Toddler with Type 1 Diabetes
Hi Everybody! I am seeking other parents with toddlers or very young children with Type 1 Diabetes for support and advice. My 22 month old was diagnosed 4 months ago and it's been a huge challenge for us as we do not have any family around to help us and limited childcare. She has a glucose monitor and insulin pump and I am especially interested in finding a babysitter who is very comfortable with operating these devices and managing the daily complexities of blood sugar control. I have a babysitter who helps us out two or three days a week but would like a back-up person when she is not available. Also, I would love to meet other parents in our situation for playdates/support. Thanks!!! Michelle
Nov 20, 2018
Parent Replies
I have no experience with this personally, but a colleague of mine is on the board of directors for this organization, and says it's an amazing resource for families: https://dyf.org/ Best of luck.
Hi! I assume you are hooked up with support groups for parents of Type 1 kids, but if not, definitely do that! There is a Facebook group called "PEP Squad on Facebook," PEP standing for Parents Empowering Parents, from a site called DiabetesResearch.org. The American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org is another fantastic resource, and their site has links to their NorCal office in Oakland (their number is 510-654-4499). There's also a terrific site from the Juvenile Diabetes Assn called typeonenation.com . All of these should be able to hook you up with local groups. If not, contact me through BPN and I will hook you up with a woman I go to nursing school with. She has Type 1, she's in her 20s, and she wants to work in public health to help people with Type 1 - I am happy to ask her what she recommends. My email is amythek [at] gmail.com
Lots of different Facebook groups that deal with T1D, CGM’s, etc. Some of the support you seek can be found there. You’re not alone!
Hi, where do you live? My 25yo daughter has had type 1 since age 2. She is very tuned into the diabetic kid/family community and would be happy to talk with you to help you make connections. (She is also great with kids, a much sought-after nanny / baby-sitter for babies and toddlers with diabetes.) Feel free to contact me directly and I will put you in touch with her. The referral to DYF (Diabetic Youth and Families, I think?) is gold -- for sure reach out to them too. They definitely saved our family, way back when, and helped make my daughter the confident, kind, fun and well-adjusted young woman she has turned out to be. Mom of a T1D. clewis16 [at] sbcglobal.net
Thanks for your suggestions! Looks like I will have to get back on Facebook!