How it all Began
In December 2021, my son, Leo, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). He was three years old, and the diagnosis was a complete shock to our family. Without any prior knowledge, we were unaware that the symptoms he was experiencing, such as laboured breathing and extreme fatigue, was diabetes.
We were completely overwhelmed; from that day forward, Leo would depend on insulin for the rest of his life as well as being aware of his carbohydrate count and the insulin needed for every piece of food he ate. He would be frequently interrupted during all activities to address high and low glucose (blood sugar) levels. His life would never be the same. T1D can be an incredible amount of work, and there are days when my heart breaks when Leo asks me when he can finally be rid of diabetes.
I’ve had to fight to ensure that he has the measures he needs to be safe at school, and I often worry about what the future holds. However, Leo is amazing, and I am so proud of how far we have come. Although we need to take extra steps to ensure he is safe and healthy, T1D does not stop him from doing anything he loves. He participates in lots of different activities, he enjoys treats, and is a smart and fun-loving kid. We continue to get better at managing his T1D together.
How has Diabetes Canada helped?
Diabetes Canada holds overnight camp programs, referred to as “D-Camps”, which provide an opportunity for kids living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to have fun and be adventurous in a diabetes-friendly environment.
My family and I had the opportunity to attend a Family D-Camp last summer. It was an amazing opportunity for my son to meet other children living with T1D, and for us all to meet other families who live with similar experiences. Living with a disability can sometimes feel isolating, but opportunities like these promote a sense of community and belonging. We are so grateful for the experience and look forward to our son participating in future D-Camps.
Talking about the R&D in Diabetes Care & Treatment
Research and development in diabetes care and treatment is critical to ensuring that those with T1D live safer, healthier, and easier lives. Managing diabetes takes a lot of work, from continuously monitoring glucose (or blood sugar) levels to addressing blood sugar highs and lows quickly to be safe and healthy.
Advancements in technology and treatments have been so meaningful to my family. My son wears a continuous glucose monitor that provides blood sugar readings that I can access from my phone. Because he is only 5, when his blood sugar is high or low, access to this technology allows his family and his teachers to continuously monitor his blood sugar levels, helping to ensure he’s in a safe blood sugar range.
Leo also wears an insulin pump. Instead of multiple daily injections of insulin, the pump can administer it wirelessly. These advancements impact everyone in so many positive ways.
We are so thankful that organizations like Diabetes Canada have provided millions of dollars to fund diabetes research, including working on a cure for T1D.
