My 3yr old daughter was just dx T1 last month, currently honeymooning. Looking to find someone in the same boat. (preferably from Canada so units of measurement are the same) Thanks and good luck to all you parents.
hi, my son is 41/2 when he was dx in Aug this year. we are living in Toronto,
I'm sorry both of your kids are having to go through this. Just know that even though it will be different, he and she can both have long healthy lives.
I was diagnosed at age 4 and have now had diabetes for 34 years with no complications. This was before glucose meters or the fast modern insulins. Through most of my teens I rebelled and had bad control, but finally grew out of it. I've graduated from college, had busy jobs, traveled a lot, married, and have a (non-diabetic) son of my own. While I'd never choose to be diabetic, it has helped me in some ways. Guess it's like any adversity... not fun to exprience, but builds character.
Thanks so much, Jenna. It is great to hear success stories, because of course I worry for her future. We are striving for tight control over her sugars, but the honeymooning is making it challanging. My hopes for her are to continue to travel her own path, where ever that may lead, and stay healthy while doing that. I also have a new baby, who is 7 weeks and I worry that she too will one day be diabetic.
The statistics are that 25-30% of type 1 diabetics have a family history. So most of us don't have any relatives with diabetes. Type 1 is a genetically dominant gene, but there are many known and unknown factors that contribute to diabetes developing.
When I became a parent I was pleasantly surprised to learn my son statistically only has a 2% chance of developing type 1 himself. It's more likely than if he didn't have a diabetic mom, but still, not as bad as I thought.
There's only a little of research on it, but I am compelled on the studies that link Vitamin D deficiencies to developing diabetes. The thinking is that because countries in the far north (Norway, Canada) have higher levels fo diabetes that there's a link to lack of sun and Vitamin D deficiency. Also many diabetics have lower levels of Vitamin D and need supplements. I was a kid in Minnesota when I developed diabetes and figured that if Vitamin D may make diabetes more or less likely, then it wouldn't hurt to have my son take supplements. It's especially easy for kids because of the chewable Vitamin D tablets, found in health food stores, that taste like lemon candy. I also make sure he gets lots of outside time.
Part of being a mom is worrying over your kids. I think it's normal as your baby grows to watch out for diabetes symptoms, but it's more likely that he or she won't develop diabetes. I know not worrying is easier said than done.
You probably have diabetes info overload right now, but when you have time check out this list of diabetes books. www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_06_b00.htm
This link has the Pink Panther Diabetes Book published by the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes in Denver, Colorado. It's a great quick resource for family and caregivers. You can review chapters on this link or order a hardcopy. www.ucdenver.edu/.../UnderstandingDiabetes.aspx
Another of my favorites is a diabetes book that's great for type 1 or 2. www.amazon.com/.../0738213209