[james_t1d]

Hi, my name is James and I am 15 and was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. As I said I am new to this and I'd really appreciate any pointers you feel would be helpful. I especially need help with foods. Also sometimes I have a problem getting enough blood for a blood sugar test. All tips will be appreciated. Thanks!

[runner09]

Hi James! First off as far as the blood sugar tests go, this sounds weird but try rubbing your finger by applying pressure on the under side and rubbing towards the tip of your finger- the nurse at school always told me to "milk" my finger. It sounds weird but it helps. As far as foods go, orange juice is a wonderful low blood sugar treater (as well as other juices). Try cutting out junk food. It is ok to have sweets- just make sure it's one serving or so and not the entire package. Proteins are good at helping keep a consistent Bg level such as meats and nuts. Fruits and vegetables are awesome but watch out for all of the sugar in fruit. Foods such as pizza and pasta are "sneaky" carbs and can sometimes screw up Bg levels. You'll learn that more with time.

[runner09]

Another thing about the blood sugar tests: have you tried increasing how deep the lancet pokes your finger?

[james_t1d]

Thank you for replying first off and thank you for the information about the foods, and bg testing.
Yes I did increase the depth of the lancet but it just hurt more and did not increase blood amount. I did find that making sure my hand is warm helps a lot. Again thank you for the reply and all the information!

[dano]

Welcome to the Forum!

Good luck with your control and management.

[runner09]

Of course! I'm glad I can help. I've been type 1 diabetic for 9.5 years. And like I said before a lot of knowledge comes with time.. It can be really overwhelming and frustrating but hang in there! You're not alone and there are many other people who have and are going through the exact same thing.

[agamino]

Hi I just got diagnosed to. So any help is good help.
Plus my mom said that if you squeeze your finger while you poke it that helps

[selewis28]

Hi!

I hope you are well! I wanted to offer a suggestion about your testing--because of the work I do, I can't test in my fingers so since I was diagnosed 3 years ago (age 28) I have tested from my arm. I use the spot just below my elbow but not tender inner part of my arm. I go more towards the outer area. It hurts way less and I get a good sized blood sample...sometimes too good so be sure to have a napkin or tissue.

Good luck!

-Sarah