8 Yr Old Diagonsed with Type I Diabetes - Need Advice!

my daughter was diagnosed at 7 years old 3 years ago and is doing wonderful,there are support groups at school sometimes, and she will meet the other kid with it in the nurses office to check her blood sugar before lunch.Children are very resilient and learn how to take care of this well!Your sister and her child will be taught everything at the hospital and she will learn to give her own shots ( my daughter always said it doesnt really hurt-the needle is a couple millimeters long,and now she has an insulin "pump" they is attached to her stomach by a tiny catheter(like a barbie straw)and a cartridge of insulin so the shots are history!But,most important in the beginning is to educate anyone that will take care of her-especially the school nurse( esp. if their are no other diabetics at school.)I am a pediatric RN also at phoenix childrens hospital and would be glad to answer any other questions-it's scary but there is no pain,her pancreas just can't regulate her sugars with its own insulin like we do,so she will be counting carbs and paying attention to when she feels "sick"(low sugar),or other symptoms she will see herself and learn when it happens.Really,life wont change too much except your sister will carry a bag of snacks and medical supplies from now own everywhere-I just have a bigger purse.Good Luck & if she wants to talk to my daughter you can call us,K. ###-###-####

My daughter just turned 14. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 4. And I am a registered nurse.
It is a life changing diagnosis, since it affects the entire family.
She will probably start out having to take shots, which actually do not hurt as much as we would think. What I think is painful is the constant finger-pokes! Poor little kids, they have it check their blood at least 4,6, or 8 times a day.
You can check out the JDRF website, which is the juvenile diabetes research foundation. They are wonderful advocates for the kids and families. There is a walk for type 1 diabetes too on Nov 1 at tempe town lakes,,, it is our favorite day of the year.
It can be very overwhelming at first, so finding a mentor family would be helpful. My private email is ____@____.com if you or your sister have questions. I would be happy to share some of the info we have learned over the years.
Good luck.

Hi, A. -
I don't have any experience with diabetes to offer, but I wanted to tell you what a great sister I think you are. It really touched me that you were out there looking for resources for your sister on the very night of the diagnosis. Whatever challenges this diagnosis brings to your niece, your sister and the rest of your family, it sounds like they have a great support in you. God Bless.

Hi A. -

There are some natural herbs that can be added to your niece's diet to lower her need for insulin. They include Gymnema, Bilberry and Fenugreek. They usually don't replace the need for insulin therapy, however, they can compliment any medical treatment being used.

Best wishes for your niece and your family.

Blessings,

M. M. Ernsberger
Certified Clinical Herbalist

I have one niece who was diagnosed three days before her fourth birthday and another niece who was nine when she was diagnosed. These two cousins are the same age. I work with my sister, who is the mother of the nine year old (now 22). I could ask if she would write your in-law, if you like. Respond and I will see if I can give out her e-mail address.

A.,
I know of a company that has a functional food that helps regulate your blood sugar. And in November they are comming out with a new product that has a lot of clinical studies on it. We are not sure of what the product is going to be, but I have been taking their product for 12 years (hypoglycemic spelling?) and I have a feeling it will be something to do with diabetes. Just a hunch. This company has things for colesteral, artherites, weight loss ... to name a few. It is only food and it does not interfear with any medication. If you want any more information, just let me know.
Good luck
R.

My son is a Type 1 Diabetic. He is 9 now but was diagnosed just before he turned 7. Depending on where your sister lives, have her check her insurance company andfind the BEST Pediatric Endocronologists,they have saved my life.

People will tell you that you need to change your life which to a point you will but kids will be kids and as long as they see a parent and family's positive attitude the child will always have a positive attitude.

When my son was first diagnosed we spent 3 days in the hospital and spoke with all the nurses and nutrionists. My son learned how to give himself shots and not to be scared of them, that they are a part of his daily life.

There are many cookbooks out there, you need to check out the ADA website, there are great ideas and recipes, suggestions all kinds of information on the website.

I hope that this helps!!

Try this site, http://www.jdrf.org/

It is for the Juvenile Diabestes Research Foundation Intl. They have greast info and a great Tucson chapter. Here is the local branch site
http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&am...

My husband did his PhD research on juvenile diabetes so if you have any questions please let me know.

Good luck to your niece. H.

Type 1 diabetes is treated with daily injections of insulin. Oral diabetes medications are not effective. Many patients with Type 1 diabetes, after beginning insulin injections, experience a period of reduced insulin need called the honeymoon period. During the honeymoon period, the remaining beta cells continue to produce insulin. It is very important to continue insulin therapy during the honeymoon period, because even low doses of insulin appear to help prolong the duration of the honeymoon.

A.,

I have an interesting approach to this...I am not going to say a whole lot, but you should check out www.naet.com. It is relevant in this case!

Good luck,
L.

A.,
I have a product that kids love that has had great results with diabetes. I would love to share it with you and also put you on the phone with a diabetes consultant who can explain it all to you. She can inform you and your sister all about diabetes. If you are interested please contact me.
B. Garcia
barbgarcia.com
Himalayan GoChi Juice Representitive.
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My son was diagnosed at age 3 and is now 6. We see a pediatric endocrinologist at Phoenix Childrens Hospital, her name is Granzya Sobczak. She is the best!!!
We saw her in her private practice and have since moved with her to PCH. We live in Tucson, and there is only 1 doctor here, and he is very overwhelmed and it takes a long time to get in. The drive to Phoenix is worth it.
He started on injections and has since moved to the pump. Your nieces school will need to accomodate her needs. She will need to have access to snacks and fluids at all times. Her body will balance in the next couple of months. Our school is extremely accomodating, and they just love my son.
With whatever your sister decides, the most important is finding a doctor that makes your niece comfortable. She will need to trust them.
If your sister has any questions please feel free to give her my email ____@____.com. I don't mind helping if I can.
Take care!

I wish the best for your neice and the whole family. I do not have any expierence with type 1, however my dad was diagnosed with type 2 and it has touched my life greatly. My best suggestion to you is to let you sister know to take care of her daughter and to eat properly and get exercise. Positive attitude is a must. My father has passed away and it was due to his diabetes and it broke my heart. I know do the walk with JDRF. I am praying that they can help the little ones from getting this horrible disease. With that said the walk is coming up and anyone can join and show support. We take the whole family and while we walk we talk to our kids on how to prevent this and take care of themselves. If any of you would like to support us in our walk that would be awsome. Or show up and show support too. http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87128802 that is the link to support our team.

God Bless and Take Care :)