'Alex copes with his diabetes better than I do!'
I first noticed a problem with Alex just before Christmas 2007 when he was 8 years old. He was drinking a lot more than usual and going to the loo all the time. Initially, I thought he probably had a urine infection but soon other symptoms started to emerge.
He became lethargic and moody, and I started to notice an acidic smell to his breath so I took him to see our local GP.
For some reason I had an inkling that it could be diabetes, and when we saw the GP he confirmed it was Type 1 then and there by testing Alex's urine. He told me I'd need to take Alex to the hospital. I asked when we'd get an appointment and he replied 'No, you don't understand. You need to go right now.'
It was one of the scariest moments of my life. In the 5-6 minutes it took us to drive to our local hospital, Alex's condition got much worse. I had to carry him from the car into A&E because he couldn't walk. The hospital had been told we were coming and took him straight in and began giving him insulin but it was almost too late.
He was very unwell for the next few days and the doctors told me that if he didn't start responding to the treatment, it could be very, very serious. Thankfully, he did start to respond and I was able to take him home 4 days later.
Now Alex's daily routine is very different. He has to check his sugar levels first thing in the morning, and inject himself with insulin 30 minutes before breakfast. He keeps a testing kit at school and a sugary snack box in case he starts to feel shaky and always has to make sure his levels are high enough to carry him through an after-school club or sports game. In the evening, he injects again 30 minutes before dinner and we check his levels again before bed.
With all these changes, it could have caused Alex problems at school - but his friends are always fighting over who gets to go on early lunch with him and reminding Alex to take his mid-morning snack, so he never feels his diabetes is anything to be embarrassed about.
In terms of his day-to-day health, all sorts of things can affect his levels - lack of exercise, certain foods. Often there seems to be no sense to it - for example if I cook him roast potatoes his levels stay fine, but mash potatoes send them through the roof, but we're learning together what things work and what don't.
Being a single parent of a child with type one diabetes isn't easy. Alex had never heard of diabetes before and it was hard to explain to him 'Yes, you're better, but you'll have this for ever.' That said, he got used to it very quickly. Right from the start he'd do some of his own injections and never make a fuss.
In many ways, I finder it harder to cope than he does. It's difficult on days when his levels are high and he's ratty. I get lots of practical support from doctors but it's the emotional support that you really need, and the ability to talk to other people in a similar boat.
That's why I joined the Havering Family Diabetes Group. It's brilliant. We don't just sit around moaning about diabetes, we organise fun events such as race nights where we raise money to keep the group going. It just helps to have people around you who know how you feel and what you're going through - it's been a lifesaver for me and I'd recommend any parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes to join a support group in their area.
For now, Alex is just a normal little boy - aware of his condition but he doesn't let it hold him back. He recently did a sponsored walk in Regent's Park for Diabetes UK where he raised £1200 for the charity. His strength always amazes me and gets me through the tough times.
Ann Reed, 36, mum to Alex, 9
Havering Family Diabetes Group benefits from National Lottery funding thanks to the £25million a week that Lottery players raise for Good Causes. For more information on other projects that benefit from Lottery funding visit lotterycauses.org.uk
Where to next?
- Find out more about type 1 diabetes in children
- Your story: Diabetes doesn't stop Peter doing anything
- Diabetes: Help and advice
- Quiz: Are you at risk of diabetes?
By Charlotte Gunn
Average rating:
Beryl Howes, about 1 year
Alex just happens to be my grandson, I can't tell you how proud I feel of him and his ability to cope with his diabetes. It was a shock for all of us, and the positive attitude that Ann his mum has shown has been awsome. I hope it gives comfort and hope to other children that find themselves in this situation. also to other parents who start off being so scared but now know there is support out there. from a very proud grandmother.
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