Getting Diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1

Something just wasn’t right. My 7 year old son, Isaac, had been urinating every ten minutes or so for the past couple of days, and was constantly wanting something to drink. Yet, he was acting fine, running around and happy. I remember sitting in the car, watching him play with his friend and siblings at the park when I called the pediatrician. After explaining his symptoms to the nurse, she said we should see the doctor that same afternoon. After a simple urine sample and what seemed like forever waiting for the results, the doctor finally came into the room. I knew immediately by the look on his face that this wasn’t just a UTI. “I think your son has type 1 diabetes…”.   We proceeded to the hospital for blood work, where his blood glucose level was 891, normal range is 80-120. The next few days were awful. Him screaming and crying when it came time to give him his shots of insulin, hating to getting his finger pricked for the nth time in one day, waking up in the middle of the night to check his blood glucose levels, having to count every single gram of carbohydrate that was in his food (and guessing at things that weren’t labeled).   I had a good, solid, major breakdown the night he was diagnosed. “. I never asked the Lord “why”, but it was more of a “holy-moly-I-can’t -and-don’t-want-to-do-this”. I would give anything to have the diabetes myself, and let him get back to “normal”. Isaac didn’t want anyone, siblings included, to see him get the shots. He didn’t want anyone at school to know he had diabetes. He would get furious if he heard us telling someone he had diabetes. The first six months after his diagnosis were the hardest, in all aspects. Now, three and half years later, we don’t even remember what life was like “pre-diabetes”. We are pro’s at knowing how many carbohydrates are in all kinds of foods, Isaac gives himself his own shots, tests his own blood sugar, and will let anyone who wants to, watch him give his shots.   Since Isaac’s diagnosis, we’ve tried really hard to let him know that diabetes will not limit him in anything he wants to do. He is a die-hard lacrosse player, he loves to hunt, fish, mountain bike, play football and basketball, and loves animals. He has absolutely amazed me at how he handles his life with diabetes.   When changing needles I will occasionally prick my finger accidentally, and I can’t imagine doing that several times a day because it stings so much!!! Isaac rarely complains anymore, he just does it, being a type 1 diabetic comes second nature now. He has to check his blood glucose prior to eating anything, which means several times a day at minimum. He gets a minimum of four shots a day, more depending on his food intake. We still get up at 2 am to check his blood glucose, and often times have to wake him up to give him a snack when his levels are low. But, it’s all good.   There are so many times I thank the Lord for his tender mercies, for blessing me with this amazing little man who has taught me so much. We’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, an incredible school nurse, good doctors, and a supportive diabetic community. I am constantly buoyed up by my Heavenly Father, knowing he is aware of us and our individual needs, struggles, and desires.   Sure, life gives you lemons, but it can certainly give you lots of lemonade, too!

Story written by: Jennifer

The story was seen first on Real Imprints.