My 21 month old has type 1 diabetes

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2004
My 21 month old has type 1 diabetes
5
Wed, 01-14-2004 - 6:49pm
I just found out that my DS has type 1 diabetes...I am a wreck! The Dr is telling me to give him a regular diet. I have to test his blodd sugar 4x's a day and give him 2 shots of insulin. I am so scared! I am terrible about what are the right foods! I know what he can't have but I don't know what he CAN have? I am just looking for some support here, I am going to lose my mind!

~Kristin~
Avatar for coldfingers
Community Leader
Registered: 04-30-2000
Thu, 01-15-2004 - 12:52am

Hi Kristen and I am so sorry about your son!

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Avatar for 2sweet02
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Thu, 01-15-2004 - 9:16pm
I can not begin to understand how it must be to have a baby with this disease, but I will tell you that it will do him no good at all if you lose your head. This is my age (65) and what wisdom I have gained, speaking to you. These wonderful people here will help you when they can...even if it is only to prop you up for awhile. You will have to be a little more observant than the other mothers, but you 'will' learn what your baby's body is telling you. Have courage; it will come to you. 2sweet02

2sweet02

Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 01-16-2004 - 2:28am

Hi and welcome to the board. I am one of the community leaders for this board who has been a type 1 for over 28 years now and is also on a insulin pump. Oh Kristin, I am so terribly sorry to hear about your son being diagnosed with this disease. I can remember my mother having the same reaction when the doctor took her out of the room to give her the news. She came back in to me with tears just trickling down her cheeks like nothing and she tried so hard to tell me that it was all going to be ok, but also that I would be just fine. Let me just say that she had to go through so much as I did with her having to learn how to draw up my insulin and give me shots before the doctor would release me. At first the doctor thought that she malnutritioned me by not feeding me, but that was not the case it was due to my being diabetic and having super high blood sugars that I became boney and skinny. My mom learned what she needed to for me to go home, but due to her being so scared about the whole thing she kept me outof school since they also had no idea of how to deal with any of it

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2004
Fri, 01-16-2004 - 8:02pm
To Everyone!!

Thank you so much for your support. I have been doing well giving him his insulin shots and testing his blood sugar...he actually gives me his finger now when he see's the kit! he has been such a great sport that I think it's making it easier for me =0). The only problem I am having is food! He is so used to getting things all day and whatever he wants and now I have to feed him only 30 carbs a meal! It's soooo hard! Every meal has to be at the same time everyday!!!! That is hard...I also have a 6 yr old DD, and she doesn't quite understand that he can't have certain things that she can. I have tried to explain to her a little bit of what diabtetes is but I don't think she understands. This morning while he was eating his breakfast, she went out to the garage and got him a capri sun juice and gave it to him! naturally he wanted it but he was already at his max for his carbs! so he was screaming cuz it had to be taken away from him, it just makes me so sad ='0(. He just doesn't know what's wrong with him and is wondering now why he can't have these things! Once again, thanks so much for all of your kind words! ((((hugs)))

~Kristin~

Avatar for cl_d_minnick
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 01-17-2004 - 2:15am

Oh Kristin, what a real trooper you have with allowing you to check his blood sugar and to let you give him his shots as well. It looks like he is going to be just fine with the diabetes and will get use to it eventually even if it is seems so tough at times. It does tend to make a child grow ups quicker due to having to know more things due to this disease. I am so sorry ot hear that his sister tried to give him a juice that he couldn't have due to the carbs in the drink, but I have a suggestion for you with him liking juice. Try buying te sugar free ones that are made my kool aid and crystal light, because he can drink these ones all he wants to. If you find a juice that you need to add sugar to use a sugar substitute. There are also many sugar free candies now out there if he ever should want a piece of candy that your daught is eating in front of him. Things really have changed in making things more liveable then in my time when I was a child.


I am glad we could be of some support for you and do pray that things continue as they have been with him, because I know it seems that you have so much to deal with to make sure you take good care of him. Just know that we are all praying that things go as smoothly as possible for you and that he stays as healthy as possible. Also do remember that with this disease his immune is going to be weaker, so do your best to keep him away from those who are sick with anything that is easily catchable. Do take care, give him a big hug and kiss from me. Have a fabulous weekend!

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