Newly Diabetic (Type 1)

Talk therapy helped me a lot with anxiety. I found someone who was familiar with health anxiety.

One plus with type 1 is that we may indulge in a favorite treat occasionally and cover it with insulin. People who don’t take insulin can’t do that. I don’t encourage that on a daily basis, but weekly I’ll have a sweet treat of some sort.

If you’re type 1, insurance covers more supplies and equipment. Getting it processed can be a bear. Seek support for that.

@mizzdeb48

welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You mention concern for your sister who has been diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes as a result of breast cancer treatments. I can relate to this.

My daughter had breast cancer. She went through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstruction. The immunotherapy led to destruction and damage to parts of her endocrine system. She is now insulin dependent diabetic.

I have been insulin dependent diabetic myself for 51 years. I have found that having an endocrinologist and dietician has been essential to my health journey. She might find help and support from some other resources as well. Could you check the availability of diabetes educational classes and support groups in your community? Perhaps you and your sister could participate together? You are doing a good thing to try to help your sister.

Lastly I’d like to invite your sister to join Mayo Clinic Connect herself. There are many groups and discussions available that she might find useful, for example this Diabetes & Endocrine System group.

@cehunt57 thank you for your kind and thoughtful response. a few things to mention. my sister (who lives with her very supportive husband of 40 years) does not live near me, hence a large amount of my support revolves around many daily+ phone calls. i have become an emotional support lifeline for her, going back many years.

i'm so sorry to hear about what your daughter has gone through. while i'm sure different details, it's a parallel to my sister. she is under the care of an Endocrinologist and also a Dietician, and certainly would benefit from this wonderful Mayo Clinic support resource. unfortunately, she is not in an emotional or mental balanced enough of a place to add this kind of support. simply put, she doesn't have the bandwidth, which is why i'm on here ~ to educate myself, get support from others who have gone through relatable challenges and to pass on any helpful info i can to her. i do hope at some point up the road, she will look into this.

I remain hopeful that with the help of all those around her who continue to show love and support, she will get to a better place where she can learn to manage what right now is so overwhelming for her. Again, my heartfelt thanks for reaching out to me!

There is a group called Blue Circle Health. Only available to Type 1 diabetics. (T1D) Your sister can contact them (search online for them) and they will be able to help her considerably as long as they have ‘rights’ in her state. They are currently in 20 states. It’s all virtual. I wish the best for her.

@dogloverinfl thank you so much! i will check this out.

I have adult onset type 1 diabetes myself and in my early 60's. It helps me to think of it as "I have an insulin problem rather than a sugar problem." Your pancreas provides insulin and I have to inject it somehow.
Is your sister using a CGM or pump?

@againisay i'm pretty sure she's using a CGM. i like your perspective in how you think of it. thank you for sharing!