Hi new parent to daughter 12 type 1

[sharon murphy]

hi my daughter was diagnosed on September last year still trying to coming to terms with diabetes been a major shock to us as lost her dad to a brain tumour last year and still struggling with this now being a single parent was with my husband 32 years and never had to make so many decisions on my own I have to say my knowledge of type 1 was nonexistent and feel there isn’t enough support or understanding out there from people everyone you tell they say too many sweets that makes me really angry in a way iam very lucky she has comes to terms with it really quickly she was always a sporty healthy eater so not been a big challenge due to sweets ect I just wish there was more education out there to kids and parents about diabetes type1 I feel it’s a very much not spoke about or understood sorry for rant just struggling to come to terms with my daughters diabetes I wish I could take it from her as she’s had so much in her short life so far also posted in parents thread as need some advice about travel insurance going to Florida in a few weeks any advice would be great many thanks

 

[Northerner]

hi my daughter was diagnosed on September last year still trying to coming to terms with diabetes been a major shock to us as lost her dad to a brain tumour last year and still struggling with this now being a single parent was with my husband 32 years and never had to make so many decisions on my own I have to say my knowledge of type 1 was nonexistent and feel there isn’t enough support or understanding out there from people everyone you tell they say too many sweets that makes me really angry in a way iam very lucky she has comes to terms with it really quickly she was always a sporty healthy eater so not been a big challenge due to sweets ect I just wish there was more education out there to kids and parents about diabetes type1 I feel it’s a very much not spoke about or understood sorry for rant just struggling to come to terms with my daughters diabetes I wish I could take it from her as she’s had so much in her short life so far also posted in parents thread as need some advice about travel insurance going to Florida in a few weeks any advice would be great many thanks

Hi Sharon, welcome to the forum 🙂 Very sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis, and the sad news about your husband

Type 1 diabetes is relatively rare in the population so not many people know much about it - they are more likely to have picked up bits of information about Type 2, and often that information is incorrect too, so it can be frustrating when people start giving advice.

How did the diagnosis come about, and what insulin is she using? There is a very steep learning curve with Type 1 and you do need to take in a lot of information very quickly. It's good that your daughter appears to be dealing well with it. There are lots of people here who have many years of experience, so if you have ANY questions at all, please do let us know - we do know what we are talking about! 🙂

I would highly recommend getting a copy of the book Type 1 Diabetes in Children Adolescents and Young People by Ragnar Hanas, which is a really excellent reference for all aspects of living with Type 1. I'm sure you will find it very helpful 🙂

Although this is a serious condition, it does not have to be something that gets in the way of anything your daughter wishes to do - there are international athletes and people in all walks of life who live well despite Type 1, even the Prime Minister has it! It just requires a bit more planning, so that she always takes her insulin at the right time, and tests if she ever feels a bit odd. Also, keep plenty of hypo treatments around and make sure she always carries something with her. Does she know anyone else with Type 1? How have things been at school? There is an excellent organisation called Children with Diabetes UK on Facebook which can also provide great support 🙂

 

[SB2015]

Hi Sharon

Sorry to hear about your daughter’s diagnosis but glad that you have come to the forum.
There is a wealth of knowledge on here.

The book Northerner recommended is excellent and easy to understand. A great reference book which is well indexed, (and valuable to all ages). It is a manageable condition which does require planning. Just keep asking for help.

 

[Flower]

Hello and welcome Sharon 🙂

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis and the sad times you have had to deal with.

There is some good information about travel here https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/travel

Get a letter from her diabetes team saying your daughter has Type 1 and is travelling with needles, pens etc and carry all insulin and diabetes kit plus hypo treatments in your hand luggage . Take extra of everything- just in case.

Find out if there is a fridge where you are staying for her insulin, otherwise there are some good cold pouches such as Frio for keeping insulin cool.

Have hypo treatments handy all the while as in the heat insulin can act a bit more quickly, I always need to reduce my insulin amounts when somewhere warm.

Get your daughter to test more frequently if she is swimming or doing a lot of physical activity.

Above all have a lovely holiday in Florida.🙂

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

Hi and welcome 🙂

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and your daughter's diagnosis
I hope you both have a lovely holiday, you definitely deserve it.

 

[Radders]

Hi Sharon, welcome to the forum. Nothing to add to the advice already given, except that I have learned nearly everything I have found useful in managing my condition from this forum and others like it, just because it is full of people with years of experience first hand of dealing with the condition.