Diagnosed as an Adult

by Erica

LIFE WITH DIABETES. HOW DO I FEEL ABOUT IT.. AND WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW???

THE SCENARIO: Loosing weight at long last. Can almost fit into my old clothes again all goes well. Or so I thought. Off to the doctors for a regular check up and being recommended to have a blood test, and a few days later - "You have Type One (Juvenile) Diabetes!

I guess this is where I should mention that I am a confirmed chocoholic and lover of "junk" food. Life changes- juvenile diabetes at 30!!!

HOW I FEEL: All the doctors and specialists seemed to think that I took it very well, but I had to, it's not like I had any choice. If I hadn't been diagnosed I could have died. The endocrinologist handed me my new " friend" the pen needle along with a list of things I had to do and buy. I think the thought that crossed my mind was along the lines of "Boy, what a GREAT Christmas present" - heavy on the sarcasm. I may have neglected to mention the fact that it was near Christmas - the time for lots of sweets.

I had 30 years of bad eating habits to undo, something I'm still working on. The lists of foods that you can eat, well the theories seem to change constantly and I still have LOTS to learn.

But this isn't really telling you how I feel is it? There are days when I REALLY hate the fact that some virus stopped my pancreas from functioning properly. I hate the fact that I have to pay attention to what I eat, that I have to make sure I always have my insulin supplies with me, the fact that I have to inject four times a day seven days a week for the rest of my life and/or they find a cure, the blood tests, endocrinologist appointments.

Then there are days when I accept it because there is nothing I can do about it.

I do dislike the fact that this disease may prevent me from going overseas as a volunteer because of the need to have access to refrigeration for the insulin and the other supplies. Then there is the
fact that diabetes can lead to other problems such as heart and kidney failure, it's scary sometimes too.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: I have to eat after an insulin injection even if I'm not hungry because otherwise I could have a hypo (sugar low) which means I start shaking, feeling cold and generally unwell.

I get really cranky if I don't eat.. and I have heard that insulin can effect your mood anyway (something I really don't need more of - mood swings)

I don't constantly like being told what I should or shouldn't eat.Cuts and scratches don't heal as well.

Even something as simple as catching a cold can have its problems. Sugar levels increase when you are sick so you can need more insulin AND you have to watch out for ketones (why, I don't really know, but they are bad).

Feed me before I go out drinking (this is very important). Alcohol can
also lead to sugar lows too.

Refrain from commenting on bruising and track marks along the stomach :)

But all in all in all life goes on and there is nothing I can do about it. And yes, I do have a tendency to have the odd binge on chocolate.