Tag Archives: type 1 diabetes

Insulin Pumps: The Basics

Insulin pumps — devices that can mimic the insulin delivery of a normal, healthy pancreas — were developed in the late 1970s. An insulin pump delivers insulin under the skin in two different doses: a low background dose given every few minutes to fulfill the body’s general insulin needs and a larger dose given to deal with meals and snacks. The pump holds a reservoir of insulin and uses a needle or a plastic infusion catheter to deliver the insulin. The needle or catheter needs to be replaced every few days. Why use an insulin pump? Diabetics who use an … Continue reading →

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading →

Preventing Type 1 Diabetes in Children

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes in European children has been increasing significantly over the past decades. Now, a ten year study is being conducted at the University of Helsinki, Finland, to try and determine whether modifications in early nutrition can help prevent type 1 diabetes from developing in at risk groups. A focus of the study is to determine if removing cow’s milk from the infants diet will have an influence on developing diabetes in the future. Because they are examining the effect of nutrition at a young age having an impact on the percentage of children developing type … Continue reading →

Why Do Some Kids Get Juvenile Diabetes? And Can We Prevent it?

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The endocrinologist entered Riley’s hospital room, and asked how things were going. Did he have any stomach aches, pain, and how were his ketones? Then he turned to me and asked the loaded question: “Was there anything else that I wanted to know about?” Yes. I wanted to know why. Why did I have two children with juvenile diabetes? What caused it? Did I feed my kids too much sugar? What had I done? How could I prevent this from happening to yet another one of my kids? That’s when the endocrinologist explained what we know about the disease, and … Continue reading →

Striving for Independence: Kids and Juvenile Diabetes

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After a long six-hour drive, I walked past the familiar fountain at the Children’s Hospital of San Diego. Was I really back at this place? Was history truly repeating itself? I checked in at the front desk, and rode the elevator to the second floor. In room 219 was my precious Riley. A wide smile spread across his face as I opened the door. “Hi R.J.!” I said. “If you wanted me to come for a visit, all you had to do was call. This is a bit over the top.” He giggled. Education is the Foundation for Treatment Spread … Continue reading →