My 14 month old grandson was diagnosed with type 1 yesterday, on Easter. I myself have had type 1 for 33 years, but this is such a shock! I find myself scouring the internet for information and resources, but I have a feeling the good people of tudiabetes will provide the best suggestions. I am confident that he will do well because his parents are capable and caring, but they are in shock and I don’t know how best to help them cope. Fortunately, we have an excellent children’s hospital with a dedicated pediatric diabetes facility. But I would really appreciate any advice from the tudiabetes community.
Hi, Raguet,
I’m sorry to hear about your grandson’s diagnosis. Our daughter was diagnosed at 15 months and it is a huge shock. The first several months were really tough, but it got better with time. Elisabeth is now 3 and is thriving. I would suggest his parent’s check out the Parents with Diabetic Toddlers forum…I’ve learned a lot there myself and it’s great to be able to communicate with other parents who are having the same issues.
Best wishes,
Jessica
what a handsome young man you have flourishing there. We have a group here that has many members with young children with diabetes. My brain is drawing a blank but maybe you can join for a shoulder to lean on
Thanks so much, Jessica. Your girls are adorable and you sound like the best mom! I didn’t know until yesterday that young children could wear pumps. I have an Omnipod myself and think it’s great. I’m about to leave for the hospital to be there for the 1st meeting with the Diabetes Educators, and I’m actually excited. Knowledge is power, and I know my son and his wife will start to feel less overwhelmed.
I’ve started reading the toddler forum postings and I can already tell how helpful it can be. I myself have so enjoyed tudiabetes as a place where you encounter others who share your issues and experiences. Thanks for your kind words and support!
I am so sorry your baby grandson was diagnosed. I would suggest his parents check out Children with Diabetes online community. Many parents can help them there because there are now many babies (mostly toddlers) in the same situation. I agree it is a shock and so much harder to deal with when the child is so young but you would be surprised at how quickly the parents catch on. I’m sure your grandson will be in the best of hands. And you can be such a wonderful resource for them. Who knows better first-hand than you as you have lived it.
Thanks, Jan. Even though I’ve had diabetes a long time, I was unaware of babies and toddlers developing it. It’s interesting that my grandson Alex is the same age his father was when I was diagnosed…33 years ago. And today is his 34th birthday!
Eric was 18 months when he was diagnosed. His daddy has diabetes in his family but we don’t know what kind, because Mark’s biological father left the family when Mark was only 3 and is now dead. So at some point we’re going to sign up for a clinical trial investigating the genetics of T1. Beyond that, I’d say do what you’re doing–it can be tough with a toddler, but the flip side is that your grandson and my son will both grow up knowing nothing different. For them, their diabetes will always be there for them to think about, unlike older kids who can remember (and resent) the loss of their ability to eat whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Small comfort for us parents, I know, but certainly a better situation for them. And my endo keeps saying that he expects–EXPECTS, mind you–a cure to be developed in 10 to 15 years, because of how much we’re learning every day.
Omg! His the cutest little boy ever but im sorry to hear that. I was diagnose when I was 10 months old, i don’t know any advice since i don’t have children. But i’ve heard of a forum where Parents with Children with diabetes exchange suggestions & advices. I actually think the parents of the baby should take a look.
But if you have any questions you know that everyone would help =)
And if you want i could ask my mom for some advice too!.
Hopefully everything turns out great. And dont worry, his in good hands =)
