What Is It Like to Have Diabetes as a Kid?

Many parents and caregivers are facing the reality of managing diabetes in their young children. Diagnosing diabetes at a young age, such as my son who was diagnosed as pre-diabetic at age 5, can be both a relief and a concern. Here, I share my personal experiences as both a parent and a former diabetic to provide insights into what it's like to manage diabetes from a child's and parent's perspective.

Managing Diabetes from a Parent's Perspective

As a mother to a five-year-old diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I have had to teach my child about managing his food intake, drinking plenty of water, and understanding which fruits might raise his sugar levels. Fortunately, my son is not yet medicated and relies solely on diet control. I have implemented a range of healthy alternative snacks such as chocolate spreads, nut-based spreads, and finger snacks that even those without diabetes enjoy, ensuring he feels special and envied, not sick.

For those exploring ways to reverse or manage type 2 diabetes without relying on more medications or insulin injections, there are resources available. This guide has proven effective for me. Within a month of following it, I saw a reduction of 50-80% in my medication doses. My blood sugar levels, which used to be in the high 200s and 300s, are now in the low 100s, and I lost 20 pounds as a bonus.

Personal Experience from a Young Diabetic

Back in 1966, at the age of 13, I was diagnosed with diabetes. It was a challenging time, but here are some insights from my experience:

Initial Diagnosis and Shock

Being so young and feeling so tired and thirsty, a diagnosis of diabetes was both a relief and a bit frightening. No one explained the implications of diabetes at the time. Instead, I was given injections, food, and guided to practice injecting a needle into an orange in the hospital. There was no formal education provided, so the high points were having a knowledgeable and empathetic doctor with a great sense of humor, and slowly learning about diet, insulin, and urinalysis tests.

Dealing with Injections

The need to give myself injections was a significant hurdle at 13. I eventually used an injector device to trigger the needle into my skin. Over time, I became comfortable with this process and alternated between using the device and doing it myself. By the time I was a teenager, I no longer relied on the injector exclusively.

Living Life with Diabetes

Even with these challenges, I grew up feeling different, needing to be more self-reliant than my peers and actively managing my condition. Hypoglycemia was often embarrassing, and I encountered varying levels of understanding and compassion from teachers and peers. However, I learned to be self-reliant and participated in various activities, including Scouts, sailing, and hiking, earning the Queens Scout award and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Despite the sometimes harrowing beginning, I managed to survive and thrive, and here I am, over 50 years later, still going strong.

Conclusion

Managing diabetes, whether as a child or a parent, can be complex and challenging. By sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice, we can help others navigate this journey with more confidence and understanding.

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