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She knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but nevertheless, when it happened, it was still a shock. She was only 10 years old. She watched her parents for years giving themselves injections, worrying about their lab work and watching what they ate. Her parents talked about the importance of exercise and how to avoid serious complications. Although she was not always sure what the words meant, her parents would discuss visiting the doctor and changing insulin dosages. Now, it is her time to test her blood sugar, eat on time and to be different than the other children. Being different is one of the most difficult parts of having diabetes for Kate. She believes her life is no longer her own. She is in the fifth grade and must test her blood sugar three to four times per day and give herself insulin injections at least twice per day. It is difficult for her to be alone. She must always be with someone in case she has an insulin reaction. She has had a few in the past year and they scare her. She gets sweaty and light-headed. She is easily irritated and acts in ways unlike herself. Her friends can tell when it is happening and they have learned to help her by giving her juice first and then getting help. One of her best friends will sometimes test her blood sugar to make sure it is not too low. Kate eats healthy food and does not overdo foods high in sugar but she longs to have that extra piece of candy or that extra snack. She has heard it is easier now than it used to be for kids like her. Newer rapid insulin allows her to give herself an extra dose so she can join in at parties and at the movies. She remembers her first day in the doctor's office. Kate and her mother already knew that the day was here but they needed it to be official. The doctor tested her urine and blood and confirmed her high blood sugar. She had lost some weight and felt she had to urinate a lot. She knew she was no longer "normal." Now she had to learn about taking care of herself. She went to the Children's Hospital and her education began. Types of insulin, testing blood and what to eat were the major topics in the first week. Exercise and avoiding insulin reactions followed. It has been almost a year since that first day. Now she is in her "honeymoon" period. She does not need very much insulin and her blood sugars are in good range. She requires very small doses of insulin to maintain her blood sugar. She knows that this will not last forever but she says it is great while the time is here. Kate knows that she is not alone every time she sees the diabetic specialist. Nearly one in 600 children will develop type 1 (insulin dependent, juvenile) diabetes. If a parent, brother or sister already has type 1, chances are even greater. There has been great improvement in technology and medications, so children can care for themselves and live longer healthier lives and become whatever they want. The future is theirs and Kate is still hoping for the day when insulin injections will no longer be needed and life will be a just a little simpler for her. Dr. Clyde Wesp is a pediatrician with Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates with offices in Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch and is affiliated with Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Mission Hospital and Children's Hospital of Orange County. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Memorial Care Physician Society. If you have any questions or comments for Dr. Wesp you can e-mail him at askdrwesp@netscape.net. |
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