Living with Type 1

Luke - 11 - NSW

What is an under active thyroid?

Catherine - 18 - NSW

I read that diabetics are unable to have employment in the aviation industry and in jobs that involve high risks such as those at heights. Does this mean that diabetics are unable to work as stewards and stewardess' on planes?

Sunith - 24 - NSW

How can I get my fast acting and mixtard human insulin as I am a newcomer to NSW?

Sharnie - 29 - QLD

Is it normal for my child to feel bad about having type 1 diabetes? She has had it for 3 months and I thought she was coping well but have just noticed she is not. What can I do to help?

Sharnie - 29 - QLD

I have a 9 year old daughter who has just got type 1 diabetes in July this year and she is not coping as well as she is letting on. What can I do to help her through it?

Rex - 18 - NSW

Will I need 2 test my BGL every time I have sex?

Fiona - 14 - QLD

What is the impact type 1 diabetes may have on a 14 year old girl who has just been diagnosed?

Chloe - 10 - NSW

What do you do if you are hyperglycaemic?

Chloe - 11 - VIC

What are sharps?

Sara - 15 - NSW

What is a normal blood glucose range at different times of the day?

Brad - 15 - NSW

Any suggestions about going to the beach with an insulin pump, where to store it when I am in the water?

Michelle - - NSW

My 13 year old daughter has had type 1 for nearly 6 months & overall with the exception of illness her levels have been fairly good. A month ago she started on the pump & again levels good & enjoyed the flexibility. For the past 4 days her levels have been very high & we seem to continually be giving adjustment boluses. On recommendation from our clinic we have changed some of the settings but still not making a big difference. Through the night she is 12-17 & I'm doing adjustment boluses every 2 hours. Waking up between 5-8 but as soon as the day starts & she starts eating up the levels go especially from 4pm or so onwards. Had a reading of 23.5 a little while ago which she hasn't had since diagnosis-now dropped to 16. No ketones but very frustrating & draining. My thoughts are we are coming out of honeymoon phase as she was on a total dose of between 10-20 (weighs 51kg) even now a daily dose of 45 isn't getting us where we want to be. I guess my question is can the honeymoon phase just stop abruptly with a huge increase of insulin needed? To complicate matters I think she is going through quite a growth spurt as well. Doing everything possible & checking levels regularly - just worried.

Tzippy - 20 - NSW

What are the considered factors affecting a child with diabetes and the implications of development for a child under 18 with diabetes?

Kathy - 43 - NSW

My 8 year old son has just been confirmed as having type 1 diabetes. We are planning to move to Australia at the end of the year and I am interested to know if in Australian children are put on insulin pumps, and at what cost.

Sophie - 12 - NSW

My doctor says an HbA1c of 9 is okay and my parents don’t agree, what do you think?

Nyagoa - 18 - VIC

Where do you search for help if you have type 1 diabetes?

Jack - 11 - NSW

I am going for a helicopter joy ride for 1 (one) hour and I wear an

Michelle - 39 - NSW

My 13 yr old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 2 weeks ago & whilst she initially handled it very well & management is pretty good, I think this has shot her confidence & self esteem a little. It's hard to gauge whether it's just normal hormonal teenage stuff or diabetes. Have any other parents had this experience? She doesn't want to talk to a counsellor as she sees that as something else "wrong" with her. She's such a great kid & talented athlete & I just want her to be happy.

Sharon - 32 - NSW

My son is 2 and on an insulin pump. We've noticed recently that his BGL's were high without any obvious reason and have made adjustments accordingly. However we have now discovered 2 new teeth, so I would like to know if teething has any affect on BGL's?

Denise - 45 - NSW

My daughter is 12 and has type 1 for 4 1/2 years. She is very active with sport, mainly swimming and surfing, which she would train for 5-6 days per week. Lately she has been complaining of having "tingling" in her feet. She did hurt her ankle on the beach about 2 months ago but the tingling is still coming and going. Could this be the start of a problem? What should we do from here? Thanks Denise.

Sharon - 31 - NSW

Can hot weather conditions lower or increase a persons BGLs, even if they continue to eat well and have the appropriate amount of carbohydrates included in their diet?

Laken - 10 - WA

I always get a really bad headache and vomit when I have a major hypo. I want to know if I get the headache because of the hypo or the hypo because of the headache?

Mel - 14 - VIC

If you have diabetes and you get pregnant is it a possibility your child will have diabetes?

Dane - 10 - NSW

I am type one diabetic and have insulin injections. I am 10 years old and have started to develop puberty. I would like to know if this is a common thing with type 1? Thanks

Katie - 11 - SA

I have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What sort of things do I need to keep with me all the time?

Katie - 11 - SA

I am thinking about asking my parents if I can give insulin by myself. My parents usually do it for me and I inject it but I don’t know how much to put in the syringe. How do I work it out?

Venessa - 31 - NSW

My 8 year old daughter is newly diagnosed diabetic. The last couple of days she has been complaining of nausea and vomiting a little bit. Please let me know what to do.

Diana - 17 - NSW

I’m type 1 diagnosed for 7 months. Why is my BGL high in the morning?

Sandy - 37 - SA

My daughter is 15 yrs old and has been type 1 since she was 8. This year she has started have irregular periods for the past two months they occur every 2-3 weeks. She is constantly pale in complexion and dark under eyes. We see her doctor this month in Adelaide but I am concerned about her. Is there any information on menstrual cycles and type 1 diabetes?

Julie - 43 - NSW

Hi my step daughter has had diabetes since she was 8. She is now 16. Her mother never gave her the right foods. Sometimes they didn’t even get dinner. Could this be a contributing factor? She is always in and out of hospital because she doesn’t look after herself.

Tamara - 37 - QLD

My 10 year old son was diagnosed type 1 in March. Can you tell me where I can get information regarding pumps? I would like to hear which ones are the best to use, the cheapest to run, and which ones are covered for installation by private health insurance. So far, I have been able to find out very little.

Sam - 17 - QLD

What is the impact of diabetes on the family?

Meegan - 32 - NSW

Hi, In January this year my then 19 month old daughter was diagnosed with type1 diabetes. Since then I have been trying to get her an ID bracelet to fit. Can you please advise if these can be viewed and purchased through Diabetes Australia or where I could purchase something of this nature? Also is there a standard of what should be inscribed for a child of 2 years on the bracelet. Many Thanks for your help with this.

Tammy - 33 - NSW

Could you please tell me if blood sugar levels for children are different from adults?

Anika - 24 - QLD

What happens if blood glucose levels are not controlled?

Kathryn - 11 - SA

I have just been diagnosed with diabetes, how can I tell my friends and is there anything I need to teach them if anything goes wrong?

Nicole - 16 - NSW

I have had diabetes for about 3 years now and I can’t take my needle or do blood tests sometimes. About a couple times a week I’ll actually take my needle. I’m supposed to test 4 times a day but I can’t and when I do bring myself to do it I cry and I never do my BGLs - I just can’t do it. I don’t tell people I have diabetes and I don’t like to eat. Sometimes I just forget and do what ever. I know it’s all bad but I can’t help it. I don’t tell my parents ‘cos I know they will worry. My mum knows I don’t like doing it and I was sent to a counsellor and psychologist but I won’t go ‘cos I don’t like talking to people about it and it makes me feel crazy and I’m scared of what might happen to me. I was wondering if you have any ideas on what might help me accept what I have.

Henry - 11 - NSW

I lost my hair about 3 weeks ago and I'd like to know if it is related to insulin injections??

Ashlin - 11 - QLD

What if you are too high, like over 30, what would you do then, drink lots of water or do exercise?

Lara - 7 - NSW

What is the best thing people like about diabetes?

Ashleigh - 11 - NSW

I have high ketones and a lot of high sugar levels. Is this normal?

Aleisa - 18 - QLD

My doctor has to put me on a short course of tablets called Primolut N, and was wondering if these could affect my BGL levels?

John - 8 - NSW

I've had type 1 diabetes since I was five and a half. This year I have put on weight. I have had sore feet mainly around the heels. Should mum take me to a podiatrist?

Wayne - 18 - WA

Can you tell me about sex and diabetes?

Nathan - 11 - NSW

Why does getting type 1 diabetes make us very thirsty?

Delilah - 4 - NSW

We are looking for feedback on insulin pumps; way of life and which brand are families using?

Elizabeth - 12 - NSW

Ok which one hurts the most needle or a novopen? What do most of the kids with type 1 diabetes say about that?

Vicki - Mum - QLD

How do cuts and minor injuries affect children with type 1 diabetes? What information should I know about injuries in children with type 1?

Chris - 44 - SA

My daughter has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, she is nearly 19 and has been driving for 2 years. She is desperate to start driving again but I am worried about hypo's because she has not had one yet. Should her diabetes be under control before she starts driving again?

Cait - 16 - VIC

I have had diabetes since I was 10 anyway if I had a baby what would be the percent/chance of my child having diabetes? Would it be high/low?

Lizzie - 13 - VIC

What can I do to make myself skinny and not go low?

Lizzie - 11 - VIC

I am almost 12 and have not had my period. I don’t know how diabetes will affect me and when my period will start.

Sandie - 12 - NSW

well...I don’t really know how to put this, I cant really control my diabetes well sometimes my blood sugars are fine and other times they are all over the place and I don’t know what I’m doin wrong. The hospital keeps increasing my insulin units but I still not sure what to do to keep my sugars levels stable?

Anita - 18 - QLD

Hi I have had diabetes for 11 years. I used to love having diabetes and being able to show all my friends my 'cool tester kit' but it's only been in the last couple of years that I have started to hate having diabetes and not testing and skipping my 4 times a day injections. Only for the last couple of weeks have I stopped giving my long acting insulin (Protaphane), and I have my short acting (Novorapid) every now and then through out the day. I don't test and I have started to feel the effects of all this. I was wondering what will happen in the long term if I continue doing this to my self? And every time that I try to get my self back into gear, I give up with in the next couple of days. I see a diabetic educator on the Sunshine coast but don't really feel that I have been getting my questions answered. I'm starting to worry about my self, but I just can't seem to be getting the help that I need. I know it has to be me who wants to get better, and I do.. But I need help to do so. Your suggestions would be greatly helpful, Thankyou, Anita

Jess - 17 - NT

We just found out my 12yr old cousin has type 1 diabetes. But she lives in the Netherlands. They are giving her 4 insulin shots a day and I’m not too sure whether that much is necessary. Is there a difference in medical expertise in Holland to Australia? It doesn’t seem like they know what they are talking about. Should I bring her back here (she's still an Australian citizen) or stay over there? I’m really worried that the doctors have made a wrong analysis with how much to insulin administer. They have serious problems with their health system over there. Is their life expectancy shorter over there? Will she be able to have kids? plz reply. I’m really worried about her.

Morgan - 15 - NSW

I was just diagnosed with diabetes these holidays and people in hospital and on the net were talking about pumps and I was just wondering what they were and what they do. Also can you please give me some more information about the ''camps'' and when the next ones are on thank you so much. If you have any helpful information about diabetes I could really do with some coz this is all new to me thanks

Alyssa - 11 - NSW

1) What should I do if I feel different and I cry about diabetes and coeliac because I think I’m way different and I don’t feel like I belong. 2) If I wrote a book on diabetes and how I cope and how I get on day to day would you be able to publish it? 3) Could I have some advice on looking after myself so mum doesn't have to worry any more?

Amy - 12 - NSW

I am starting to go through puberty and my readings are high, I would like a bit of information on it please.

Nicole - 15 - VIC

Can stress muck up your diabetes?

Jasmine - 12 - QLD

Hi my name is Jasmine and my ? is……why am I always high but today it was fine and yesterday it never went down.

Cat - 16 - VIC

If I were pregnant would the insulin I take harm the baby?

Linda - - NSW

I have a 21-year-old son. He has been diabetic for 10 years, he has never been compliant and has a drug problem. He has had frequent admissions to hospital for ketoacidosis (DKA). Any help and statistics on ketoacidosis would be gratefully received. Thank you. Concerned mum.

Amy - 11 - WA

How does diabetes change when I go through puberty? Do my readings go high?

Rachael - 14 - NSW

Can diabetics become pilots or surgeons?

Jeremy - 12 - QLD

Is pigment skin fungi common with diabetes?

Jeremy - 12 - QLD

Do you know where any programs are for recording BSL and dosages?

Alisha - 11 - WA

How do you cope with diabetes? How long is it with you for?

Amanda-lee - 17 - NSW

How does diabetes affect the socialisation process of adolescence?

Cara - 15 - VIC

Does your period affect the diabetes? Does the diabetes affect your periods?

Cara - 15 - VIC

Do you have longer periods then normal when you have diabetes? Why?

Cara - 15 - VIC

I have had diabetes for 4 years and each year I am embarrassed about when I do my test at lunchtime so I do it with the tester in my bag how can I stop this from happening without being embarrassed. When will they find the cure to diabetes?

Courtney - 11 - NSW

Does doing your insulin in a different place affect your sugars?

Cara - 15 - TAS

Does it take longer for sores to heal when you have diabetes?

Nicky - 14 - NSW

Why are my BGLs up and down when I’ve got my period?

Laura - 15 - NSW

Hi, I know that type 2 diabetes is associated with weight issues but do you get type 1 diabetes from poor eating and being over weight. I always get asked if I have diabetes because I didn’t eat properly when I was younger but I’m never actually sure why I was diagnosed. Having type 1 diabetes does not mean you were over weight does it? If it doesn’t then why does the media etc always associate having diabetes with being overweight. I always find it embarrassing telling people I have it because I’m scared they’ll think I’m fat. PS. I also think that there isn’t much awareness about diabetes around. I have heard a few times when people have asked what it is and they always reply with an answer that has nothing to do with diabetes. For instance a boy at my school asked our teacher what it was and she said that there are two types. She said that one type was because you are overweight, which is right, but she said the 2nd type is a very deadly disease that you get when you are born. This is just an issue that I have with diabetes. No one really understands what it is.

Laura - 15 - NSW

I’m looking for my first casual/part time job and was wondering about a few things. Being insulin dependent and having to eat around every 3 hours and having injections 3 times a day, do I have to tell the person employing me that I have to eat at these certain times and will they let me have that many quick breaks off from working to eat and have injections? I was thinking that they might think that I don’t really have to eat that much and that I am just using diabetes as an excuse to have a lot of breaks. Is there also away of getting a professional to talk to the boss and other employees about diabetes and how to tell if I am low and to raise awareness at the workplace. Also is it discrimination if you are not employed because the boss thinks you will be too much of a hassle having diabetes and you have to be constantly leaving and eating

Laura - 15 - NSW

Is there anything a diabetic should know before learning to drive. Are there any special requirements?

Sonya - 15 - WA

How does drinking alcohol affect your diabetes. Is it dangerous? How does doing drugs, like pot or other hallucinogens affect your diabetes? Is it more dangerous for diabetics than the average person?

Julie - 35 - NSW

I have a 17 year old daughter with type one diabetes, and I just found out she is pregnant (not planned), I need as much info as I can get. Can you help me find the info?

Jasmine - 11 - NSW

Hi, I was wanting to know if ketones will turn into ketoacidosis or if they are two different things?

Brittany - 9 - WA

Why can't diabetics wax their legs?

Beka - 15 - ACT

Can diabetes affect giving birth?

Anon - ? - QLD

My daughter is a type 1 diabetic for 4 years, she gets bad headaches. Was possibly diagnosed with occipital neuralgia, is this common in type 1?

Jane - 21 - QLD

I would like to know the most painless way to check my blood glucose level. Is there a non invasive meter on the market now? I was just diagnosed and all of this is new to me.

Maja - 27 - QLD

Hello, I want to know something about foot care. Thanks

Nor - 23 - WA

I am doing Diploma of Remedial Massage at TAFE. I would like to know what type of massage I can give a child with type 1 diabetes.

Anon - ? - QLD

I need info about pregnancy risks for type 1 diabetes

Nikki - 10 - QLD

Yesterday I was 8.1 then 31 without ketones how could I prevent this from happening again?

Nikki - 10 - QLD

What complications could I get at 10 years old?

Nikki - 10 - QLD

Why do BGLs go up and down so much?

Cody - 15 - NSW

Can you please give information where we can get a medic alert bracelet (other than the traditional ones)? We once saw a 'Mambo' band, something like a sports bracelet.

Natasha - 15 - NSW

What effect does stress have on diabetes?

Mel - 17 - VIC

I have had diabetes since the age of 13 and it’s never really been under control….I’m so used to it being high that when it’s normal it feels low….I don’t check my sugar levels and I miss taking my insulin a few times a week…..I don’t have a routine and I’m scared that if I don’t do something about it I won’t have the chance to live and have a family…..I really need some help on what I can do to get on top of my diabetes….please help me.

Amanda - 17 - ACT

Can type 1 diabetics give blood?