November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Personally I know what it is to suffered from Diabetes.
I was diagnosed in my late 40's with Type 2 Diabetes,
but fortunately with a modification in my diet, exercise, and losing
weight, I was able to reverse this diagnosis. Today, I don't take any
medication for it, and I am able to control it by watching my nutrition,
my weight, and exercising.
But lets talk about Type 1 Diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a
person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels.Type 1 diabetes (sometimes known as juvenile diabetes) affects children
and adults, though people can be diagnosed at any age. T1D must be managed with the use of insulin—either via
injection or insulin pump.
In the US 1.6 million Americans are living with T1D, including about 200,000 youth. Unfortunately
approximately 5 million people in the U.S. are expected to have T1D by
the year 2050, including nearly 600,000 youth.
I had the privileged to interview my friend Katiria.
She wanted to share her son Ryan's story with Type 1 Diabetes to help
bring awareness on the disease. So here is the interview:
How old is Ryan?
Ryan is going to be 16 years old on November 23rd, 2020.
How old was he when he was diagnosed, and what was his official diagnosis?He was diagnosed on 07/07/12, when he was 7 years old, and his official diagnosis is Type 1 Diabetes.
What were his symptoms prior the diagnosis?
He urinated a lot and drank lots of cold water with lots of
ice. He used to say "put lots lots lots of ice please" he complained about feeling like he
was burning inside. He also lost his appetite.
As a family how did you respond to his diagnosis?
He
was hospitalized for seven days to be able to stabilize him, and really
know what was going on. It was a very stressful time for all of us
including him, but we held it together for his sake, and we were able to
come through. He was diagnosed on 7/7, at the age of 7, and was
hospitalized for 7 days - I am not particularly a big fan of the number
7. š
Will he always need medications and/or insulin?
He
will need insulin for life since his pancreas doesn't produce it. His sugar levels go high
and low. For the high level he
needs insulin, that usually happens with food. The low levels are very
dangerous since he feels tired, and all he wants to do is lay down and
sleep. Doctors have told us that people experiencing this can be life
threatening so he needs to ingest sugar at those particular times to
bring his blood sugar levels up.
Does he need to check his blood sugar - if so how often? He needs to check his blood sugar before and after he eats and snacks - which is approximately 10 times a day.
Does he follow a special diet?
He
is not on any special diet right at this time since he is still growing. The ideal will be
no carbs, but he can't stop eating them right now because he is still growing. As an
adult we can stop eating carbs, and that will help a lot, but for now he
can't do that.
What would you advise parents with children with Type 1 Diabetes?
My
advice will be to be patient and understanding with their kids because
it is very difficult for them mentally and physically.
Editor's Note:
I want to thank my friend Kati for sharing Ryan's story. I know it
took a lot of courage to do so, and I appreciate that she trusted me
enough to tell it here.
I
can understand how difficult it is as a family to navigate and
understand this illness that requires constant management, as well as it
is to explain it to a young 7 year old. Kudos to you Kati, your
husband and the rest of the family.
To Ryan - what can I say? - you were such a little warrior at 7, and you continue to be one by
facing challenges with courage and perseverance, and not letting it
stand in your way of achieving your goals. - I wish you nothing but the
best.
As
you turn 16 years old in a few days, I hope that all your dreams come
true. Please know-- that you are not here by chance, but you are here
for a purpose. Happy Birthday!!
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