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Overwhelmed...4 year old son just diagnosed with T1

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
I was diagnosed much later in life, which is why I wanted @Bronco Billy input. However, I will comment regarding pump therapy, it's fantastic! I had to fight to get it, I'm so glad I kept it up! I got there eventually 🙂
 
Thank you Bronco Billy for your insight and reassurance that my son can live a happy childhood where the T1 does not define him

Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support. I’m so pleased to have found this forum.

I know we’ve got a long long way to go but I’m starting to feel a sense of determination...we’ve got to learn how to manage this for our little boy rather than feeling swamped by it (although I know the rollercoaster of emotions is only natural)
It goes without saying that I’d swap places with my son in a heartbeat, and that’s part of my frustration...that I feel at a loss at not being able to protect him from this happening. But at the moment I’m trying not to let the upset and frustration take over...myself and my husband are just trying to focus on how to help him with such a big adjustment in his little life. It’s not easy
 
Also, can I ask...is a GAD antibody test significant of being T1 if it comes back high?
We are still waiting for this result, but they’re saying the HbA1c points to early stages T1 anyway. His blood sugars are still in the normal range without insulin at the moment (I’m assuming this is all part of honeymoon period)
 
Jem83 said:
Also, can I ask...is a GAD antibody test significant of being T1 if it comes back high?
We are still waiting for this result, but they’re saying the HbA1c points to early stages T1 anyway. His blood sugars are still in the normal range without insulin at the moment (I’m assuming this is all part of honeymoon period)
Click to expand...
The GAD test will confirm Type 1, if it’s positive. But if it’s negative, it doesnt necessarily mean that it isn’t type 1. (Once the insulin producing cells have been attacked, and the attack is over, it sometimes comes back negative)
 
Hi Jem

The Gad antibodies are the pesky things that set about destroying our beta cells in T1. If your son is in the early stages it is likely that there are some of these still around as they will still be on the lookout for some Beta cells to work on. If their job is complete they will have gone away, so as Robin says if the test comes back negative it does not mean that he does not have T1.

There is also a C peptide test and I will need someone else to explain that one, and I shall be glad to be informed about this one.

Keep asking any questions that come to mind. We are here to help in any way we can.
 
@Jem83, hi, me again

I meant to ask in my previous post if school life has been affected yet. Does he need to test blood sugars or inject insulin at school? Will your hospital team give training to school staff, assuming they haven’t already.

I love that you and hubby are already looking to the future and that shock is starting to be replaced by determination. With you two behind him, your son will be fine. 🙂
 
Hi Jem, sorry to hear about your son being diagnosed with Type 1. I thought i would just share a little of my experience with you. I was diagnosed when I was 12 (have had it for 30 years now), yes, I was very shocked when the doctor told me as I had never heard of it. I thought i was going to die! But its just something you learn to live with. It's never stopped me doing what I want. Working, exercising, doing stuff that kids do, holidays and generally enjoying myself. It's just a way of life now and I've got to say that it's alot easier to deal with nowadays. They are always coming up with new gadgets etc to make life easier. I haven't been the best at looking after myself sometimes and have just had to have some laser treatment done on one of my eyes but you got to remember it can controlled and wont stop your son from doing anything he wants to do or achieve in life. The needles are tiny (mine are 4mm long) , they don't hurt and I know alot of people are now on the insulin pumps which I believe give you even more freedom. I know this is really upsetting for you as its early stages and a hell of a lot to take in but take strength in knowing that it can controlled and he will lead a very happy life. Good luck xx
 
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