Diabetes - really need some advice

[poppy20]

My 20 year old son has just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The shock has been immense and though I am grateful that this is a treatable condition I feel bewildered and anxious. My son is coping wonderfully but I feel so overwhelmed with it all. if anyone has experience of this I would be grateful for some advice. Thank you so much

I don't have any first-hand experience, but until someone who does can come along, I'll tell you what experience I do have:

My 21yo nephew has type 1 diabetes. (He was diagnosed many years ago, though.) He is a very fit and otherwise healthy young man, and seems to deal with the emotional and physical aspects very well. His mother does, of course, worry about him a lot, and I feel for both of you in this situation.

Your son has probably been feeling pretty crappy in the run-up to his diagnosis, and will now be feeling much better now that he can regulate his blood-sugar. Although it may take a bit of finessing to get the right balance between his activity levels, food intake, and insulin.

Meeting others in the same situation may help. I expect your son will be attending a clinic. For you, have you looked at www.parentingdiabetickids.com (there are loads of such sites).

not of type 1 diabetes but of other diabetes - and of having my child diagnosed with nut allergy. Learning they have a serious health problem was a shock but once you get past that their will be relief that their problem is now recognised and they will at least get proper care.

A diabetes nurse can be a lot of help as can a support group. This one has regional sections Diabetes UK

My daughter, now 11, was diagnosed when she was 5. It was a horrible shock at the time and too much to take in. We have had to make huge adjustments to our lifestyle, centred mainly arounbd mealtimes etc, because she had to eat at regular times, had to inject before she ate etc etc. My daughter now has an insulin pump, which has made her life so much easier. So ask about those. They are difficult to get hold of because so expensive - our consultant had to argue our case before NICE but we got the funding because her blood sugar control was so bad. It's easy to say now, but you WILL get used to it. Using her pump is now second nature to my daughter, and she does evrything all her friends do. She is sporty,outgoing, sociable and happy. Of ocurse, we get off days, when she feels sick, tired and doesn't want to do anything. I am definitely a lot more protective of her than I am of my other two children (who are both older) and they get resentful sometimes. But they understand generally and are also very protective of her. I know things will get more complicated as she reaches adolescence and we will cross that bridge as we get to it. I was always very wary of joining diabetes groups with her as I did n't want her to be defined by a medical condition, but when we have been along to local diabetes events, she has really enjoyed them and meeting other kids with diabetes. So I do take her to things although i hate them! It is Diabetes UK week some time next month. Look on their website and see if there is anything that might interest your son. See if you can if not meet then at least speak to other parents. My daughter's nurse knows that I am always happy to speak to parents of newly diagnosed kids and I often get phone calls from worried parents! Ask your son's nurse if he/she does the same.
I'll post more as and when I think of stuff! Good luck. I know you will be feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment but it WILL get easier!

Thank you for your replies, it's been a very hard week but thank you for encouraging me.

Hi,
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 25. At the time it was a real shock, but I have managed to build my life round it, and now it doesn't seem so bad. There are times when it brings added stress to life (I am currently pregnant) but it really hasn't stopped me from doing anything. I have travelled all over the world. At 20 it is hard to accept, but if I can offer some advice to your son, it is that health is the most important thing. Eating and watching what you drink is key and maintaining good control, which I haven't always been the best at. The main thing is, the better you control it, the better you feel. Please don't worry - I am sure he will be very sensible and manage it well.

Thank you so much Sammy-jo it is encouraging to know you are doing so well.

Just to reassure you I know 2 Type 1 diabetics who have lovely baby boys. I hope the pregnancy is going well.

My son is struggling with the diet as he has such a sweet tooth but in the long run he is better on a healthy diet anyway.

Thank you