March 16, 2003
Blood Tests and Insulin Injections
Question from Middleboro, Massachusetts, USA:
My three year old son, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about seven months ago, I think does really well overall for his age, but all of a sudden, he has been having a problem with the insulin needles. He cries a lot, and it’s becoming really uncomfortable for him. I heard that there was a bear (not Rufus) that you could get for your child. He has diabetes and has an ID bracelet and stuff. I’m not sure, but I think something like that could be helpful to him. He doesn’t know anybody else who has the same problem, and it might be good for him to see someone (or something) else that has to get needles as well. I’m not sure of the cost, but if it’s not too much (we’re not financially stable right now), I’d like to see about getting one. Could you somehow maybe send me one?
Answer:
Rufus and Ruby are the only bears I know about that have the injection areas marked, a Medic Alert ID, etc. However, children your son’s age have wonderful and rich imaginations. I’d take advantage of that and ask him to choose a stuffed animal or soft, cloth doll that he’d like to also have diabetes. Your son’s job is to help care for that animal’s diabetes.
As far as the pain with injections, I would recommend the Inject-Ease which costs about $30 and really helps minimize pain with injections.
JWB
