Nothing can prepare anyone for the unexpected diagnosis of Type One Diabetes. But, that’s what our son of 18 years of age has just been diagnosed with.
We went from a simple doctor’s visit to address a persistent sore throat to being in ICU on a ventilator in a matter of 36 hours. That’s how fast Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) can take over.
Thankfully, we are home now recovering and learning how to cope and manage this disease.
You may be asking, how could you have missed the signs? Well, it’s not hard to do when your teenage son is simply being a teenager. He typically eats more than the rest. He’s normally drinking a lot of water. He chooses to lose and gain weight as he desires. A sore throat? We all have one from time to time and we endure it. Who would say, I bet you have diabetes?
Plus, now he is sharing symptoms he had that as a typical teenager he ignored and never told us, such as leg cramps, shortness of breath that prevented him from running as he typically does, a gradual decline in strength and ability to lift as much weight at the gym, and EXTREME Thirst that woke him up at night to satisfy.
In hindsight, yes, there were symptoms, but I can’t say I would have jumped to the conclusion that he has diabetes. He’s 18 and healthy.
So, First Lesson for parents of Newly Diagnosed Type One Diabetics: Don’t dwell on the past. Be grateful that now you know and you are on the road to learning how to manage this disease.
Second Lesson: Become an Expert in Managing your Child’s Care
It is very overwhelming how much you have to learn quickly. You have to let others help you. You must ask your questions without hesitation.
Learn by doing. When you are being taught how to check your child’s blood glucose, do not leave the office or hospital without actually doing the test yourself. Same thing with insulin injections. You or your child, depending on age, must have personally delivered the insulin, not just been shown how to do it.
Get a notebook and start documenting. Document Meals. Document Times of meals. Document Blood Glucose readings and times of readings. Document Insulin Injections and Dosage. All these numbers help your health practitioners help your child improve.
Designate a spot for supplies. Get a box for needles, insulin, glucometer and test strips. There are a lot of supplies. Keep them in one place. Have an “On the Go” Tote Bag handy too. Never leave home without necessary supplies and meals or a plan for meals in advance.
See a Dietitian Right Away! I have never seen an insurance plan that did not cover the expenses of diabetes education, including the services of a Registered Dietitian. You will need immediate help with counting carbohydrates so that you can manage your child’s care and insulin therapy properly.
Teach your child how to independently manage his disease as soon as you can. The more independent he is, the higher likelihood of having controlled diabetes.
Finally, Don’ Be a Victim to the Disease. Do what you have to do to overcome the shock of the new diagnosis and return to normal routine as soon as you can.
For more information on how to properly manage your child’s diabetic diet, feel free to give me a call or send me an email anytime.
Cheers to health and wellness!
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