A few weeks ago we purchased an insulin pump for our 7 year old who has Type 1 Diabetes. After 5 years of multiple daily shots, he now gets his "site" changed every three days. (We still have to keep needles handy in case his pump fails.) It's a great tool in managing his Diabetes. We love it. And so does he. With supervision he understands what he needs to do to enter his blood sugar, enter his carbs and then bolus with the correct amount of insulin for what he has just eaten. In fact from the very first day he wanted to take control of his pump.
A blog I like to read posted this information on it today. It's great advice for families and friends of newly diagnosed Diabetics....
Diabetes Etiquette
- for people who don't have diabetes
2. Do realize and appreciate that diabetes is hard work. Diabetes management is a full-time job that I didn't apply for, didn't want and can't quit. It involves thinking about what, when and how much I ea, while also factoring in exercise, medication, stress, blood sugar monitoring, and so much more - each and every day.
3. Don't tell me horror stories bout your grandmother or other people with diabetes you have heard about. Diabetes is scary enough, and stories like these are not reassuring! Besides, we no know that with good management, odds are good you can live a long, healthy and happy life with diabetes.
I love #3. I can't tell you how many times people off the street give unsolicited advice about Potato's condition. Unless you are living in the situation you cannot fully show or express empathy regarding Diabetes. We REALLY don't want to hear horror stories. If a family member had cancer would you tell them all the stories you've heard about people being diagnosed and whether they survived or not? I sure hope NOT! The same goes for Diabetics, and their parents.
5 comments:
yuck--I'm sorry you have to deal with this, I'm sorry Potato has to live with this.. You are such a great Mom, keep goin' sista!
Thats funny cuz when my mom got diagnosed the last time with cancer thats what people did was tell me everybody they know who died from it! People really don't get it. It really waa unbelievable. Your a good mom & take good care of him.
I think you said it very well. None of us can fully understand the emotions of having a child or love one affected by an illness or disease. I think the most important thing we can all do is just understand and support, not offer advice.
The same thing goes for being pregnant. Didn't everyone tell you their horror stories when you were first pregnant - all as "advice"!
I know 2 teenagers with the pump and it is the coolest thing. So glad he was able to get one.
I thought only spaniards were this bold :-)
Post a Comment