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 

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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.

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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 

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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!

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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 

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Thanks for your suggestions!  Looks like I will have to get back on Facebook!