Honeymoon Period Type 1 Diabetes

The “Honeymoon Period Type 1 Diabetes” can be a very confusing time for new Type 1 Diabetics and their caregivers.

What doctors call the “Honeymoon Period” occurs when a person is first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and they begin taking insulin.

Their blood glucose levels can remain near normal and their symptoms may disappear.

Unfortunately, this is short-lived which is why it is so important to be working with your doctor so any adjustments can be made quickly before any complications can arise.

In this article, we will examine the honeymoon period, how long it can last, how it affects blood glucose levels and diabetes management during this confusing and emotional time.

What is Honeymoon Period Type 1 Diabetes

The honeymoon period usually occurs in the weeks or months immediately following diagnosis when treatment with insulin has begun.

At initial diagnosis, there may still be some insulin-producing cells functioning. This means the body is still able to produce some insulin.

While the body is producing some insulin there may be a reduced need for synthetic or additional insulin and some people may even stop using it altogether.

This can leave a person mistakenly thinking the Diabetes is gone and they are healed.

Unfortunately, the body will continue to destroy the remaining insulin-producing cells and the honeymoon period will eventually come to an end.

This will require frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels and regular injections of insulin.

It is so important to work closely with your doctor and report any difficulties immediately.

It doesn’t take long to become proficient at managing Type 1 Diabetes.

Does the Honeymoon Period Occur in Type 2

Some people with Type 2 Diabetes may experience a reduction in symptoms and blood glucose may return to somewhat normal levels shortly after diagnosis.

This is NOT the same as the Type 1 Honeymoon Phase.

With Pre-diabetes or Type 2, Diabetes doctors may advise lifestyle changes which may include regular exercise and a healthy diet.

These lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms of either Pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes.

As long as the person continues with these new lifestyle choices they may remain symptom-free.

However, if the person resumes their previous lifestyle choices, blood glucose levels can rise again.

How Long Does It Last

The honeymoon period usually begins within the first three months after the initial diagnosis.

During the honeymoon phase, people may experience blood sugar readings within a healthy range while taking little or no insulin.

Over time, as the remaining insulin-producing cells are destroyed, they will have less frequent readings within the normal range.

This signals the end of the honeymoon period.

The honeymoon period can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and each case is unique.

In the case of our five-year-old grandson, his “honeymoon period” lasted about three and a half months.

When it abruptly came to an end and we experienced some difficulty controlling his blood glucose levels.

They seemed to suddenly just go wacky, they were high, they were low but we just couldn’t get them in range.

Thankfully his doctors made adjustments to his insulin and his blood sugar levels are much more stable now.

Diabetes Management During Honeymoon Period

It is imperative to work with a doctor to determine the right dose of insulin during the honeymoon period.

Some doctors may recommend dietary changes and additional exercise with the hope of preserving the remaining insulin-producing cells a little longer.

It is necessary to closely monitor levels outside the target range to avoid Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and to treat either in the event of an occurrence.

Often doctors will try to extend the honeymoon period for as long as possible since blood sugar levels can be within healthy range during this time.

As long as blood sugar levels remain within a healthy range there is less risk of damage to other parts of the body.

It is always important to work closely with your health care team, follow the recommended treatment plan, and report any difficulties to your doctor immediately.

 

Conclusion

Unfortunately the “Honeymoon Period Type 1 Diabetes” is only a temporary phase and it will come to an end at some point.

It is once the Honeymoon Period is over that life with Type 1 Diabetes really begins.

Every day becomes a constant balancing act as you struggle to try to balance foods eaten and activity level with insulin injections.

Some days will be better than other days.

Common colds or flu can have a significant impact on blood glucose levels.

It is always important to carefully monitor blood glucose levels and follow your doctor’s advice on how to treat “highs” or “lows”.

Know what to do in an emergency just in case things go too crazy as they sometimes do, that is just part of living with Type 1 Diabetes.

You will adjust and you get to know what works and what doesn’t work for you or your loved one.

Currently, there is still no cure for Type 1 Diabetes which makes following your Diabetes Management Plan so important.

Working closely with your health care team will help you have an easier transition through the Honeymoon Period and can help you have fewer complications throughout the whole experience.

Remember, you and your body need time to adjust so just go with the flow. Every day will be a learning experience and you will get through this with a thorough understanding of how to best manage your Diabetes.

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