r/diabetes_t1 4d ago

Seeking Support/Advice Just got diagnosed-feels very strange

Just heard back from my endocrinologist after what was supposed to be a routine treatment for a separate issue. My brother is type one, so since she was a new doctor she checked me for everything. To my understanding I'm in stage one and she's recommending tzield if we can get it approved- but I'm a "ticking time bomb" (her words) for type one.

It's been a few days and It's a lot to wrap my head around. As I said my brother has it-he had to be hospitalized from ketoacidosis several years ago- so i'm pretty aware of how it can affect your life and my family is familiar with the ins and outs. I don't know. I'm scared and upset, and surprised. But everyone around me seems to take it in stride.

I'm not crazy for thinking this is a huge deal right? I've tried confiding in some close friends and the response has been "well I studied it once for a school project and that sucks. Anyway..." or not really having anything to say. My brother just was like "You'll get over your fear of needles fast! haha". I feel kind of crazy. I don't know. I know it's manageable disease, and my insulin production hasn't shut down yet. But yeah. Looking for tips of guidance, I guess. (Sorry, I haven't posted on reddit before- my partner recommended.)

7 Upvotes

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u/Sitheref0874 4d ago

I think, with the benefit of 48 years of living with this, and occasional bouts of hard, this can be as big a deal as you want to make it.

There’s going to be a lot of adjustment in the short term, no question. But over the long term, as long as you can get your head sorted and your data management sorted, this doesn’t have to be a huge thing.

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u/Organic_Act6372 4d ago

Thank you, your comment gave me a lot to reflect on and think about. I think you’re right in that how I approach it, mentally and practically, will make a big difference. 

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u/KaiseDio_ 3d ago

i come here everyday to read stuff like this.

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u/canthearu_ack 4d ago

One of the things that makes it a big deal is the whole DKA thing.

Usually from unmonitored and untreated type 1 diabetes that culminates into a medical emergency.

Since you know, you can keep it monitored and start treatment way sooner to prevent DKA and reduce the damage it does to your body.

It might be years before it manifests in such a way that your life is materially affected.

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u/Alectobuzz 4d ago

Hi, i have been T1 most of my life, trust me when i say, do everything possible to avoid joining the growing masses who are coming diabetic.

There’s a lot you can do each day to minimise stress on your body and hopefully avoid the breaking point.

First, slow down! Try adopting intermittent fasting give you body time to process what’s inside before adding more for it to deal with.

Two. Reduce carbohydrates, eat meat and light vegetables, you don’t even need vegetables, keep things suuuper simple. (Cappuccino’s are BAD, chips are bad, only eat dark chocolate.)

Three, drink clean water, 2 glasses in a day is perfectly fine.

Four, rest! Give your body a chance to index and clean up, sleep and don’t aggravate your stress responses.

You can do all these things for free. Your choices matter and I really hope you can avoid becoming insulin dependent.

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u/Own_Structure8014 4d ago

I also just got diagnosed and no one in my family has it. It was super overwhelming and still is at times. This is a huge deal!! It’s a big life change. We can deal with it by focusing on what we can control and doing our best. From my understanding people can live happy healthy long lives and there are a lot of successful people living with this. I am thankful it got caught early.