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We just found out my 6 year old son has type 1 diabetes

Niki - posted on 03/15/2012 ( 4 moms have responded )

Hi, I really need to hear some feedback from other Moms who have been through this.

I took my son to the dr. last week for a check-up because he was drinking so much. We found out he was positive for type 1 diabetes and were rushed to the hospital where we stayed for 5 days. It was exteamly overwhelming and so much information to learn. I have been home for 2 days and am a nervous wreck. Luckily this week is Spring Break and I have some time to get adjusted before he goes back to school. I'm terrified of him going back to school.

Please let me know how you all have been able to handle all of this. It breaks my heart that he has to go through all of this. He is just a little boy......

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Melissa - posted on 05/01/2012

I have 2 son's with TD1. One was diagnosed at age 3 (that was 7 yrs ago) and my 2nd was diagnosed at 4 (that was 2 years ago).
The first few weeks/months are hard.....take it day by day.
As for school, definitely have everyone that comes in contact with him trained on signs and symptoms of lows and highs and actions to take.
I have little bags of juice and crackers in every room that the boys would be in like music, PE, art etc. Just in case of a low.
As for home, it does get easier as you learn how to cook and bake low carb/low sugar.
I have found that carb counting is easier than the exchanges that sometimes are suggested.
Also getting him on the insulin pump instead of shots is the best thing since sliced bread ;)...
Makes life soooo much easier.
You'll get through these next few months.... It'll be hard but soon it will be just a way of life. You probably feel like your world is up side down and tilted!! HUGS
I promise it will get better.
But even now, 7 years later I still might have a moment every few months where I just HATE diabetes and that my boys have to deal with this crappy disease. I go have a good cry and then move on. My boys are my heroes, they make it all look so easy!!!!!
Hugs and postive thoughts going out to you!!!!!

Sarah - posted on 04/18/2012

It can be very overwhelming at first but just remember to take it day by day or minute by minute if you need to. It will become easier over time. Try to stay as positive as you can, it will make a huge difference! Type 1 Diabetes is not a death sentence, it could be so much worse! Know that he can live a healthy happy life just like you! I always say that we always eat and do the same things. It is something that we all live with, not just my son. My son is 12 now, but has been diagnosed for just 2 years. We just started on the insulin pump in Jan and what a difference that has made! Keep your chin up! You have a lot of support here! Feel free to ask any of us questions or message us if you need to vent!!

Doris - posted on 03/19/2012

My daughter Natalie was diagnosed in 2008 at the age of 3. She will be 7 next month. The 1st few months are very overwhelming but at time goes on and it becomes part of every day life it gets much easier. Before you know it, you won't remember what it was like without diabetes. Eventually he will be able to get an insulin pump and that too will make things a little easier. Also the artificial pancreas is being tested and will be approved in the next few years. (It's when the insulin pump & continuous glucose monitor (CGM) work together automatically) .

As far as school, make sure every adult he comes in contact with knows he has type 1 in case an emergency ever arises. Make sure the school nurse and/or teachers are trained (if a nurse is not available at the school at all times) Some parents find comfort in having a testing kit and low emergency kit in every room their child is in. I on the other hand have a wonderful nurse who handles all the finger pricking and dispensing of insulin and handling the lows. It's really jsut a preference. If he takes a bus, make sure the bus garage and drivers for that route are made aware that he has type 1.

How to handle? Day by day. Just remember your little boy is the same, he just has type 1 and needs a little extra care. But type 1 is very managable and he will still be able to live a normal life and grow up to be whatever he wants to be. Good luck! You can always inbox me if you have any questions.

Celeste - posted on 03/17/2012

My daughter Maddy was diagnosed when she was 25 months - the first 6 months are rough - know that it does get easier. There is a lot to learn. Unfortunately, this is becoming more common - the good news about that is that it is likely his school nurse will have dealt with other children with diabetes. My daughter is now in kindergarten and there is another child with diabetes in the kindergarten center. Tudiabetes.org is a great resource as well as ChildrenwithDiabetes.org. You have alot to get used to now but when you are adjusted to the carb counting and how excercise affects him - see if you can get him on a pump - it helped us feel like we are not controlled by her diabetes - it gives you more freedom.

Good Luck - you can do this!

Celeste

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