After you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – whether as a child or an adult – you may experience something called the honeymoon phase.
This phase can be a relief for many people. Your blood sugar levels may be stable and insulin needs may decrease. But what does this really mean?
With the help of Rachel Calendo, a pediatric nurse practitioner and diabetes program manager with Banner Children’s, here are five key things to know about the honeymoon phase of type 1 diabetes.
What is the honeymoon phase?
“The honeymoon phase refers to a period early after a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes,” Calendo said.
During this time, your body seems to work better. Your blood glucose (sugar) levels may stabilize and you may need less insulin. You may also notice fewer signs of high or low blood sugar. However, it’s important to remember that this is temporary and doesn’t mean the diabetes is going away.
What causes the honeymoon phase?
Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This process is slow, meaning people with type 1 diabetes can still have some working beta cells.
“We think the honeymoon phase happens because the exogenous insulin we give for diabetes treatment slows down this immune attack, allowing beta cells that are still left to do their usual jobs of releasing insulin in appropriate amounts to help regulate glucose,” Calendo said.
Eventually, most of the remaining beta cells will be destroyed and the honeymoon phase will end as the pancreas stops making insulin to control blood sugar.
Can I stop taking my insulin during the honeymoon phase?
The honeymoon phase can be very confusing, especially if your child is recently diagnosed. You may think the diabetes has gone away or that it was misdiagnosed.
However, it’s very important to continue insulin therapy. Insulin needs may fluctuate during this time and closely monitoring blood sugar levels is essential to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), both of which can have serious health consequences.
It’s important to communicate with your health care team during this time, so they can help you make any adjustments.
How long is the honeymoon phase?
The honeymoon phase is different for everyone. Factors like age at diagnosis, overall health and how well diabetes is managed can influence how long this phase lasts. For some, it may only last a few weeks. For others, it can stretch into several months or even longer.
Eventually, your pancreas will stop producing enough insulin. “This means you will need more insulin again to manage your blood sugar levels,” Calendo said.
It’s important to know that this phase is temporary. You might feel great now but preparing for when things change is important. Understanding this can help you feel more in control of your diabetes journey.
Preparing for what comes next
The honeymoon phase, while temporary, is an important time to begin understanding the basics of managing diabetes. The focus should be on building good habits and preparing for future changes. Here are some steps to help navigate this time:
- Check your blood sugar regularly: Continue to check your blood sugar levels several times a day. Use a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Your health care team will guide you on how often to test.
- Anticipate fluctuations: During this phase, your pancreas may still release insulin unpredictably. This means your blood sugar levels can swing, especially if you've already given yourself insulin in preparation for a meal. “If you give yourself insulin for carbs or high glucose, and the pancreas releases insulin at the same time, this can cause low glucose,” Calendo said.
- Stay informed: The honeymoon phase is a time to learn about diabetes, even though your insulin needs may change frequently. Focus on learning how insulin and food affect your blood sugar rather than trying to fully understand your body's long-term patterns during this time.
- Communicate with your health care team: The honeymoon phase can feel overwhelming. Regular check-ins with your health care team are essential. They can help you adjust insulin doses as needed and guide you through any challenges. “You are not alone,” Calendo said. “Your health care team is there to guide you through these changes, so maintain open communication to stay on top of your management.”
- Build a support system: Share your experiences and feelings with friends, family or others who understand what you're going through. A strong support system can make a big difference in how you manage your diabetes. “Leaning on your support network, whether it’s family, friends or a diabetes group, can help you feel less isolated during this phase,” Calendo said.
- Practice healthy habits: Focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle with healthy eating, regular exercise and stress management. These habits can help you feel physically and emotionally better as you manage your condition. “Building healthy habits during this time sets a foundation for better diabetes management in the future,” Calendo noted. “These habits will benefit you long after the honeymoon phase ends.”
Takeaway
The honeymoon phase is an important learning period in your journey of managing type 1 diabetes.
While this phase is temporary, it can be a valuable part of your diabetes journey. Staying positive and proactive can make a significant difference in managing your health. You are not alone. Lean on your diabetes team for guidance and support.
