Today’s Feature Friday is with Sarah and Grayson! I’m Sarah, and my son Grayson is T1. We live in Auckland, New Zealand. Grayson (5), is an outgoing, fun and happy boy that loves being outside, playing basketball, golf, doing parkour, being with his big brother Noah (8),and playing with our dog Kaia. I’m a stay at home mum that works part-time. As a family, we love going on bushwalks and spending time with our friends and family. Grayson was diagnosed just before he turned 4, so nearly 1.5 years ago!

Diagnosis

Just before covid hit NZ last year we noticed Grayson was always tired, always hungry, had an extreme thirst, having toilet accidents, and the occasional dizzy spell. After he started waking in the night, to guzzle 2 cups of water, I took him to our doctor. Of course I had looked on the internet to see what those symptoms could be. Type 1 diabetes came up and I dismissed it as we have no family history. The doctor took a BG reading and it was 24mmol. We were sent straight to hospital where we stayed for 5 nights. The doctors said another week and he would have possibly been in DKA – I was so grateful to have caught it early.

Initial Thoughts

I was momentarily in disbelief when they told us he had Type 1 Diabetes. He was a healthy, active little boy. When I learned more about how his life would change from that moment on, I felt sad for him but knowing his personality I knew he could cope.

School & T1

I was very stressed about Grayson starting school. He got an insulin pump late last year, which I hoped would be easier not only for and Grayson, but also the staff at school. We did training with them and we set up a detailed plan about his care. They are in constant contact with me while he’s there so I still manage his diabetes. Grayson knows how to use his pump so he only needs supervision for the amounts to bolus and then treatment for any highs and lows. It’s been 3 months since he started and so far it’s going pretty well.

Grayson is very resilient and doesn’t let his Type 1 interfere with anything he wants to do.

Thriving with Diabetes

Thrive to me means living your life with no boundaries, being happy, healthy, and feeling secure in who you are Thriving with Type 1 for us means keeping Grayson’s levels in a normal range while continuing to do anything and everything he wants to do. No limits!

What works for Grayson:

I wish I had been told earlier that lower carb can give you way more control of Type 1, it’s so much easier to be in charge and keep levels in range. Without a looped system pump, we are in a sense, Grayson’s pancreas – so it’s been less stressful to see his levels not spiking with super highs anymore.

Words of Hope

My words of encouragement: It does get easier as you learn more and there is a lovely, understanding diabetic community out there that is willing to lend support and help when you need it – wherever you are – just reach out. Being part of the online diabetic community has been great for my personal well-being as a parent of a type 1 child. It’s been great to see and share our story with others going through the same things. It’s also been lovely for Grayson to see there are so many other children that have to cope with this disease – he is not alone.

The post Feature Friday: Sarah & Grayson appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Diagnosis

My son was already at that hospital in ICU as well battling Typhus. which meant we had 4 kids, 3 being in the hospital now and 2 in ICU!

Learning and Support

Explaining T1D

Tips or Tricks!

Thriving as a Family

Thrive is such a strong and powerful word. I would say we thrive in our every day lives as a Type 1 family. We are constantly succeeding and moving forward, educating ourselves.

Community!

Hope and Gratitude

Check out last weeks Feature Friday here! And if you’re interested in a T1D book check it out here

The post Feature Friday: Brooke and Payton (Paydee) appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Welcome to Feature Friday: Gabriela and Family! Gabriela is the daughter of Victoria and Juan and she has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. They currently live in Texas! They are a faith-filled, girl family (3 daughters), they love to dance, swim, and cook together as a family. Also, the family really enjoy movie nights together and trying new things all together.

Gabriela is a spunky Kindergartener with a vivacious personality. She is a strong self advocate for her diabetes and overall health. They strongly believe in the importance of her knowing as much as she can about her diagnosis and being aware of carbs/insulin dosages and how to take care of herself.

Diagnosis Story

Gabriela has been a type 1 diabetic for 11 months.

I started noticing symptoms over the span of about a month such as increased thirst, weight loss, fatigue, and when the bed wetting started, I had an inclination that it was type 1. As an occupational therapist, I have some medical knowledge so thankfully, I was able to piece the symptoms together. We went to see the pediatrician who confirmed my suspicion, and then went to meet our endocrinologist. It was the hardest day of my life, but I was thankful that we caught it before she ended up in DKA.

Initial Thoughts

Fear was the biggest emotion. I was scared of missing a sign of a low or not dosing correctly. I was also thankful that God has equipped us (my husband and me) with the right tools to take care of Gabriela and the strength to push through day by day.

Explanation of Diabetes

We told Gabriela that sugar is what gives all of our body parts energy and for some reason, her “sugar controllers” stopped working. We made sure that she knew this wasn’t anyone’s fault. Also, we told her that the sugar controllers are what make the insulin and so without them, we needed to inject it into her body. We told her that without it, she could get very sick. In addition, we wanted to try our best to keep her as healthy as possible and avoid that. So we needed her help to do so by always telling us how she feels and when she’s hungry. We explained to her that diabetes is something that she will always have to live with. However, if she tries hard to learn everything she can about it, so that she can take good care of herself, then she will be strong and healthy, despite diabetes.

Favorite Diabetic Device

Dexcom has been a lifesaver!

 Share what the word thrive means to you!

To me, “thrive” means to live your best life that God gifted you. So, if that means you were given a disability, or a mental health issue, or in Gaby’s case -diabetes, living your life to the fullest capacity and doing so while maintaining your attitude of gratitude.

 What helps you as the caregiver and your child thrive with diabetes?

Our faith is what keeps us moving forward. I know who holds my tomorrow and Gaby’s so I know that I will be equipped with the tools and strength that I need to take care of her.

 What do you wish someone told you earlier as a caregiver for someone with diabetes?

Don’t be so hard on yourself!! Perfection is an illusion and there is no perfect diabetic! lol

Words of Encouragement

I would tell them that no matter how hard it seems, they will get through it and survive it. Diabetes is a daily roller coaster ride and though hard, never impossible.

Final Thoughts

Come follow Gaby! @gabychasingunicorns and say hi!

Victoria

PS! If you liked this story, please check out the family from last Friday and read the post about my new T1D book for children! Hope you are as excited as me!

The post Feature Friday: Gabriela and Family! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Today I want to share an amazing family with you from Dallas, Texas. Megan is a hard working homeschooling mama of 4 beautiful kids. Her daughter Aviana who is currently 8 years old is a T1D and was diagnosed at the age of 2. She is the sweetheart of the family, loves to make people laugh, and her mother gushes that her daughter has a heart filled of gold! In addition to learning new things, she enjoys playing with nerf guns, video games, and wearing camouflage. Video games are something she enjoys and she aspires to make her own video gaming channel!

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing child and I hope you enjoy her story. Let me know if you have any take aways from this, we would love to hear from you!

Diagnosed with Diabetes

Aviana has been diagnosed with Type 1 for 6 years now.

Diagnosis Story

Aviana’s diagnosis story is a pretty crazy rollercoaster of emotions.

Aviana had just turned 2 and we starting noticing random things here and there. It started with excessive drinking and frequent urination. We noticed she was wetting through her diapers and leaking in the bed. Then we chalked it up to needing to size up the diapers. Finally, we started noticing a odd fruity smell from her mouth; almost if she ate Fruit Loops. We took her to the doctors after some weight loss and concerns. They had told us it was just a cold and to keep an eye on her. Aviana then started to become super lethargic. She just wanted to sleep all of the time.

We decided to take her to a local hospital where they monitored her for some hours. They came back and said everything was fine but that she had the flu and to keep her hydrated. Another day went by and she was becoming more lethargic. We took her to a different hospital where they monitored her for a few hours. They came back and told me it was hand, foot, and mouth and sent us home with antibiotics.

Another day goes by and Aviana isn’t waking up.

She was so lethargic she wouldn’t even open her eyes. We immediately rushed her to the nearest children’s hospital. I told the front desk and without hesitation they brought her back almost immediately. The first thing the nurse brought into her room was a blood sugar monitor. That moment when they took her BG and signed, I knew something was wrong. That is when we finally got the answers we needed and she was started on an insulin drip. Aviana was in DKA and it scares me to think of the outcome had we waited another day.

I wish my hospitals and doctors were more aware of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.

Initial Thoughts

I first was absolutely relieved because we had answers. She was finally getting the help she needed. Then once things started to calm down, the guilt and heartbreak set in. One of my best friends in high was a Type 1; so I knew a little bit about the care. I just wasn’t ready for all that went into the care of a Type 1. There is so much a parent has to learn in order to care for the T1 child. The guilt came from not getting her to a children’s hospital sooner. I felt like I failed her as a mom. Then the heartbreak of her life will never be the same. I never want Aviana to feel like she’s different. The whirlwind on emotions was so crazy at her diagnosis.

Technology

Aviana is currently using the Dexcom G6 and Omnipod dash. They have been lifesavers and I couldn’t recommend enough. The dexcom is the biggest piece of mind that I thank God for everyday. Technology has come so far and I am beyond grateful for it all. Aviana enjoys being tubeless with the omnipod and with that being said she also enjoys not getting a lot of injections. I and Aviana would recommend both devices to anyone starting out in this journey.

Explaining Diabetes

At the time when she was 2, she really didn’t understand. She knew her life was changing but wasn’t sure how long. She knew there would be ouchies everyday, but that was the extent of what she knew at 2. As she has grown we explain a lot more and she understands the importance of her care. She knows she is just like any other kids her age, she just requires a little magic.

Sports and Activity!

Aviana is currently in soccer and absolutely loves it! When she was younger she was in gymnastics for a while too. My advice would be to not be scared of letting your kids play sports. Be open with the coaches and let them know of your child condition, and what it entails. When Aviana was in gymnastics and they would go to the opposite side of the building; I had the coaches take her dexcom. I let them know if it turns red to come and get me right away. They were completely fine with it and carried it in a little bag I gave them. With Aviana’s coach in soccer, I let them know I will come to them to have her pulled from the field if anything is to happen. They are so understanding and won’t hesitate to call a time out if we don’t have enough players. I just want other parents to know not to be scared, and to be open with those around your kids.

What’s T H R I V E mean to you?

Thrive to me means to flourish. Aviana was given this diagnosis that she will have to live with the rest of her life. She thrives every single day and grows every single day too. It’s like this seed that was planted and with the proper care she grows from it.

Despite the diagnosis she was given, Aviana takes it one day at a time and grows stronger and stronger.

Thriving with Diabetes

Letting her be a kid and not letting diabetes stop her. Most are under the impression T1 diabetics can not have sugar. We are here to show and spread awareness that those with T1 can do anything. Spreading awareness and just letting her be like any other child is what helps us thrive. Showing those that although she has diabetes; she can do anything she sets out to do. Education is so important and the support from family and friends is too.

Insulin for ALL

Insulin should not come at a price. We didn’t choose this life willingly, so I don’t believe we should have to pay for a life saving drug. I have seen too many news articles of passings of diabetics because they couldn’t afford insulin. This hurts me knowing people have had to go without or ration because drug companies have overpriced their drug. Insulin is one of the cheapest drugs, yet the markup is unreal. I believe insulin should come at no price to all. We already have to pay so much just for the care alone; insulin shouldn’t be one of those.

Words of Encouragement

I would have to say just take one day at a time.

Some days are going to be harder than the others. Take these days in stride and know no two days are ever going to be the same. The diabetic community is big and such an amazing support system. Don’t be scared to ask for help if you need it. I think it’s important to know that even with a life changing disease, so many people care. Never be scared to reach out, never feel sorry for needing help. There are going to be days where we feel terrible, but don’t give up. Even in the face of darkness, there is a beautiful light. To the parents on T1 kiddos; you all are amazing too! Just know that some days you might feel like a failure, but it doesn’t last. Our kids are thriving and gaining strength because of us. To all the T1’s and T1 parents; you are enough and you all are incredible!

Final Thoughts

Thank you for being an amazing support system. Without you all, I would be lost. Aviana gets to see so many people just like her and that helps her. So thank you for sharing your stories, your accomplishments, and your struggles. Aviana and I are beyond thankful.

Megan

You can find more from this beautiful family on IG at type1aviana !

The post Feature Friday: The Ragan Family! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

This is where 4 year old Josh and his mother Jane live. Although being a caregiver with diabetes has brought their family many challenges, they remain positive and hopeful! Jane’s attention and focus on Josh and his well-being helps her to thrive with diabetes. As a fellow mother, I have so much respect for Jane and want her to know that she is part of a community of diabetic warriors! Read on to learn more about this beautiful family and what is helping them in their diabetic journey…

Caregiver of a T1D

Sometimes it’s stressful being a caregiver because my child is too young to understand how to care for himself yet.

Career in the Field of Medicine

I am a medical social worker that primarily work with older adults. I support patients and their loved ones with coping with their diagnosis, however when my son was diagnosed it felt completely new and scary. My son is an active happy 4 year old boy. He is very playful and he doesn’t let anything stop him.

Diagnosis Story

Josh was diagnosed in August 2021.

I noticed he was wetting the bed and incredibly thirsty. He craved water all the time for 3 days I watched him and prayed to be wrong but I suspected it was early signs of type 1 and I was right when i taken him to the doctor and his blood glucose was over 400 and positce for ketones. They said we were fortunate he was not very sick. 

Initial thoughts

I was devastated. I thought my child could never live a normal life and wouldn’t be able to do sports. 

Diabetic tip/trick

In the hospital, Josh was fearful of the injections and would hide under the bed. The child life specialist brought a toy medical set and let him pretect to give injection to his favorite doll (woody from toy story) after that Josh felt like he could be brave. A tip once we got home is not taking the blood glucose personally… like a personal failure for the highs or lows just correct and move on. 

What thrive means…

Thrive means to live life to the fullest. Thrive means not just getting by but making every day meaningful. 

What helps you as the caregiver and your child thrive with diabetes?

Seeing my son’s smile, his joyous laughter and engaging in normal activities helps me thrive as a caregiver. The dexcom CGM help me relax and let my child be a kid. 

I wish someone told me…

Insulin is your child best friend, don’t be afraid to give and don’t be down if your child needs more of it. 

Words of Encouragement

You are not alone there are so many families and children impacted by this disorder, one day there will be a cure but in the meantime take advantage of the medical advancements because they are great. 

Final thoughts

Online support groups have saved me from feeling alone and in self pity. 

♡ Jane

Find Jane & Josh on IG at @janiemae2018 ! If you enjoyed reading this, check out an awesome Type 1 Diabetic who was interviewed last week.

The post Feature Friday: Jane & Josh appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Today’s “Feature Friday” comes to us from Shelsea and Coral!

Coral was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Friday, March 11, 2016 at nearly 16 months of age. Her mom Shelsea has a wonderful diabetic blog which she says is an “honest and practical guide to managing her toddlers T1D.” If you have a young child with diabetes or know someone that does- you should definitely go check it out! 

She was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a severe and life-threatening diabetes complication where the body has built up high levels of acidic ketones due to the lack of insulin. Coral’s full diagnosis story can be read on the T1D Life blog. (It is emotional and I suggest you grab some tissues!)

The meaning of thrive:

I often say, “strive to thrive!” Make realistic goals and crush them! Life was never easy for me before I met my husband. When Coral was diagnosed with T1d, I was very angry – all I wanted was a simple life for my first born child. She has become fierce, smart, and beautiful.

How this family thrives with diabetes:

Having a realistic approach to managing this chronic life-threatening autoimmune disease.

In the beginning, I wish I knew:

Log all carbs, boluses, and pre-bolus before eating carbs. All carbs affect each T1ds glucose levels differently.

Words of encouragement:

T1d never gets easier. We just get better at managing it.

Initial thoughts:

“Why my child??!! Was it because I couldn’t breastfeed longer than three months (due to mastitis)? F*ck T1d!”

Diabetic tip/trick!

Similar to the 6th question below. Also, *we* give Coral 2oz of protein shake or Lactaid milk or a small piece of milk chocolate before bed if she has .25 – 0.50U IOB to keep her bgs a bit more steady overnight. Learn how to adjust basals on pump and as much as you can quickly. We read a lot of books and medical journals right after Coral was diagnosed. All listed on the Quick Referrals page of my blog.

♡ Shelsea

PS: If you love this family, check out what family we featured last week

The post Feature Friday: The Deng Family & Coral appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Feature Friday this week is coming to you from the Hall family!

This family is proof that diabetics can THRIVE! Brooklyn was diagnosed at the age of 3 and is rocking diabetes like a star. Her mother Crystal shares life’s daily ups and downs on their Instagram and is a light in the Diabetic Online Community (DOC). Lately, Brooklyn (Brookie) has not only had a good A1C but she’s learning Spanish, Chinese, and French! This girl is thriving and here is her story, as told by her mom Crystal…

Diagnosis Story

Brooklyn was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on Christmas Day 2018.  Days leading up to her diagnosis, we knew that something was different, but was not exactly sure what was wrong.  After a few days of extreme thirst and being lethargic, we decided to take her to the Children’s Urgent Care where they completed some initial blood work.  Her blood sugar came back in the 500’s and a pediatric ambulance was called for her where she was rushed to the hospital.

Diagnosis: Initial Thoughts

Initially we were shocked and saddened.  We ate healthy and were an active family.  After a bit of education at the hospital, we quickly learned that her diagnosis was in no way attributable to anything that we could have done differently.

Diabetic Tip/Trick

Our family cannot live without the Sugarmate app!  It calls us when her blood sugar drops below a certain level!  Also, recently we’ve started to use gummy bears to treat lows, especially at night.  With Brooklyn only being 3 years old, this has greatly reduced the number of bathroom visits in the middle of the night.

What does the word thrive means to you…

Thrive to me means to move forward…to make progress. The two major things that help our family thrive with managing Brooklyn’s diabetes are her Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor and her t:slim x2 Insulin Pump.  The way they are able to interact and work together has allowed our family to regain some sense of normalcy again.

Advice early on

For our family, I wish someone would have told us that switching to a low carb diet, even if just for a while, could help stabilize things in the beginning.  We have started to slowly increase the number of daily carbs she eats as we’ve become more experienced with managing her condition, but it truly would’ve helped a lot early on if we had started out eating low(er) carb after diagnosis.

Words of Encouragement

Just know that diabetes today is not the same diabetes that was present 20 years ago…even 10 years ago.  There is so much new technology out there to help your child thrive. Also, just know that although no day is the same, everything is going to be ok.  Your child can continue to grow up and do the same things as their peers and live a full life.

♡ Crystal (IG t1d_brookie)

.

The post Feature Friday: The Hall Family & Brooklyn! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Author Shout-out Time!

As the mother of two little boys and an elementary school teacher, I am always on the hunt for good children’s books. Lately, I have been looking for books that empower children and help promote mindfulness. If you are a parent or teacher you may know that these skills need to be taught and reinforced. The great news is that I found some books that can help!

The post Author Shout-out Time! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

The post Feature Friday: Catherine and JJ’s Story appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.

Today I want to talk to you about some important information you must know about how to dispose of diabetic sharps! Needles and other diabetic sharps are a huge part of having diabetes but there are many options for disposing them properly. It also varies, depending on where you live and it’s good to refresh yourself once in awhile! Every community has different regulations and guidelines so if you have moved or are planning to move, make sure you check to see your options.

Some options may include but are not limited to: FDA mail-back programs, hazardous waste collection sites, special waste pick-up services or local collection sites. In addition, you can check with your family doctor or endocrinologist to see where they would recommend you to dispose of your sharps. I have even heard of people taking their sharps to their doctor’s office.

Here is a website that can help you find the options for safe disposal in your specific area:

State Search

Did you know?

-Do not fill a sharps container to the top, it should only be 3/4’s full

-Always store your container out of reach from children or animals living in the home

-Sharps include lancets, CGM trash, infusion sets, CGM applicators, needles, and syringes

-There are many options for disposal but trash and recycle are not one of them

-You do not have to buy a fancy diabetic sharps container off of a website, use an empty coffee tin or laundry detergent gallon instead, they work just as well

-You can break apart CGM applicators to reduce the waste in your sharps container (this was a tip someone shared with me on IG!)

If you have any unanswered questions regarding diabetic sharps, please leave them in the comments below! How do you dispose of your diabetic sharps? Also, if you liked this post check out the previous post on positive diabetic affirmations.

Stephanie

The post Dispose of Diabetic Sharps Safely! appeared first on Thriving Diabetic.