After reading multiple posts in the parents of type 1 kids group I want to cry! I am not more scared that my 2 year old daughter is going to develop it now and I now am not excited to try to get pregnant with another one. I am feeling so lost, sad, depressed because I don't want my sweet babies to devlope this disease and the more I read the more I think that I should not even attempt to roll the dice again for the fact that they could get diabetes let alone other issues...Help sisters!
Supposedly the statistical chances of having a child with type 1 just because you do is rather rare (around 5-7% supposedly). However, in my family, there are many type 1's, especially on my father's side, but also one on my mother's. My father is type 1, and two out of his three children are as well (including me).
HOWEVER! :) To me, this disease is not so horrible as to not be worth living, or wishing I had never been born! Every child has so much potential and is so precious no matter what physical challenges they face. I am so thankful that my parents "rolled the dice" because I have a wonderful life (in spite of type 1) and a wonderful family.
Also, diabetes itself is not the killer, but the symptoms, which are very avoidable with correct treatment, including (maybe especially) diet. If you have never read Dr. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution" it is incredibly hopeful to me and the more closely I follow it, the better my blood sugars are (and my sense of control and happiness).
He was a type 1 whose diabetes was out of control (in the days when diabetics weren't allowed to have their own test meters!) and who was already experiencing horrible side effects of diabetes in his 20's. When he was finally able to get a meter, he tested often and read everything he could about diet, eventually able to stabilize his blood sugars and reverse most of his symptoms (something his doctors didn't know how to do). He then decided to go to med school so he could help other diabetics and he has detailed all his treatment recommendations in his book (as well as testimonials- very encouraging!). He is now in his 70's, much healthier and happier than when he was in his 20's!
I hope I have encouraged you somewhat. Please, please read the book with an open mind. Diabetics CAN achieve normal, non-diabetic blood sugars (yes, without hypos), avoid diabetic complications, and live long, happy, successful lives :) God bless you and your sweet babies!
On the other hand, if you choose not have more biological children, I'm sure there are many who would love to be adopted by you. They will also have their own challenges, whether physical or emotional, just like we all do. None of us are perfect in every way, we all face challenges, but that gives us all something in common and a reason to be compassionate toward others as well :)
Nicole,
I think that you are really consumed with the thought that your children could develop diabetes. To be honest, everyone and every child can have some sort of percentage of developing "something" (unfortunately). If everyone always thought about the "what if's, the world we know would not exist. Is there a chance that your child "could" get diabetes? Yes, it may be possible. But, Is there a chance that your child could live a completely healthy life without diabetes? Yes. We take risks in life right? You have a healthy child right now and you need to take life day to day and when and if something happens you take care of it. Stressing about something that could happen is extremely bad for the mind.
Have you thought about talking to a therapist or someone about what you are feeling? What does your husband/or significant other feel about it? You shouldn't have to make a decision on your own.
I have to agree with Kathryn when she said that you can adopt instead. Unless you feel so strongly about having your own child.
Hope you figure something out that works best for you and your family. We are always here to listen!
Thank you both!!!! yes I agree, there are so many issues that children/adults can develop....unfortunately I make myself sick with worry.... down syndrome, diabetes, cancer, autism, adhd, turrets, mental retardation..... the list is endless. Probably why I waited so long to have kids in the first place (32).... you are right of course. I am not mad at my mom for having me. I was 11 when I got it so I could handle a little more than a 3 year old but I am one of 5. My mom developed it when she was pregnant with my last sibling so she is a type 1 now too... I do want a total of two children so I think I will spin the dice. I want a sibling for my beautiful daughter plus I would love to have another baby.... Thank you for the info. Yes I have read that book.... I also own his cookbook.... I did really good for two years with it (before pregnancy) I was trying to lose weight and it helped me incredibly... I just can't find those books again. Gina, thank you for your words of wisdom, I will get my A1C tighter in control and leave it up to God.
Nicole
You're very welcome!! I'm always here if you need to chat!! Hang in there !
My mom is type 1 as well as me (she got it at 19, I got it at 16) but I also have two completely healthy older brothers. I know there is a slightly higher chance of my son getting it than say someone who has no T1D's int he family. But I have made my peace with it. If anything, he would have me to lean on and learn from like I did with my mother. Silver linings! Plus he has a MUCH MUCH higher chance of never getting it. So I focus on that :)
Thanks Rebekah! Yeah I guess she would have me but I know how hard it was growing up and the struggles I just don't want my precious babies to have to go trhough that.
Nicole,
None of us do. As parents we try to do everything we can to prevent them from being hurt, sick and everything in between. Happy thoughts!