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2 years after my epilepsy diagnosis I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I’ve never been good with numbers and after seizures started happening it got even worse. I can’t count past 25 and my addition ends at 10+10 and sometimes that’s a challenge. I’m on insulin and after 10 years of diabetic classes, diabetic nutritionist and even diabetic nurse appointments I just can’t figure out my system. Any T1D with epilepsy who have the same problem? I have joined and left so many groups on Facebook to… read more

June 7
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Sorry, I wish I could help but I can't. I am lucky. My memory is better today than it has been my whole life!

June 10
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

First of all there are a lot of us with both! Tips I've learned: Write your food estimates on paper, not just in your head. With my memory loss I can't remember my numbers. Also, if you've injected your insulin and then have a seizure & can't eat, grab a protein shake with carbs. Owyn is a good brand. You'll get your carbs. Last, try 'My T1 Diabetes Team. It's a clone of this forum for us diabetics. Not as good but definitely worth it.

June 13
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hi. Good evening. Welcome to the group!

June 10
MyEpilepsyTeam

First, it means a lot that this feels like a safe space — that's exactly what it should be. What you're carrying is genuinely heavy, and the exhaustion you're describing makes complete sense. Managing two serious conditions while also dealing with memory and number challenges after seizures? That's a lot for anyone.

The good Show Full Answer

First, it means a lot that this feels like a safe space — that's exactly what it should be. What you're carrying is genuinely heavy, and the exhaustion you're describing makes complete sense. Managing two serious conditions while also dealing with memory and number challenges after seizures? That's a lot for anyone.

The good news is you're absolutely not alone. Type 1 diabetes is a known comorbidity of epilepsy, and many people navigate both together. Here are some practical strategies that may help take the math and memory burden off your plate:

- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Devices like a CGM track blood sugar automatically and alert you when levels go too high or low — no counting required
- Insulin pump with automated dosing: Some pumps can communicate with a CGM and adjust insulin automatically, reducing the need to calculate bolus doses manually
- Pre-portioned meals: Working with a nutritionist to create a set meal plan with fixed carb counts removes the need to calculate each time
- Pill/insulin reminder apps: These can alert you when it's time for medication so forgetfulness becomes less of a risk
- Caregiver or support person involvement: Having someone help double-check doses can add a safety net

The key ask here would be to bring these specific challenges — the difficulty with numbers and memory after seizures — directly to your neurologist and endocrinologist together if possible. Framing it clearly ("I cannot reliably count carbs or calculate doses") may open doors to tools and referrals that simplify the process significantly. One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared something that really resonates here: *"Just set up your routine and go for it. Stay on the path."* Routines can be a game-changer — when the same meals, same doses, and same schedule repeat daily, there's far less calculating to do.

You deserve a system that works *for your brain*, not against it. Keep advocating for that with your care team. 💙

June 7

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