K.C.
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. ###-###-####