Living With Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes

A brand new feature we're rolling out is our "Kid of The Month". Every month, we'll choose a "kid of the month" from submissions we receive. To be considered, simply fill out the submission form and include your child's story of how they were diagnosed, how they cope day to day or what makes them "special". It's time they're a star!

Our first Kid of The Month is
Trinity Bennett

Trinity is near and dear to us. This site was developed because of this special kid. Our son. Here's our Kid of The Month story:

We have something in common.

We have been through the days that you have.

Our world changed over 14 years ago when our first born son, Trinity became ill with a stomach Virus in early April. The Doctors told us a stomach virus was going around. "Just make sure you keep him hydrated. Gatorade is good for this" was the advice we followed. It wasn't until two days after that we realized we were actually helping to feed the beast that was trying to take our son.

Three days in ICU (his blood sugar was over 1200 when he was admitted) and 4 more in regular care before we were sent home to deal with our new life of needles, finger sticks and utter shock.

How can this of happened?

We have been through the days of watching our 4 year old son staring emptily in front of the TV, rocking back and forth and not responding to us. (He had experienced his first bad drop and became unresponsive and incoherent).

We called 911, tried to find the emergency glycogen kit while panicking (no luck) and instinctively put some syrup in his mouth. By the time the ambulance came, he was coming back. We have also been through the days of not being able to "bring him back" and had to have him hospitalized to do it.

We have been through the days of multiple daily injections and finger sticks, crazy blood sugars and A1C readings of 14....

We have been through he days of mood swings brought on by wacky blood sugars levels

We have been through the regiment of:Getting up, checking blood sugars, struggling with "how much insulin" to give, making breakfast, checking blood sugar, a mid morning snack, checking blood sugar, lunch, checking blood sugar, a mid day snack, checking blood sugar, struggling with "how much insulin" to give, dinner, checking blood sugar, an evening snack, and forcing down extra food whenever an unexpected drop occurs. Repeat the following day. Again, again and again...

I could go on, but you get the picture.

After nearly 10 years of multiple daily injections, Trinity had finally qualified for an Insulin pump. The world became a much better place, allowing freedom he had not been able to experience for years. No longer stuck with the strict regime of meals and snacks at set times every day, he experienced some actual freedom. Sure, there are still complications that arise, but the difference for him was monumental.

We still look forward to the day of trying out the new "real time" glucose monitoring system. For now, it's just too cost prohibitive.

Trinity has now entered a new era in his life. On June 2, 2008, he graduated from Mandarin High School.

He was accepted in Jacksonville University and plans on getting a Masters in Education. His mom, dad and brother are extremely proud. He's quite a phenomenal young man.

Another new set of worries await. His first time away from home. More sleepless nights are ahead hoping he's taking care of himself. Checking his blood sugar without being reminded. Checking his blood sugar before he gets behind the wheel or going out with friends. We now have to trust the past 14 years of "how to" lessons have been laid out and listened to. We're very fortunate that Trinity is extremely responsible, so our worries will be light.

But they'll be there

If you have a mobile phone, the chances are pretty good you've got web access. http://Type1.mobi does not require high end smart phone technology. Any phone browser can display the site well.

Knowing what steps to take if you're away from home and your blood sugar spikes or dips is essential. Now, if a question comes to mind, you can have it answered here for some peace of mind.

Another sampling of type1.mobi:
"High Symptoms
Common symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are:

* Increased appetite
* Thirst
* Frequent of urination
* Dry mouth
* Blurred vision
* Weight loss
* Always tired / drowsiness

What to do if you're feeling "high":
Check and confirm your reading.

Give an insulin correction by calculating the units needed to bring you down between 120-80. If you don't know your ratio, contact your doctor to discuss.

Exercise. Walk, run....just moving around helps to lower your sugar.

Drink water. This also helps to speed up the lowering process.

Low Symptoms
Common symptoms of Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are:

Mild-(usually when levels drop around 60-70 mg/dL)

* Nausea
* Hunger
* Nervousness
* Shaking / trembling
* Numbness or tingling in fingers / toes
* Cold and clammy skin
* Unexplained sweating

Moderate:- (usually when levels are around 40-59 mg/dL)

* Confusion: not able to concentrate
* Irritable, angry, or sudden mood change
* Slurred speach / loss of coordination
* Feeling weak / no energy
* Dizziness, blurred vision

Severe- (usually when levels are under 40 mg/dL)

* Loss of consciousness / coma
* Seizures
* Low body temperature

What to do if you drop low:

Check your reading to know how low you are. There are times when symptoms might "overlap". In other words, you might think you're high when in fact you're low.

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS TO MAKE SURE

If you're mild to moderate, simply drink about 8 oz of juice or a soda (with sugar), or eat a snack of some sort (approx. 15 carbs)

Wait for 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again.

If you're going up any...just sit tight and wait. If you're staying the same or still going down, eat or drink another snack.

Repeat this process until you raise above 80 mg/dL"

If you are a juvenile diabetic or know one, please take the time to let them know about this website.

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