My 13 year old daughter has been diagnosed with type one diabetes. As a father it's been hard to watch my little girl go through all that she has. But that said she seems to be dealing with it a lot better than me. I'm not here looking for sympathy but what I am looking for is advice as to what's the best way to ensure her future. I've read all the web pages and all news articles and I am seriously thinking about private health care for her. Is there any private specialist or am I just being an over protective dad..
Newly diagnosed
- Thread starter Hboneharry
- Start Date
candi-girl
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 356
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
If you can't get funded and can therefore afford to buy an Insulin pump and fund consumables then i would get her one and not waste the money on private health care. Just my thoughts, def look into a pump.
Hi. Sorry to hear about your daughter. I can understand as a parent how harD it must be for you. I was 6 when I was diagnosed, so a fairbit younger than your daughter. The good news, though, is that even at that age I toon it in fairly quickly and adadptwd to life with diabetes fairly easily. There is a lot to take in but I an sure guy and your daughter will get to grips with it soon enough. The first few months are the hardest, but you'll get there 
Thanks guys. As a dad all I want to do is make sure my baby's alright. It's just hard when It's out of your control. I just want the best for her.
Riri
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,174
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
- Dislikes
- The conservative party, people who are cruel to animals and aggressive people
As the others have said, it's really hard to hear this news on your daughter. On the care front, all I can say is that the care and support I've received from my NHS team has been excellent so maybe give your diabetes specialist team a chance over the next few months. As with all NHS care it does unfortunately vary frm hospital to hospital, county to county and which UK country. All the best to you - it does get easier and more 'second nature' with time.
Hello ... sorry about your daughter. My son was diagnosed back in the spring (also when he was 13) and it was hard for everyone ... I think I went into a kind of bereavement stage for a bit after the shock, so my heart goes out to you! But it will get easier as you come to terms with everything and take on board all the reams of information! Get a copy of Ragnar Hanas' book Children and Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (you can find it on Amazon) as it's very clearly written and covers just about every scenario. Also Carbs and cals and a good pair of scales to help you with carb counting. I don't think you can get all the info you need from hospital visits and appointments because there's so much to learn. Not sure if private health would help ... good self education combined with the experience of your hospital team should do the trick imo. My boy is not on a pump but it's something he might look at in the future - agree that it might be best to save your pennies for that, as it's quite hard to get one on the NHS. Also, at the moment your daughter may go through the honeymoon phase soon where her insulin needs are lower for a bit (and they'll fluctuate a lot too), so most people reckon waiting for things to get more settled is a good idea. I'd really encourage your daughter to take an active part in counting carbs, calculating her dose, thinking about what to do before exercise etc. The hardest thing for my son at first was the feeling of losing his independence, relying on us again after starting to spread his wings. Now we're there to help but mostly he makes his own decisions about his diabetes (not always good ones but you live and learn). Looking forward to hearing how things go.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes two weeks ago. The diabetes was very sudden, I had been feeling very unwell for about a month before and it just got worse, I couldnt stop drinking water - If I could have put a hosepipe to my mouth I would have done. I was vomiting a lot and felt so nauseous all the time, passing out as well as other horrible things that I wont mention. The symtoms got so bad that I withdrew into myself and was very frightened.
It took my Mum to sit with me and slowly prise open all that I was suffering from. I told her that I thought I was dying and that I was very sure that I would not wake up one morning soon. She got an emergency appointment with my Doctor and my urine and blood was tested. I was then hospitalised for a week.
Now I inject insuline five times a day and can calculate my dose. The sugars are gradually going down, but it isnt easy. My Dad bought me a brilliant carrycase to carry all my injections/meds/needles/insulin/glucose and meter so I can slip it in my bag easily.
I know it will take a long time to get my head around, and my Mum is very stressed about it all. The needles arnt as bad as people might think, as they are really thin, and 7 times out of 10, I would say you couldnt really feel them going in.
I know that Diabetes affects the whole family. I got mine through my mothers side, it missed two generations, as it was my great grandmother had it, but not until she was over 70! So I am not sure if there was some kind of other trigger.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that you are really NOT alone in this thing xx
It took my Mum to sit with me and slowly prise open all that I was suffering from. I told her that I thought I was dying and that I was very sure that I would not wake up one morning soon. She got an emergency appointment with my Doctor and my urine and blood was tested. I was then hospitalised for a week.
Now I inject insuline five times a day and can calculate my dose. The sugars are gradually going down, but it isnt easy. My Dad bought me a brilliant carrycase to carry all my injections/meds/needles/insulin/glucose and meter so I can slip it in my bag easily.
I know it will take a long time to get my head around, and my Mum is very stressed about it all. The needles arnt as bad as people might think, as they are really thin, and 7 times out of 10, I would say you couldnt really feel them going in.
I know that Diabetes affects the whole family. I got mine through my mothers side, it missed two generations, as it was my great grandmother had it, but not until she was over 70! So I am not sure if there was some kind of other trigger.
Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that you are really NOT alone in this thing xx
Don't bother with private health care unless money isn't an issue what so ever.
To be honest the usual NHS measures will do the trick, it gets a lot easier to control in time. The hardest part at first is learning how your body copes with exogenous insulin and working out a ratio, insulin to carbs.
I've recently found my ratios are variable and not all carbs have the same affect on blood sugar levels, all I can suggest is during the first couple of months your daughter tests very often to learn how her body uses exogenous insulin and how different foods affect her blood sugars.
If her control is erratic, may be it's worth pushing the NHS for an Insulin Pump, from what I've read rarely does an actual pump user have anything bad to say about Insulin pumps, it's usually people who do not use pumps who have reservations about them :eh:
To be completely honest I'm living a 'normal' life with T1 diabetes, if I want to eat something, I simply count carbs, use the appropriate ratio and inject Insulin and I'm good to go...Hopefully in time your daughter will experience the same.
To be honest the usual NHS measures will do the trick, it gets a lot easier to control in time. The hardest part at first is learning how your body copes with exogenous insulin and working out a ratio, insulin to carbs.
I've recently found my ratios are variable and not all carbs have the same affect on blood sugar levels, all I can suggest is during the first couple of months your daughter tests very often to learn how her body uses exogenous insulin and how different foods affect her blood sugars.
If her control is erratic, may be it's worth pushing the NHS for an Insulin Pump, from what I've read rarely does an actual pump user have anything bad to say about Insulin pumps, it's usually people who do not use pumps who have reservations about them :eh:
To be completely honest I'm living a 'normal' life with T1 diabetes, if I want to eat something, I simply count carbs, use the appropriate ratio and inject Insulin and I'm good to go...Hopefully in time your daughter will experience the same.
Hi - Ive been a type 1 since age 8 and I know my Mom and Dad went through the same as yourself even if now they wouldnt admit it. I still rememeber floods of tears... And a lot of attention for me - If i rememebr right I was bought a new sega game gear for the hassle! So its just natural.
My advice would be to do what you are doing and live through it with her at least for a while - Learn the diets and the routines and give encouragment - but dont force.
Private health care? I dont see the need unless totally loaded! You'll get all you need through the NHS. Whether accepted for pumping or injecting its all about dedication and support from those around you. She sounds a strong girl and like she will cope well - I injected from a week after being diagnosed age 8 and its something you just get used to - It becomes part of your life without taking over your life. I cant imagine life without it now, and although Ive had my ups and downs, I couldnt imagine life any other way.
I wish you all the luck in the world and your girl is lucky to have you there through this
Ben
- If i rememebr right I was bought a new sega game gear for the hassle! So its just natural. My advice would be to do what you are doing and live through it with her at least for a while - Learn the diets and the routines and give encouragment - but dont force.
Private health care? I dont see the need unless totally loaded! You'll get all you need through the NHS. Whether accepted for pumping or injecting its all about dedication and support from those around you. She sounds a strong girl and like she will cope well - I injected from a week after being diagnosed age 8 and its something you just get used to - It becomes part of your life without taking over your life. I cant imagine life without it now, and although Ive had my ups and downs, I couldnt imagine life any other way.
I wish you all the luck in the world and your girl is lucky to have you there through this
Ben
The thread was started on 31st December 2011, a fair bit of time has passed since. The thread starter last posted on 1st January 2012.
He last visited the site on 2nd January 2012.
In other words I think the thread is settled, I posted via my mobile phone so didn't bother looking at the start date only to notice now it's an old thread.
No worries though, good intent is good :thumbup:
He last visited the site on 2nd January 2012.
In other words I think the thread is settled, I posted via my mobile phone so didn't bother looking at the start date only to notice now it's an old thread.
No worries though, good intent is good :thumbup:
Oh dear, sorry bout that... Im just getting to grips with the site, Im not used to posting as you can see. Thanks for the point in the right direction x
Haha, it's allllll good.
These internet forums can be a bit much when you're new to them Although it's great that you're taking control, I too was recently diagnosed. Once you learn how to use your insulin according to different foods it's not so bad.
I have to say I inject very frequently but find that gives me better control :thumbup:
These internet forums can be a bit much when you're new to them
Although it's great that you're taking control, I too was recently diagnosed. Once you learn how to use your insulin according to different foods it's not so bad.I have to say I inject very frequently but find that gives me better control :thumbup:
I know what you mean... but what most people who arent diabetic fail to understand is that we would do almost ANYTHING not to feel that ill again... even if its putting a needle in your skin multiple times a day... Which I do very willingly... Its what keeps us healthy and alive as you well know.
I must say, this site is fantastic... People seem to cover most of what Ive been too frightened or too embarrised to ask
See you around GlazedD and thanks again x
I must say, this site is fantastic... People seem to cover most of what Ive been too frightened or too embarrised to ask
See you around GlazedD and thanks again x
ashleyk2552
Member
- Messages
- 21
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- People saying 'I know how you feel'! NO YOU DONT!
Hi am Ashley and I got diagnosed with type one diabetes when I was 2years old! I'm now 17... Advice I can give you from my view of my parents, I found most of my arguments with my parent were caused by diabetes... Constant nagging; 'have you done your blood?!' 'what's your blood?!' 'have you done your insulin?!' my diabetic nurse said I'm like any normal teenager.. But how many 'normal teenagers' get asked them questions every day of their lives while living at home? My pint is the more you tell and ask her the less likely she is to do it when she gets to 15/16... She might not but I have been to groups where just diabetics go and its nice to talk to people who are kinda like you, I would suggest asking the nurse about groups for your daughter to go too. They really do help
