[momof6]

When my son was dx,(he was dx at 3) I allowed myself to cry one time, I am a pretty positive person and a christian, and saw no use in worrying over something I can't control. My first mistake was googling diabetes, I already knew the nature of the disease...heck I diagnosed him...but wanted to learn more. When I came upon a website that stated diabetes shaves 10-20yrs off ones life. I stopped looking. Later I ran into a more optimistic site which said as long as it is under control a person can live a normal lifespan minus 5yrs. Anyway, are there any adults around that were dx young and live a pretty healthy normal life?(as healthy and normal as one can be with diabetes)

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm 24 years old diagnosed at 11 months. No complications, no problems, just numerous BG checks and carb countings a day.

Yes, it will shed some years off of life because the changing BGs over many years will do some harm. But at the same time, one could say most diabetics are the healthiest people around. We have to look at everything we eat before we stuff it in our face and question how that's going to affect blood sugar levels. So, in a sense we are adding time to our life there. TO me, the effect is null and you just live like everyone else if you maintain good control.

Good luck, and a mom of 6? Wow, good luck on that alone.

[DeusXM]

Shave time of your life? Hardly? I was dxed later (at 14) but I certainly don't feel like I'm getting a shorter life. Provided you manage your diabetes well, there's simply no reason at all why it should affect your life expectancy. But don't take it from me. Take it from the members we have here who were diagnosed with T1 in their childhood - back in the 1940s.

Another flip side is this - I honestly believe I'm healthier because I have diabetes rather than in spite of having it. This is because I'm much more aware of what I put in my body and the relationship between health and exercise than most 'normal' people would be. You also get instant results. I don't stuff myself with food because I worry it'll make me fat in the long-term (although yes, it would). I don't stuff myself with food because I know it means in a few hours' time I'll have to worry about getting my BG back down to normal. I eat a healthier diet and lead a healthier lifestyle than I ever would had I not been dxed.

Then look in the bright side. There'll be a cure in 25 years' time so all this is moot anyway.

[Mick]

I was diagnosed type 1 in 1966, at the age of 13. I have lived 41 very healthy years with this disease--gone thru middle school , high school, college, graduate school, have been married for 32 years and raised 2 children of my own--all with diabetes. I've worked for 30 years as a Special Ed. teacher, so add in a long rewarding career, as well as travel (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America) sports such as swimming, cycling (did a 2-week cross-country tour in France over the summer), skiing, and a generally unrestricted and spontaneous life. No major complications, looking forward to retiring soon and a long healthy retirement in a warm sunny place!

Michael

[xMenace]

Played HS footbal, Midget AAA hockey, senior baseball, went to university, got married, have two wonderfull teens, and most importantly I still play hockey. With today's techniques there's no reason why he can't thrive in this world!

[momof6]

Very encouraging. Menace, how old were you when dx?

[SueM]

Hiya a bit more encouraging news for you. I was diagnosed in 1965 aged 4 1/2 I have no complications and live a happy normal life.

[pumpracer]

My parents were told that when I was diagnosed (at 18 months old) that I would probably only live to 20 yrs old. Now I'm 35 yrs old and I am currently racing mountain bikes as a pro. So don't let the disease control your child, let your child and you control the disease.

[momof6]

Originally Posted by pumpracer

My parents were told that when I was diagnosed (at 18 months old) that I would probably only live to 20 yrs old. Now I'm 35 yrs old and I am currently racing mountain bikes as a pro. So don't let the disease control your child, let your child and you control the disease.

Awesome! I like that last sentence.

My granfather has had type two since the 80's and is now blind, and on dialysis. My son already wears glasses, so of course my mind immediately went there. It's nce to hear success stories.

[spike]

Talk to your son's endo about putting him on a pump. Pumps are a godsend for children. (and of course for us adults). I'm serious--children on pumps will do better than on shots.

I'll post some stories for you.

Newswise

Newswise

Log In Problems

[gettingby]

With all of the new medical advances today, there is no reason why your son should not live a long and happy life. I was diagnosed 22 years ago at the age of 13. I think I'm doing fairly well. No major or minor complications (knock on wood, lol).
Welcome to the family and ask all questions you may have.

[spike]

here's another

United Press International - Consumer Health - Minors successful with insulin pump


children with DIABETES - Kids and Pumps

[momof6]

Ok for those of you more experienced with the pumps, help me out here. I have 5 VERY active boys(my poor girl) they wrestle and play rough. Will the pump hinder him in any way. Could buttons or the device accidentally pump out too much or come off. I already had the pump in mind, but was looking at it 2yrs from now when he's in school full time.

[Dewey]

Hi Momof6 and welcome to our family.

I know that as humans, we can't guarantee anything, but it is my belief that your son & everyone here has just as much of a chance of living a long, healthy & prosperous life as anyone without this condition, provided he takes care of himself (and they take care of themselves).

I've had Type I Diabetes for almost 25 years (diagnosed in January of '82) and have had triumphs & trials along the way. I've also seen many changes in the way Diabetes is diagnosed, treated and maintained. I started with Keto-Diastix, then moved onto glucometers that were large, took readings in two minutes time, and had minimal memory, to meters that are smaller than one's hand and can read sugar levels in 5 to 7 seconds. It doesn't stop there. They are now using minimally invasive continuous meters to aid in tracking trends & help catch sugar levels before they get too high or too low. Not to mention pump therapy, which is a God-send to so many (including myself)!

Never lose hope or faith. There's always something new on the horizon, and the world of Diabets is a constantly evolving one.

Feel free to ask questions, share, vent and seek support. That's what we're here for. Lots of love & hugs to you Mom and once again, welcome aboard.

Originally Posted by momof6

Ok for those of you more experienced with the pumps, help me out here. I have 5 VERY active boys(my poor girl) they wrestle and play rough. Will the pump hinder him in any way. Could buttons or the device accidentally pump out too much or come off. I already had the pump in mind, but was looking at it 2yrs from now when he's in school full time.

Pumps have a keylock feature which prevents accidental button presses. Playing rough shouldn't affect or harm your son, provided the infusion set doesn't become dislodged. If the set came out, it would cause a rise in sugar levels, but if it's noticed quickly, or if you're testing him often, this can usually be pretty easily remedied. Pumps are made very durable (some are made out of the same material used in helmets, others are made from the materials used on Saturn car side-panels! ), so bumping or knocking them off once in a while shouldn't hurt the pump in any way. In the event anything happens to the pump (badly cracked case, malfunction, etc.), it's good to have a backup plan on hand (i.e. Lantus or another long-acting insulin) and the pump company can overnight another pump to you.

[Just_Plain_John]

There is a reglar contributor over on the dLife forums who has been a Type1 diabetic for 65 years and is very healthy. There are several parents in my pump group that have successfully helped their kids live healthy and happy with diabetes (one is starting his first year at college and is still in good control).

Things are not like they were thirty or even ten years ago - there is plenty to be positive about.