LADA

[NewLada]

I’m currently 47 and I was recently discharged from hospital after having treatment for DKA. They think I’m Lada, awaiting blood test results for confirmation, but I’m now insulin dependent. I also use the freestyle libre.

it all came out of the blue and honestly a huge shock for me, getting to terms with it all.

Is there anyone with Lada able to share any experiences and how they’ve learned to cope with their new diagnosis?

What do you do when you go out for a meal or your friend invites you for drinks? Or even tea and cake - do you take insulin before having the cake or do you say no thank you? How soon after diagnosis did you tell your friends and were they supportive/understanding?

Not sure what else to ask… one minute I’m absolutely fine and feeling positive but the next minute I feel hopeless. Any words of wisdom is gratefully received. Thank you

You wait until your diagnosis is clarified, and then you discuss in detail with the diabetes clinic how to manage it. You may find a closed loop system (https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/technology/closed-loop-systems) a good option.

Thank you @LoserWinner, never heard of closed loop system but looks great. I’m still using insulin pens so that will probably be my next step.

Hi OP. Once you get a confirmed diagnosis, the diabetes team will point you towards resources such as apps that will help you learn to count the carbs in each meal. This helps you dose your insulin accordingly. You will have to do a bit of experimenting about what approach works best for you around dosing, the diabetes nurse will help you with this. Usually it will be appropriate to have at least some insulin before eating, but sometimes it may be better to have it after (perhaps if you're not sure how much you'll be eating). Try not to worry, there is good support now.

Thank you @MujeresLibres. Yesterday we were at a restaurant and my sugar level was already quite low (5mml/L ish) and injected my insulin before a meal but it kept going low to 3.2 and I suddenly had a panic attack. Couldn’t wait for my main meal (which was low ish carb anyway) went straight to buffet dessert. Being a newbie I didn’t have a clue how much cake to have and 2 hours later my glucose was through the roof I felt the need to exercise to bring it down! So much anxiety around eating and hypers / hypos. It’s so depressing

Sorry to hear that OP. If you're using one of the fast-acting ones like Novorapid, they do kick in fairly quickly. Please talk to the diabetes nurse, I don't know your circumstances so can't provide advice, and s/he will be much more helpful. I do find those little cocktail cans of original coca cola provides just enough fast carbs to quickly raise blood glucose (about 15g) without sending it skyrocketing.