My 15 Month Old Nephew Just Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Anyone Can Relate?

My friends son was diagnosed at 18 months. It is a stressful thing, but it is amazing how these children quickly learn their bodies....by 2 1/2 he could tell his mother when his sugar was low and by 3 1/2 he was on an insulin pump which made things much easier....he is now seven years old and can program his insulin pump all by himself based on what he eats. He is a fun, energetic, hapy little boy.....it is a tough journey, but your nephew will be okay!!! Best of Luck!!

Diabetes is a very serious disease. Have your SIL get a referral to a REGISTERED DIETITIAN (RD) with a PEDIATRIC DIABETES certification. There are support groups for families. Once the diabetes is controlled your nephew will have a normal life.
Good luck

Yes. He will live a wonderful normal life. His normal
will be a bit different, but that is OK. I think the
kids have to be six years old for a pump. What a wonder-
ful invention!! Makes life much easier on diabetics.

However, he is young so he will probably be given
insulin injections. At 15 months old you cannot reason
with them, so his Mom will just have to do what needs
to be done. It will be worse on her then him. Probably
by the age of 2 she can start letting him have some
control. Where do you want your insulin? Arm, leg, etc.
Letting him wipe the spot with alcohol. Then my suggestion is always to keep a "Low sugar goodie box"
for him. If he is low he gets to pick out a candy etc.

Not going to lie they will have some rough days ahead,
just learning about being diabetic and making sure he
eats etc. They will get the hang of things. Just go
one day at a time. Good luck and keep in mind we are
in the year 2009 where medicine changes everyday!!!!
Someday I hope for the baby and my daughter that
diabetes will be able to treated in a non-invasive way.
Good luck .

HI S.
Lots of diabetes in my husband's family
Our prayers are with your extended family
God bless you and give you His Peace
K.

Hi S.. I am so sorry your nephew and family are going through this. My daughter is 2 1/2 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a year ago.
TAKE HEART!!!! My daughter is so very healthy and active. Giving shots still breaks my heart and they WILL go through ups and downs and some scary times, but it does get better. The best comfort for dealing with diabetes is education and having the support of your family.
I see that someone mentioned getting in touch with a dietician but we didn't get much help from dieticians.....what they need is a good pediatric endocrinologist. Ours is amazing. They help us through blood sugar problems, sickness, growth spurts, potty training....you name it!
If you or your sis-in-law want to private message me, feel free. Oh, my husband also was diagnosed with type 1 at age 3 and he has an amazing life! He played basketball and football in high school. Got an insulin pump in college and his blood sugars are so good, he is healthier than most non-diabetics!
We are looking at an insulin pump for our daughter sometime in the next year or two.
I hope this helps! It's SO hard, but never impossible!

ETA*** A child does not need to be 6 years old to be on the pump. We know kids as young as 23 months and 16 months that have the pump. An endocrinologist is the best person to help you determine the best choice for the child.

Hi S.,
My brother has type 1 diabetes also. He was not diagnosed as young as your nephew but I can tell you what a successful and happy man he turned out to be. Happy childhood, went to ivy league school on a baseball scholarship, married with two beautiful childen and very wealthy!I think living a healthy lifestyle eating right and exerciseing in conjunction with listening to docs and paying attention to ones body helped. He still takes 3 shots a day but he is doing more than fine. Good luck!

My best friend was diagnosed at 20 months old. He went through phases of ultra-vigilance and of reckless behavior (what teenager doesn't) but he is now 30 and in good health for a diabetic. It was a challenge for his mother for the first few years, especially having to do finger pricks for testing on his tiny fingers, but they both emerged with a very special bond.

The great news for your nephew is that the technology has advanced so much in the past 30 years - much less blood required for testing, insulin pumps for those who can use them, even some promising advances in regrowing pancreatic tissue.

He can have a normal healthy life, but he will have times when, like all children, he will not listen to his parents about what is best for him. Have patience, be educated, and good luck.