the guns down, I had more energy. sounds stupid, but that was really it. take care!
Hi Joe,
Thanks again for reaching out!
I’m pleased to say I’ve had a pretty great 24 hrs! I don’t usually have caffeine, but I had a little and got a lot done yesterday, worked, spring cleaned, cooked and did my car too. I think I may start to have a little amino energy supplement when I need it to give me a boost to help me achieve my daily tasks. I usually rely on my natural energy and strong mind set to get me through and sometimes feel I’m cheating or a tad disappointed if I have something to give me a help with my energy.
This is the first time I’ve ever spoken to someone else with diabetes since my diagnosis. I prefer to pretend it’s not there, I will still keep on top of my insulin and testing as much as possible, but other than that I usually don’t want to talk or think about it. I may be partially in denial, but now I have agreed with myself to do this better I think it may be just good strong will?
I almost never feel like why me and this isn’t fair, more so, in ok I feel crap today what can I do to get on top of it.
You’re doing great and it’s very kind of you to share your knowledge. I’m going to also try exercise more for both mind and body and when I wake up feeling yuck, instead of complaining I’m going to list what I’m thankful for that day. Maybe it’s easier for me to deal with mentally, as I’ve had people close to me with more life threatening illnesses and helped them go through that.
Thanks again
It takes a lot for me to open up as well, especially when I am not doing well at something. So I thought I would give this website a shot! Please email me with any questions as well!
Thanks Katy,
Same to you too, message me any time!