My name is McKayla. I'm six years old, I'll be seven in a few weeks. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in November of 2009. I was drinking and going to the bathroom alot, and very sleepy all the time. And my stomach hurt all the time. Then I went to the hospital, they gave me an I.V. I named it the robot. I was scared to be diabetic. I didn't like my shots. Now I'm getting use to them. I'm looking for diabetic friends, someone to be pen pal's with.
The Family Support Network now includes over 4,450 families from 50 states and 84 countries. If you're new to diabetes, the Family Support Network will help you connect with families near you or find a babysitter. If you haven't joined, please become part of the Family Support Network.
Parents report that over 3,000 schools across the US support in-classroom blood glucose monitoring. Does your child's school? Check the Schools database and add information about your child's school. Other information about diabetes and school
Diabetes Humor
My oldest granddaughter, Ashley, is the type 1 diabetic. Her younger sister, Alyssa, takes part in the TrialNet program and is tested periodically for 'antibodies', which we explained to her was to see if she might be getting sick with diabetes. One day, I was working on her computer and it wasn't responding properly, so Alyssa asked me, "Grandma does my computer have "antibodies?"
More Humorous Tidbits
You know you're the parent of a child with diabetes when ...
... your refrigerator magnets are from your endo, your diabetes supplier, your insurance company, and your pump manufacturer.
More Parent Humor
Featured Book of the Week
Cheating Destiny by James S. Hirsch. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2006. Hardcover, 307 pages. $25.00 ISBN 0-618-51461-9. Paperback (2007) ISBN 061891899X, $14.95.
"My son is thirsty." So begins Cheating Destiny, Jim Hirsch's amazing book about living with type 1 diabetes, being the parent of a child with diabetes, the diabetes industry today, the cost to the US of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, islet cell transplantation, stem cell research, the maddening nature of US healthcare, and so much more. Hirsch is a captivating writer, and as the parent of a child with diabetes, I feel a special kinship to him -- he too has a child with diabetes. He has also lived most of his life with type 1 diabetes. His book is a must read for everyone whose life includes diabetes. You'll learn more than you could have imagined. And if you, like Jim and I, have a child with diabetes, be prepared for a deeply emotional experience. Highly Recommended.
From the Diabetes Dictionary
GAD (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase)
A normal enzyme found in all cells that initiates the metabolism of a substance called glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a component of all proteins and is also part of the cycle for the disposal of a waste product called ammonia. The presence of antibodies to GAD (called anti-GAD antibodies) in the blood is an early indication of the start of the autoimmune process in Type 1A Diabetes.
More definitions
Studies and Surveys
Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet is a group of studies looking at the prevention and early treatment of type 1 diabetes.
DiaPrevent is a type 1 diabetes research study for people newly diagnosed between the ages of 10 to 20.
DEFEND is a global study seeking newly diagnosed patients aged 12 to 45 to test an islet preserving medication.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are looking for teenage drivers with type 1 diabetes between the ages of 16-19 and their parents to participate in an online study about how diabetes affects driving in teens. The survey is anonymous, which means that no one will know your answers but YOU. For more information and to complete the survey, please choose the appropriate survey:
The Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium is seeking families with at least 2 siblings diagnosed with type 1 diabetes prior to age 35. They are also interested in having the parents participate, as well as other siblings without diabetes. In this study, researchers will be trying to identify genes influencing an individuals risk for developing type 1 diabetes. By furthering the knowledge of these genes, the researchers hope to prevent type 1 diabetes in the future.
NFL Veteran Jay Leeuwenberg
Tackles Diabetes and Wins.
You can too! Buy From The Publisher
Always remember that kids with diabetes are still kids
Last Updated: Wednesday, 03-Feb-2010 15:36:22 Eastern Standard Time
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.