I was diagnosed 4 years ago, I couldn't believe it was type 1 as I took good care of myself and although hadn't been right for a while, it was the rapid weight loss and many other symptoms that came on so quickly that told my GP what it was, I was consumed with guilt, over time I learn't that there was nothing I could of done to of prevented it and it was a case of my body being in attack mode. I decided to become turn it into a positive and got involved with c peptide research for JDRF and under went trials for over a year at Bristol hospital as I was newly diagnosed, I also got into charity fund raising for both Diabetes UK and JDRF.
More importantly for me, I became an expert, so bought books, read up, talked to specialist type 1 doctors on my research programme, just learnt as much I could.
There is a sharp learning curve, but accepting this condition and learning to live with it is fundamental to his well being. It does get alot easier and yes it is a shock but it's not so hard to live with once he understands and looks after himself, it shouldn't change your lives. Lean on your diabetic team and shout out here for support too