My girlfriend recently found out she has type 1 diabetes, Any advice on how i could help her.?

Question

hi, would like some advice if there's anything i should be looking out for when I'm with her, just to make sure every things OK?

Answer 1

okay Type 2 diabetes is the one that can be controlled by stimulus( ie:diet weight loss etc) Type 1 diabetes will always be there irregardless it is thought although( I am not sure ) to be caused by a virus but she will always need insulin and how can I put it......it is more because of a malfunction with her pancreas as opposed to more like bad lifestyle choices. Good luck

Answer 2

If she starts acting real confused, gets pallid and looks sweaty for no reason or starts to pass out get some sugar into her. OJ a piece of chocolate whatever. You can stop at any drug store and get glucose tablets, it gives a measured amount, and carry those with you at all times. You will be amazed at how fast she comes around but staying in a low blood glucose state can cause all kinds of permanent damage.

Be supportive. lots of newly diagnosed diabetics are embarrassed if they have to take shots or even check their blood glucose in public.  No one notices or cares especially with the new injection pens available.

Change you eating habits with hers. Basically staying away from sugars and starches. so no more bread or potatoes, go low carb,  Avoid alcohol and if you guys already drink go for a single glass of red during or after dinner. Chances are it will be good for you also.

With her docs approval go exercising, walking, with her often.

Now a days it is easier for type 1's to control their blood glucose and live healthy comfortable and non damaged long lives.

Answer 3

Encourage her to eat wisely. Don't be a bore about it, but do make sure that she stays within the planned carb counts and takes the disease process seriously . Don't make her feel different, just encourage her to be careful with diet and exercise and to stay in her treatment plan

While she's in this aspect of the disease, what for her is the beginning, don't cause her a great deal of emotional distress. She's got enough already.

Keep a close  eye out for the signs of low or high blood glucose. Both are just as important.

As a nurse, one of the things that I find is most important is taking charge of your own care and getting involved in learning more about your disease process so that you have better control. Its encouraging  and impressive that you are so interested in supporting her with those things.

Best wishes to you both.

Answer 4

Learn the signs of low blood sugar - hunger, shakiness, dizzy, lightheaded, confused, tired, etc. and what to do about it.  Carry several pieces of candy with you just in case she needs it.  Alcohol consumption, too much insulin for not enough food, and illness can result in lows.  

Visit diabetes.com.

Answer 5

low blood sugar: make sure you know the signs so you can notice them if she doesnt, make sure you both always have something to treat low blood sugars [lifesavers, glucose tabs, snacks]. i tend to try to hide that i have a low blood sugar and leave whatever im doing so i wont have to sit down, check my blood sugar, and eat a snack in front of everybody that im with. if this happens, sit with her and even eat a snack yourself so you dont feel so alone

high blood sugar: know the signs for this as well although higher blood sugar is harder to see than low blood sugar. make sure she has extra shots, insulin

and make sure to let her know that you will always be there for her. thats whats helped me out the most. i personally felt so alone growing up with diabetes because i was the only one i knew to have it. if i had someone there for me [besides my family] that would have made a world of difference.

i hoped i helped you out, good luck! :]

Answer 6

Take her to a doctor - he will say the true

Answer 7

Get your hands on "Dr Neal Barnard's Program to Reverse Diabetes Now".It is a scientifically proven system for reversing diabetes.It is 3 times more effective than other diet plans.It should be available at all good book shops,if not the should be able to order it in for you.I got it for a family member & it worked marvelously.I now have it back just in case I need it as both my Grand Mother's were diabetics

Answer 8

Dont ever say, "I understand" because nothing is more frustrating to a new (or old) diabetic.  You dont understand, so dont say it.  Even when you mean well.

Dont badger her about food and taking her insulin and checking her blood sugar.  I guarentee, newly diagnosed, she's not going to forget.  And constantly reminding her (no matter how well meaning) is not going to make her want to do it more.

When she wants to talk, let her talk.  Dont try to relate.  Just listen.  This can be hard, but just let her do the talking and sort herself out.

No one is perfect.  She may want that ice cream.  And if she takes her insulin, she can have it now and then.  Dont guilt her about "should you really be eating that?" Because we cant all be the perfect diabetics all the time (not to mention this often leads to sneaking carbs and lying about BG levels or checking them at all). Its likely she may be vigilant in her care for a little while, then suddenly become really bad at caring for herself.  Diabetic burnout is really common.  Its like when youve had a flu for weeks and it just wont go away and makes you feel worn out and tired.  Only its a flu that wont go away and youll never get better. And thats exhausting.

The best thing you can do is have patience.      

Answer 9

Learn as much as you can about diabetes - there are soooo many web sites out there to look at.  Learn about counting carbohydrates, learn about symptoms of being too high or too low and how to help her through those.

It's so good that you care.  She may need a shoulder to cry on every so often when she feels over whelmed because diabetes can be very intense to manage in the beginning.  

You're a good guy to take the time to ask!!!