Father of newly diagnosed child

[Phil-S1]

Hi there, my 5 year old daughter was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with Type 1 and it has been a rollercoaster.
She is on Novorapid for every meal and Levemir at bedtime.

Knew nothing about diabetes before but learning quickly now.

 

[trophywench]

Hi Phil

It is an absolutely enormous learning curve so sympathies to both you and your daughter.

As far as you are concerned - has anyone recommended the book Type 1 diabetes in children teenagers and young adults by Ragnar Hanas? It's written specifically for parents rather than medics and explains everything properly in an understandable way. It's a help however old people are when diagnosed!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hello Phil and welcome to the forum.
I'm so sorry to hear of your daughters diagnoses and can just imagine the roller coaster of emotions you are going through.

Speaking from the other side of the fence as I was diagnosed as a 4 1/2 year old, let me reassure you that life isn't all doom and gloom and your daughter can live a long and happy/healthy life. Being diagnosed so young has it's advantages because youngsters grow up not knowing any different so it's normal if you see what I mean.

Always make sure your daughter is included in any discussions/decisions as you go along obviously suitable for her age, make sure you make carb counting her meals a great game at each meal time so as she gets older it's all second nature to her. Most importantly though don't let diabetes overwhelm you and your family.

 

[Phil-S1]

Thanks for the book recommendation, will have a look. She has taken to it great much better than me and my wife but we know we'll get there. My daughter won't let anyone else take her BG reading and she has it down to a tee.

 

[SB2015]

Welcome Phil. Good to hear that your daughter has taken things in her stride from the start. As you say there is so much to learn, and the Ragnar Hanas book is an excellent source of easily understood information, which I have no doubt you will go back to again and again.

There is a section on this forum for parents which might be good to post on as well (I haven't checked whether you have already done this) as there are a lot of parents who are some weeks/months/years ahead of you on this road, and they will be able to offer another angle on things.

Just keep in touch and keep asking questions.

 

[HOBIE]

Welcome Phil-S1. There is a lot to take in. You have joined a good site with lots of helpful people on. Lots of knowledge on old posts. & just so you know I have been T1 from the age of 3 in 1966 when a team did in the world cup. Still full time employed with two grown up kids,

 

[Northerner]

Hi Phil, welcome to the forum 🙂 Sorry to hear about your little one's diagnosis, but it sounds like she has made a good start with doing her own testing 🙂

You might also find the Children with Diabetes website helpful, and I would definitely recommend the Ragnar Hanas book. Make sure you get the latest edition, as things can change quite quickly these days 🙂

As has been said, there is a lot to take in, but no reason why she can't grow up enjoying all the things she wants to do and the treatments and knowledge are improving all the time 🙂

 

[Flower]

Hello and welcome Phil 🙂

Sorry to hear about your young daughters diagnosis. It is a shock and a lot to take onboard but it does get easier with practice. She sounds a little star already testing her blood sugar 🙂

There is a support pack for newly diagnosed children with a Rufus the bear here- https://jdrf.org.uk/living-with-typ...eaflets/kidsac-pack-children-type-1-diabetes/

I wish you all well getting to grips with things 🙂

 

[Bloden]

Hi Phil and welcome. 🙂 So sorry to hear about your little one's diabetes. It sounds like she's a real fighter tho. Already taken charge of finger-pricking? Wow! 😛