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Just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?

If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes you might be feeling upset, angry, scared, shocked and confused. Don’t worry—these are normal reactions to being told you have diabetes. Most young people with type 1 diabetes never forget the day they were diagnosed, and it often takes a while for it all to sink in.

Remember help and support is available and you are not alone, and:

  • Make sure you are registered with the NDSS. It is free to register and provides cheap products and free services to people with diabetes. Search healthdirect for a community pharmacy in your area.
  • Find and register for upcoming NDSS support programs. You can also call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 or contact your local diabetes organisation (NDSS Agent).

    There is a Diabetes Australia office in each state and territory that can help and support you and let you know about local activities and programs. You can become a member of your local diabetes organisation. Membership provides access to many valuable services and benefits available only to people who pay an annual subscription fee to be a member of the Diabetes Australia organisation in their state or territory.

What to expect

Managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging at first. You will need multiple daily injections of insulin and blood glucose tests. You’ll also need to carefully calculate your diet and physical activity to make sure you aren’t eating too much or too little of certain foods like takeaway food and soft drinks, and that you regulate your glucose levels when exercising.

You may find that you react in many different ways to your diabetes. There are times when you’ll feel that you have this diabetes thing beat and other times when it may be quite overwhelming. Only you will know what it is like and how you feel on any given day. Your health professionals will tell you what you need to do to manage and treat your diabetes, but be prepared for times when you just think ‘I can’t do this’. Always remember that while you will have some good and some bad days, there are people who can and want to help you.

For more information on the treatment and management of diabetes visit as1diabetes.com.au.

Read more in our fact sheet

Understanding type 1 diabetes fact sheet

If you have type 1 diabetes, looking after your diabetes is important for good health. It can reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

Available in other languages Download now

Peer support brings people with similar experiences together

Peer support is connecting with peers—who are similar to you—living with diabetes. Peer support can take many forms, including a casual conversation with a peer to a formal, face-to-face, structured group.

Read more about peer support in our fact sheets.

Peer support for diabetes fact sheet

Connecting with other people who have diabetes is an effective means of accessing peer support. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel less alone.

Download now
Adjusting to life with diabetes fact sheet

A diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. First reactions may be disbelief, sadness, anger or self-blame. Usually, these feelings ease after a while and diabetes becomes part of life.

Download now

Find out more about peer support.

Telling your friends and family

One of the hardest things to do may be telling your friends. There can be confusions and different ideas about diabetes. Your doctor or diabetes educator should be able to give you advice about how to tell your friends… but only you can decide when. Friends can be great sources of support and fun which is important. Read more about relationships.

Telling your teachers and employers

It is important that your school or work knows that you have diabetes—if only because you may need to inject yourself, take extra breaks for food and checking or one day you may have a hypo and need to rest and recover from it.

While not compulsory, it is advisable to declare your diabetes to your employer. If you don’t, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation.

There is more information about telling teachers and employers in living with diabetes. You can also contact the Advocacy Officer in your state or territory for further advice.

 What to look out for

When something is not right with your blood glucose levels you can have a hypo or hyper.

‘Hypo’

‘Hypo’ is short for hypoglycaemia—which means low blood glucose levels. When your BGLs drop you might find yourself with some of the following symptoms:

  • weakness
  • trembling and shaking
  • paleness
  • dizziness
  • sweating
  • behaviour change—tearful, irritable
  • confusion and lack of concentration
  • headache
  • hunger
  • numbness around lips and fingers

It’s important for you (and your family, friends and colleagues) to recognise the signs of a hypo and be ready to treat it. If you ignore the symptoms, you could have a severe hypo where you become unconscious. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly!

Starburst LolliesLifesaversApple juice
K-Time TwistsCokeJellybeans
Sesame snacksJellybabiesHoney on bread
Hot tips for… food to take for a hypo (as recommended by other young people with diabetes)

Read more in our fact sheet.

Managing hypoglycaemia fact sheet

Hypos can occur in people who use insulin and some other types of glucose-lowering medications. Learn about how to recognise the signs and manage hypoglycaemia.

Download now

‘Hyper’

‘Hyper’ is short for hyperglycaemia—when you have high blood glucose levels. Signs that you are having a hyper can include:

  • thirst
  • needing to pee often
  • tiredness
  • headache
  • sore stomach
  • blurred vision
  • not feeling hungry

You can get more details about Hyperglycaemia – symptoms, risks and management on the Diabetes Australia website.

Free access to diabetes programs

Learn to manage your diabetes confidently with diabetes programs, available face-to-face and online. Register for a diabetes program.

Starting out with type 1 diabetes

This live webinar is for people who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Find an online program.

Starting out with type 1 diabetes (parents, support people)

This webinar is for parents, carers and families of newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes

Find an online program.

Pre-recorded webinars

We have a range of pre-recorded webinars available to watch at anytime from anywhere.

Find a pre-recorded webinar.

Featured resources

Understanding type 1 diabetes fact sheet

If you have type 1 diabetes, looking after your diabetes is important for good health. It can reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

Available in other languages Download now
Peer support for diabetes fact sheet

Connecting with other people who have diabetes is an effective means of accessing peer support. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel less alone.

Download now
Adjusting to life with diabetes fact sheet

A diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. First reactions may be disbelief, sadness, anger or self-blame. Usually, these feelings ease after a while and diabetes becomes part of life.

Download now
Managing hypoglycaemia fact sheet

Hypos can occur in people who use insulin and some other types of glucose-lowering medications. Learn about how to recognise the signs and manage hypoglycaemia.

Download now

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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