Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition characterised by the body’s inability to produce insulin. Without insulin, cells are unable to absorb sugar and convert it into energy. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels.
It is vital to understand that Type 1 Diabetes is not a consequence of your lifestyle or dietary choices.
Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes can be an overwhelming experience. It represents a significant change in one's life.
You may be anxious about the future. You may also feel overwhelmed by the new skills you need to acquire to manage your condition.
At NUH, your healthcare team is committed to supporting you in adapting to this new phase of life.
Our aim is to assist you in leading a fulfilling life, a goal many have successfully achieved. We encourage you to remain hopeful.
At NUH, you are supported by a comprehensive healthcare team, ensuring you are not alone in this journey. Your team includes:
It is common to feel overwhelmed initially when learning new skills. Focus on these basic skills first.
Like learning something new for the first time, it's normal not to master everything immediately. Allow yourself time to adapt and improve through practice.
Because your body is unable to produce insulin, it needs to administered through injections. You will be prescribed with two types of insulin:
Self-injection might seem daunting initially. For a practical guide on insulin injection and tips for a less painful experience, click here.
Regularly checking your blood sugar levels helps you understand your body better and also enables your healthcare team to offer more effective support. It will take some time to stabilise your blood sugar levels, please remain patient during this process.
Learn about glucose monitoring here.
Your blood sugar might drop below 4 mmol/L due to an imbalance between your insulin dose and food intake, or due to other factors like physical activity. Learn how to manage low blood glucose effectively with this quick reference.
Step 1: Healthy eating and reducing sugar intake
Begin by focusing on healthy eating habits and minimising sugar intake. Avoid simple sugars like those in sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets to reduce large spikes in blood sugar levels.
Step 2: Identifying carbohydrates and practicing portion control
As you monitor your blood sugar levels, you may begin to notice that the more carbohydrates you consume, the higher the blood sugar levels will rise. Carbohydrates are found in foods like rice, noodles, root vegetables (e.g. potatoes), bread and sugary foods or drinks.
You may also observe blood sugar levels dropping to hypoglycaemia levels (<4 mmol/L) after eating, if you eat too little carbohydrates.
Therefore, recognizing carbohydrates and practicing portion control can help you keep your blood sugar levels within target range. For more information on carbohydrates and food label reading, visit Diabetes and Food.
Step 3: Learning carbohydrate counting
As you become more adept, consult your healthcare team about learning carbohydrate counting and adjusting meal-time insulin doses based on what you plan to eat. This will enable you to eat a variety of meals more confidently. A dietitian can provide tailored guidance to enhance your confidence in managing a diverse diet.
Being diagnosed, discussing, and following up on the treatment plan, thinking about and experiencing the effects of diabetes on our health - these new information and things to do can feel overwhelming. Another common stressor includes managing the changes in lifestyle. Some people may be concerned about the cost of treatment while others may have fears about their future or possible diabetes complications.
Everyone reacts to a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes differently. It is often difficult to take in the diagnosis immediately. It is normal to ask 'why me?' or to feel sad, angry, helpless or worried about your future.
Common Reactions:
Some of these initial feelings are common after receiving a life-changing diagnosis. However, some of these emotions may become more pervasive and there may be a possibility of developing diabetes distress, depression, or anxiety. In such situations, it is important to seek help.
Diabetes distress refers to the overwhelming stress one may feel in relation to managing your diabetes – understandably so given the numerous self-care behaviours to follow. Diabetes distress may result in worse diabetes self-care and glycemic management.
Some symptoms of diabetes distress include:
While feeling stressed is a common reaction to receiving a diagnosis of diabetes, for some people the distress may be overwhelming and persistent - affecting one’s social interactions, relationships, work, studies, and other important aspects of your life.
Depression is one mood disorder that can unfortunately be common after a diabetes diagnosis. Individuals are approximately two to three times more likely to develop depression after a diabetes diagnosis.
Some symptoms of depression include:
Some people may also develop an anxiety disorder, which occurs when one’s feelings of fear and worry are uncontrollable and overwhelming – contributing to preoccupation of diabetes management and affecting their quality of life.
Some symptoms of anxiety disorder include:
There is no set timeline of recovering from the emotional impact. However, if your low mood or anxiety persists for more than two weeks and you notice it affecting your social interactions or ability to perform in school or at work, do seek support from professionals. These professionals can help with your recovery process, as you learn new ways of coping to readjust to a life with diabetes.
Most people have various ways of coping with difficult situations, which we learnt over time. After a stressful event like a diabetes diagnosis, you may find that you need to expand your coping repertoire.
Additionally, sharing your diagnosis isn't easy. You may feel uncomfortable talking about it or be unsure of how others will respond. Having other people know will help you and your family share your anxiety and fears. You don't have to face diabetes alone.
Some people may have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These thoughts can be distressing and difficult to manage. Visit the A&E department of your nearest hospital or approach SOS by calling (1767) or texting (9151 1767) to stay safe during a crisis.
It can be helpful to meet other people who live with diabetes and talk about your experiences.
Based in Singapore, typeOne.sg serves as a support group for individuals, caregivers and family members of those with Type 1 Diabetes. This platform allows you to learn more about others’ experiences and share your own. For further information, click here.
Diabetes Singapore is dedicated to raising awareness and offering education and support for individuals living with diabetes. The society facilitates a Diabetes Support Group and organises public forums. Learn more about membership opportunities here.
Touch Diabetes Support engages in promoting diabetes awareness through various talks and events. To discover upcoming events, follow their FaceBook page or contact Touch Diabetes Support directly.
You may also want to get more professional support and speak to a counsellor or psychologist face-to-face. Speak to your hospital team and they will advise you on how you can do this.
Sometimes it can be hard supporting a person with diabetes, even if it’s your partner, child, or close family member. You could be worried about them or trying hard to encourage them to make lifestyle changes. You may need support for your emotions too. TypeOne.sg and Diabetes Singapore provides community self-care workshops and support groups for family members of people with diabetes.
Additionally, understand that adapting to diabetes management is a new and confusing aspect for people who are newly diagnosed. You can support your loved one by:
