[kcec05]

My daughter was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with type 1. I never imagined how much our lives would change from the words diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) the doctors kept throwing around.

The next several days were spent in a hospital ICU chair holding my babies iv filled hands.

After crash courses in type 1, injections, pumps, carb counting, ect.
I still have soooo many questions.

In all this I feel the biggest thing I am lacking/missing is another families experience with type 1 and a toddler.

Thank you for you time

[dano]

Welcome to the Forum!

I am sorry to hear of your daughter's diagnosis. There are several parents here that are walking the same path. Please feel free to share information or ask for help. Look for a diabetes support group in your area. Here is a website that may help you find a support group in your area. Good luck with your daughter's control and management. I wish you both well.

[daisydunn]

My 2 yr old daughter was diagnosed in december as well. It has been a huge emotional roller coaster. Getting adjusted to the different lifestyle was huge. One thing I tell myself is I will not let this disease change my families opportunities to have fun and for my children to be children. It just isn't fair to them. So after getting used to everything we do the exact same things we would do otherwise. So far so good! Hang in there!

[wcbritt]

My son was diagnosed as a young 5 yr. old. Hang in there. There is alot to learn but you'll get it. Remember, any good doctor or parent that has had to sit in the room watching their precious baby go through this will tell you that you will forever deal with growth spurts, IC ratios, what she can and can't eat, trends, etc. but managing diabetes is as much of an ART as it is a SCIENCE. I'd be happy to share our experiences with you if you'd like. He is now 7 and still constantly changes. Our house is fun, full of good food and he's as happy as can be!

Kris Britt
Carter's Dad

[chevyss79]

My son is 2 1/2 and just diagnosed 2.3.13, he was showing a few signs, so we borrowed a friends testing kit and he was off the charts high. So we brought him to the ER after talking to our pediatrician. This is all so surreal for everyone in the family. His numbers have been all over the place, most likely because he is still honeymooning. He is going to be getting a pump in 6-8 weeks. That should help with the numbers a little bit, hoping anyways.

[type1rachelle]

Although she's much older than your son, I mentor a 9 year old little girl with T1 and my biggest piece of advice for parents? introduce your child to as many people with T1 as possible! As he gets older, you might want to consider enrolling him in a diabetes camp? There's a very strange sort of loneliness/isolation that comes from having this disease and feeling like you're the only one in the world dealing with it. I can't tell you how much my own attitude towards self management has improved just from knowing dozens of T1s living their lives. as much as you will gain in education about this disease, there's a different perspective to actually having it and being exposed to people who share tips/tricks/frustrations really helps you not feel so alone. The little girl I mentor, after having a summer filled with getting to know me and other T1s, is now on an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, and she is incredibly active - soccer, swimming, running, etc. - the family doesn't let it hold them back in the least.

my second piece of advice? don't sweat the small stuff. you are not taking years off your son's life if he has an occasional high - of course it's scary, but the very nature of the disease makes it impossible to manage well 100% of the time. I think the best thing parents can do for a T1 child is treat it as a continual learning process, not so much as "good/bad" - also, make him/her independent in his/her own care. remember - you will not always be there. give the tools they need to take an interest, not treat it as a HUGE deal and let them experience their own mistakes and successes with this disease.

it's a maintenance thing - you have to manually do what other people's bodies do automatically. it's complicated at times, but if well controlled most of the time, it won't hold you back from anything, and it won't shorten your lifespan a bit. I know several T1s in their 70s still out there cycling and living it up.

[Brady12]

My son was diagnosed at the very young age of 17 months. That was 6 and a half years ago and I won't lie and tell you that it ever gets easier but it will become more manageable. This new reality will very quickly become your norm. Don't sweat the small stuff and always remember that this disease is not an exact science. Trust your instincts because after a while that will be your greatest tool. Reach out anytime you are stressed or have questions and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone and the parents of T1 kids stick together.
April
Supermom of Brady

[dtownjdm]

My son is 4 and was diagnosed less than two weeks ago. It's such a life changer but I tell myself that it will not change how we live our lifes. If you ever need to talk to maybe exchange info my email is dtownjdm@gmail.com ... I know it helps to know others with toddlers with type 1 diabetes

[shad.bonnie]

My son was diagnosed a month ago at this 3 yr old well check. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be but here is why: from the very beginning I found people that I could go to and ask questions. Find a group on Facebook or something where you can vent and ask questions. It will make this whole thing feel a like more normal and help you not feel alone. Remember people do this everyday and you can too. It is all about your attitude.