NOVEMBER IS DIABETE AWARENESS MONTH

[shabby.chic]

It's Diabetes Awareness Month.

My son was dx 2 years ago with Type 1 Diabetes. I thought that instead of going on about statistics and such-which can get boring- I would just share some things I've written or some experiences we've had along the road.

I would love if anyone who has diabetes in their lives-no matter the type-would share their stories with me.

There is so much misinformation about diabetes in general-so I would also be happy to answer any questions.

Humor me ladies. : )

11-18

Ok-so this is something I wrote yesterday. I took my son for his bloodwork. The last two times, he fought and screamed. So we've been playing doctor to prepare. He did so good. But he did cry as I held him in my arms, and begged both me and the lab tech not to do it. It was heartbreaking. Afterwards I took him shopping, and blew money I didn't have, but I would do anything for my brave little man.

I always knew I would play pretend with my child. 
I never imagined we would be practicing for the multitude of doctors he visits instead.

I expected bumps and bruises.
I did not expect pinhole fingertips and bruises from needles.

I looked forward to my baby growing into a responsible young man.
I didn't think he would have to be so responsible before he even turned 6.

I carried him in my womb and dreamt of the endless possibilities for his future.
I now have nightmares thinking of what his future could hold.

I just knew we would share the same unquenchable sweet tooth.
I didn't know someday candy would be like medicine for him.

I looked forward to all the cuddles and hugs.
I can't even look him in the eye after holding him down so he can endure more pokes.

I pictured him sleeping soundly in his room as I quietly slip out his bedroom door.
I now visit him in the middle of the night to disturb his peaceful sleep with more pokes.

I was aware that nothing is ever certain in life.
I have no doubt now that with diabetes, nothing will ever be certain for him.

I knew children got sick.
I just never dreamed it would happen to my son.

11-24

Type 1 diabetes is what I call the overlooked disease. People with it look otherwise healthy, so it is assumed their lives must not be that disrupted. How wrong they are. Sometimes I wish people could glimpse a day in my sons life. It takes so much for me to keep him healthy and well. Everything is a balance. Every carb he eats has to be counted, insulin has to be calculated, blood sugar has to be checked throughout the day. If he plays too hard, his blood sugar is affected. In fact, every moment of every day, I have to think about what he has done or eaten and how it's going to affect his blood sugar. And Lord forbid he get sick. The scariest part for me though-someday it will become his disease, and I don't know how I'll ever let go : (

Here's another scary fact. People die from Type 1 diabetes every day. Sometimes it's from going undiagnosed, and they go into DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) where the body basically turns against itself. This is what happened to Sam 2 years ago, and no lie, it happened within hours. Thank God we took him in in time.

But they also die in other ways.  Undetected low blood sugar is nothing to mess with. It's why so many parents of t1 children can't sleep-there's a phenomenon called dead in bed, where they person goes to bed and never wakes up-assumed low blood sugar while they are sleeping. I often sneak into my sons room at night. Or rebellious teenagers who lie about taking insulin and end up in DKA. Then there are the future complications, like loss of vision, amputation, heart and kidney diseases.

This is why I so strongly advocate diabetes awareness. People need to stop assuming that because they are on insulin, everything is fine. It's not. I

INSULIN IS NOT A CURE-IT'S LIFE SUPPORT.