[deeriscute101]

Hi, I'm 15 and kinda being brave here. I've been a type 1 diabetic for 3 years in March. I really don't have that great of control and desperately need some advice. This is a little embarrassing, but my A1C is over 14! I used to have such good control but lately, I've just lost it. I would like to get a pump. My doctors say I have to wait until my A1C is under 10. I currently take Novolog and Lantus. I would just love some tips on how to get my sugar down, and keep it down. Please and thank you.

[dano]

Welcome to the Forum!

First of all I commend you for seeking help, this is the first step. Please don't feel embarrassed to talk about your diabetes condition. We are all in this together. It appears that your average blood sugars are running around 350 mg/dl. I have a few questions for you:

How long has it been since you had your better control?
Do you have an active life style or do you play any sports?
Would you consider yourself over weight?
Do you count carbs and use this information to calculate your insulin for your bolus injection after meals?
Would you be interested in a forum, with other teenagers, to discuss your diabetes?

[type1rachelle]

Hi there - first of all, let me just say, I was where you are now. Many of us have been at some point in our lives. I know it sounds silly, but try not to be embarrassed about it. Many of us can relate 100% and you're brave enough to admit when you need a little extra help so that's a wonderful thing.

I was diagnosed at 17 years old, and for the first 3 years, I barely tested my BG or took insulin at all - I was in denial. I was always sick and I hated the disease. I didn't realize how much better I could feel if I just managed it a little bit better.

For me, it was a gradual process... first I started taking my insulin as prescribed and checking my BG more... then I started counting carbs... I found that the less of a big deal I made about testing and bolusing, the more successful I was. I began testing and bolusing in public - I was taking control of my health and if anyone had a problem with it, oh well.

When I started eating better and exercising, it was life changing. Through sports I've met many other active T1s and now consider myself healthier than the average person WITHOUT diabetes.

Just remember, if you ignore it, it won't go away, it's only going to make you very sick. Self education is the most important tool, followed by a support group of other like minded people with diabetes. I would encourage you to get out and meet other T1s in your area... that was the most motivating thing for me, I found.

good luck!

[deeriscute101]

Well about a year or so ago I started losing control. I don't currently do any sports but starting in May I will be participating in marching band. I am pretty average for my height and age according to my endocrinologist. I do count carbs and take insulin accordingly. And a forum for teens would be awesome. Thanks.

[dano]

We are making progress. It is great that you have an endocrinologist, you do count carbs & take insulin accordingly, and that you are of average weight for your age. I will have to agree with all that Rachelle has said, she is a smart lady and we should all listen to her. Diabetes is a gradual process and we must stay on top of it. Twenty years ago my son had some of the same problems as you. During puberty his control was all over the place. His doctor said that during this time his hormones were kicking in, it had his body out of whack and this only complicated his T1 diabetes. He had to tighten his control by testing more and taking more bolus injections. His control problems subsided after he got a little older. Today he is doing well and leads a very productive life.

In summary just be diligent with your management. Take the bull by the horns so to speak and your control will come back. Please remember that stress will cause your blood sugar to go up, just as it does when your are sick. Good luck in your fight with this diabetes beast.

BTW, The band will be good for you, what instrument will you play?

Here is the link for the Forum for TEENS, it looks like a good one. Enjoy!

Here is a website that may help you find a Support Group in your area.

[deeriscute101]

Yes all this information is great. Thanks a ton. And I will be playing alto saxophone but in concert band I play oboe. And thank you for the link.

[dano]

Originally Posted by deeriscute101

Yes all this information is great. Thanks a ton. And I will be playing alto saxophone but in concert band I play oboe. And thank you for the link.

My son played alto saxophone as well. Oboe's are cool looking instruments. You are welcome for the link, I hope that you enjoy that site!

[Ginny27S]

I'm glad to see that there are others I can relate to! I'm type 1 and have have been for the last 3 years. It will be 4 in August. I'm 22 and was diagnosed at 19. It was life changing. My a1c's are a little over 7 on average but I still feel like I am in denial, even though it's been almost 4 years! And im also a bit ashamed of it.I still feel like one day I will wake up and it will be gone. But I know it won't, so lately I've been trying to take a bit better control....It honestly just scares the shit out of me, especially all the health complications that may happen in the future as a result of poor control.... I'm just glad that I'm not the only one who is still in denial years after diagnosis. Thanks a lot for posting this. Made me feel a bit better :-)

[paige95]

My advice would be to test your blood sugar before meal, count your carbs, and take insulin within a half hour of eating!