| Cole's Story |
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My son Cole was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes on April of 2008; he is 12 years old and struggling with this life threatening disease. He is new to the JD world and is still learning how to cope with many, many new changes in his life, how different foods effect his blood sugars (BS), when to eat and be on the same eating routine everyday as close as possible, how sports (which he loves so much and is very competitive in basketball, baseball, football, and track to name a few) effect his blood sugars, how he has to adjust his eating habits prior to theses events in order to keep his BS up and in a healthy range, so he does not become hypoglycemic (a low BS that can cause seizers or coma) or he could have extreme high's with his BS that will land him in the hospital. These are only a few of the things that Cole has to juggle every day of his life now. The things that drive him crazy are always counting his carbs before he eats, pricking his fingers to take his BS, so he will know what his BS is in order to give himself a shot of insulin so he can eat. Then 2 hours after he has eaten Cole has to prick his finger and take his blood sugar again to make sure he is in his desired range. Cole has to do this in the morning, before every meal or snack depending on the carb totals, 2 hours after each meal or snack, if he is feeling dizzy, pale in coloring, hunger, nausea, irrational behavior, confusion, personality change, crying, poor coordination, light headed, shakiness, nervous, sweating, headache and sluggishness (possible low and needs food ASAP). Blurry vision, stomachache, nausea, confusion lethargy, increased urination, thirst and hunger are signs of hyperglycemic (possible high and needs insulin ASAP) and at his bedtime. This is an absolute must for JD kids so they know what their BS is. If they keep their BS's in their target range 70% or higher (the more the better!) this reduces their chances of having complications from this disease (mentioned below in Type 1 diabetes). For example when Cole has hit an extreme high or low after a sports activity we average 7-15 finger pricks to get him back to his normal BS range, this is on top of all his regular finger pricks he has to do on a normal day. As you can see, this is a lot of BS testing, finger pricking and possible shots for a child or young person to deal with daily. Then there are his friends who shy away maybe because they do not understand that you can not catch JD from him, or they just do not know how to act or what to say to him. Well I will tell you, Cole is a normal 12 year old who is no different than any other 12 year old boy, the only thing is that he has to eat healthy, exercise and check his is BS and inject insulin daily in order to live a happy healthy life so he can pursue his hopes and dreams! He can do or be anything that any other 12 year can do or be!! So treat him the same as you did before you heard he had JD, he has not changed an he loves to be Cole not Cole with JD!!
Risk of Complications?
Blindness, heart attacks, kidney failure, stroke, nerve damage and amputation. T-1 diabetes effects 15,000 children yearly and is the most serious and complicated form of diabetes, that accounts for at least $174 billion in annual health care cost in the US.
What are the problems that can occur from Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1)?
High blood sugar levels over a number of years can cause serious damage to the body's organ systems. This damage may cause complications affecting the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other parts of the body.
What are the warning signs of Diabetes?
Extreme thirst; frequent urination; drowsiness or lethargy; sugar in urine; sudden vision changes; increased appetite; sudden weight loss; fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath; heavy, labored breathing; stupor; and unconsciousness.
How you can HELP find the CURE?
There is a lot of hope out there for the cure and everyday we are getting closer and closer to finding the "Cure", but our children need your help! There are many ways you can help our children by volunteering, lobbying with our local, state and federal officials for grants and funding to keep the research going. Walking, riding (bikes and motor cycles) and fund raising events. If you are interested in any of these awesome ways to help our children please visit JDRF and find a chapter near you and help OUR CHILDREN have a better LIFE.
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