We have been intimately aware of diabetes for almost a year now. A year ago -- lets see -- Daniel started complaining of needing the bathroom quite often. Having to get up a few times in the middle of the night. We didn't recognize the symptoms. We had no connection with Type 1 diabetes. Now I try to spread the word!!
Excessive thirst
Dramatic weight loss
Frequent urination
"Fruity" breath
Fatigue
These are all signs of Type 1 diabetes. Listen up! It's not like you have to have diabetes in the family to get this! It's seemingly random; we don't know what triggers it. But if you or your child has any of these symptoms, get to the doctor and get your blood sugar checked.
There is no cure for diabetes. It is a disease that needs to be managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no breaks, no vacations. Diabetics and their parents are frequently up at all hours of the night checking blood sugars or correcting blood sugar highs and lows.
But thank goodness it can be managed. Insulin is not a cure, but with proper care and attention it can keep blood sugar levels in range, which helps to prevent a host of other problems like blindness, neuropathy, and heart issues, to name a few.
Diabetes is difficult. It is heartbreaking. I'm so thankful for the diabetes online community, which has saved my sanity more than once, and has offered love, support, suggestions, and surprise gifts to me over the last year. I don't know what I would have done without them, and I hope to be able to pay all this kindness forward to others who in the years to come will be looking for the same lifeline. Until we find a cure.
4 comments:
Great post. I'm right there with you, frustrated and overwhelmed and thankful beyond words that this illness can be managed, and that I have the world's best support group here in the OC.
Those symptoms are some of the scariest I ever faced.
Just keep it up each day!
One day at a time, one hour at a time. That's how we deal with this!
great post! i'm really liking all these raise your voice posts, even though i don't need to live with Type 1, i sure can identify with some parts of it. and though I don't have Type 1, don't forget i know what it's like! :) awesome stuff, naomi.
Post a Comment