Question: I am a parent with type 1 diabetes. My children are now ages seven and two, and they are asking questions about it. How do I explain to them what type 1 diabetes is in a way that will help them understand and not be scared? Answer: I have been in this exact same [...]
Question My son, who is four years old and has type 1 diabetes, has just started prekindergarten. We’ve had some issues with the school nurse. Because she is responsible for two different schools, she cannot be at our son’s school all day, and therefore cannot provide adequate care. What are our rights regarding medical care [...]
My nine-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) five days ago. We are a military family currently stationed in South Korea. We are with very few English resources in the area. It looks like we will get an emergency move to our next duty station in El Paso, TX, in a couple of weeks. How do we find quality care in a foreign country, manage an international move with a child with T1D, and find quality care to deal with a new diagnosis?
Question: What are some good ways to treat low blood sugar levels without adding too many calories? Answer: I think that most people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have experienced the dilemma of getting a low blood glucose (sugar) level and having to treat it with an uncomfortably high number of calories. I remember that [...]
Question: I am an adult with type 1 diabetes and will be traveling alone by plane at the end of the summer. I have an insulin pump, needles and syringes, and other supplies. Do I have to have a physician’s note with me when I go through airport security? And can I go through the [...]
Question: I have a four-year-old who was diagnosed just last week with type 1 diabetes. I am struggling with whether to put him back into preschool (and if so, when). We are continually adjusting his insulin and he’s experiencing many highs and lows. The preschool is willing to learn about his disease, but with his [...]
Q: What is diabetic retinopathy? A: Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive disease that destroys small blood vessels in the retina, eventually causing vision problems. In its most advanced form–proliferative retinopathy–it can cause blindness. According to the National [...]
Q: I’m an 18-year-old with diabetes (diagnosed when I was 11), and I’m finding it really hard to cope. I don’t take my medicine or care for myself like I should. I know the long-term effects and what can happen to me if I don’t start doing what I should, but I need some other [...]
As you’ve probably heard, having good blood sugar control is extremely important when it comes to driving. You should always check your blood sugar levels before getting behind the wheel and carry extra snacks and supplies in your car (glucose tablets, juice, crackers, glucose meters, insulin, etc.). Many diabetes educators say that driving with a [...]
Many teens struggle with achieving good type 1 diabetes management as they gain independence and responsibility for their own health. One teen dealing with this issue wrote to the Online Diabetes Support Team and received the following response. Q: I have diabetes for about 7 years now and am still finding it difficult to adjust. [...]
