We have two nine year olds with type 1 diabetes. Our youngest was diagnosed on April 15th at the age of 4 1/2. So our extended family, our relatives and closest friends, have had five years to understand the basics of type 1, as many of them have seen the daily impacts on our family over this time. That just isn't the case and it's frustrating. But I have all of you--we're in this together.
Recently we had an older relative tell us she was just diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I probably should've expected what was to follow: This person's statement that her diabetes was the same as our kids'. I just don't understand, even though I know that roughly only ten percent of those with diabetes have type 1 and it seems all of the attention goes to type 2.
A few weeks ago we visited this relative and type 1/type 2 issue was one of the first things to come up.
Talk about opening up a can of worms! I went on to try explaining the difference between the two types but it fell on deaf ears. I would expect that response from a stranger but my own family member, I just don't understand.
I really appreciate all of you and feel like we're in this together. All the things each of us does to raise awareness and for our children.
So here's to You!
I’m Natalie. I’m a mom of three kids, two with type 1 diabetes. As you know, parenting children with type 1 diabetes is a journey of long nights, lots of work, and seldom much support. There’s not much I can do about your long nights, but I hope our website and blogs offer you some support. I look forward to blogging with you.
We have this problem all the time with my husbands family. They just don't seem to get it....or choose not to! They have had 15+ years with my son to try and get it! I give up and try not to let them bother me!