Hi Samantha, welcome on board the good ship diabetes! The good news is that it does get easier. Now is the hardest time because everything is so new, there are a lot of adjustments to make to your life as well as your child’s, and you are in a state of shock. However, what seems challenging and daunting now will soon become routine and part of your daily life. Yes, there is an awful lot to learn and understand, but you will do both of these.
You have absolutely no reason whatsoever to feel guilty. Type 1 can’t be prevented, you have done nothing wrong, and neither has your daughter. Life has dealt a challenging hand, but you will rise to it.
If you’re looking for a silver lining, then it is in the age at diagnosis. Your daughter won’t have had time to get used to what the outside world calls ‘normal life’ in terms of daily routines, sweets etc. That will help her adjust to living with her condition as she gets older. There is a wonderful lady who is prominent in the type 1 community. Her daughter was born without a pancreas, so has technically been type 1 since birth. She is about to start a course at university studying medicine. Life can still be great for your daughter and she can still achieve great things. Diabetes won’t hold her back, I promise.
I can still remember the day my children were diagnosed; they were a few months apart. My daughter was first to be diagnosed. On of my memories is standing in the kitchen thinking to myself, “Our lives have just changed massively, and I have no idea how yet!” We got through it and stayed determined to not let it beat us. Yes, there are days it can get too much for everyone, but that is normal and natural, so don’t worry if that happens to you.
There is so much help and information out there. This forum is one place, but there are also lots of Facebook groups, there may even be a support group in your area. Your DSN may know if there is.
How are things now?
Take care