Also overwhelming at the beginning: all the shots and fingerpricks. I hated this part.

Two things that will help A LOT:

1. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM -- Dexcom is the brand we use, but there are others). This is a wearable device that takes blood glucose readings every five minutes. It alerts you when blood glucose is too high or too low. Dexcom lasts for 10 days. You might still occasionally have to do fingersticks (if the Dexcom readings seem off, for example, you might need to double check). But this eliminates most fingersticks.

2. An insulin pump. This is another wearable device. It goes on every couple of days and delivers a steady drip of basal insulin (eliminating the need for long-acting insulin shots), as well as a "bolus" each time your child eats -- you tell it how many carbs are being consumed and it will deliver the proper dose.

Generally, doctors and insurance companies want to see a couple of months of good diabetes management before you can get an insulin pump. Took us a few months to get the Dexcom through insurance, too. But they make everything SO MUCH easier.

Anonymous wrote:Because it's trial and error, you will want to have fast-acting sugar nearby (this will always be true). Juice boxes, fruit snacks, bananas, Swedish fish, glucose tablets, whatever your kid will be willing to take quickly.

From now until there's a cure, there are only two main tasks in managing this disease: (1) take insulin -- to keep blood sugar from spiking and/or to bring down high blood sugar, or (2) consume sugar when blood sugar drops too low. Those are the two tasks -- you lower blood sugar, or you raise it. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

Bring an insulated lunch box with snacks for lows (sugar) and extra insulin (use a small ice pack to keep it cool) for everywhere you go.

And pack some snacks that are "free" of carbs/sugar. Sometimes when blood sugar is very high, they get hungry. And they just want to chew and get something in their belly.

Here are some of our go-tos:

Cheese Sticks: Portable, tasty, and filling. Perfect for on-the-go or school snacks.
Pepperoni or Salami Slices: These are great for a savory bite. Sometimes, we pair them with cheese for a quick mini-meal.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic, especially with a sprinkle of salt or some hot sauce.
Pork Rinds: Crunchy and satisfying without the carbs. We look for brands that are lower in added sodium.
Nuts (in moderation): Most nuts are low-carb, but we stick to small servings to keep things in balance.
Pickles: These are a hit, especially dill pickles. They’re tangy and refreshing.
Avocado Slices: Packed with healthy fats and super filling. Sometimes, we sprinkle them with a bit of lime and salt.

You will discover over time that it's more of an art than a science. How a body responds to insulin and sugar varies depending on all sorts of factors that can interact a little unpredictably -- exercise is a big, obvious one. But other factors are more subtle.

Right now, you are doing trial and error to understand your son's reaction to insulin in the broadest possible terms. Focus on that, and know that the steeped-in-data part doesn't go on forever. Before long, you and your kid will be able to eyeball a plate of any food and estimate the carbs and insulin needed.

How old is your son?
Can he understand what is going on?

What are you most concerned about? Is there information we can provide that will help you address those concerns?

We are happy to be a source of intel or a sounding board r whatever y'all need.

Because it's trial and error, you will want to have fast-acting sugar nearby (this will always be true). Juice boxes, fruit snacks, bananas, Swedish fish, glucose tablets, whatever your kid will be willing to take quickly.

From now until there's a cure, there are only two main tasks in managing this disease: (1) take insulin -- to keep blood sugar from spiking and/or to bring down high blood sugar, or (2) consume sugar when blood sugar drops too low. Those are the two tasks -- you lower blood sugar, or you raise it. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

11:18 here. Speaking practically: in the days ahead, you will work with your doctors and diabetes educators to figure out two very, very important numbers:

1. Carb ratio (also called insulin-to-carb) ratio. How many units of insulin does your child need for each gram of carb they take in.

2. Correction dose: if their blood sugar goes high, what's the right amount of insulin to bring it down?

For a while, this means looking up the total carbs for every piece of food they eat, and estimating as best as possible. It also means testing their blood glucose frequently. Write it all down -- what they eat and when, estimated carbs, and blood glucose at each moment. A good digital scale helps with the carb estimation.

YOU WILL NOT NEED TO DO THIS FOREVER. I remember thinking we'd be doing this for the rest of my daughter's life. But this is just the learning part.

You will find their carb ratio and correction dose by trial and error. It feels like a lot at the beginning, but it's really just two numbers you're homing in on.

Anonymous wrote:Type 1, I assume? My kid has T1D. The days after a diagnosis are really overwhelming. There is so much to figure out, and to learn. And I felt so much grief, too.

It does not stay as overwhelming, and the grief fades. You will find a new normal. But these initial days and weeks and months will be a lot — there’s no way to reach the new normal without going through the overwhelm.

I’m going to post more but right now I just want to say first that I’m sorry. And second: it will be okay. It will be okay. It won’t always feel like it does now.

+ a million

This poster said exactly what I was thinking but much more eloquently than I could write.

I will post more too, but right now know that it will be OK. It will always be something to deal with, but dealing with it will get easier. You are in the information gathering/overwhelming stage and that is so exhausting. A whole community of parents is praying for you right now. We have been there and our hearts ache for you. Sending love and hope your way.

You are already doing a good job. He has been diagnosed, and you are reaching out to ask for help. Take one hour at a time. It iOS kind of like having a newborn all over again.
Have you talked to a pediatric endocrinologist?
Have you be given the pink panther book?
Get the name/contact of parent who also had a T1D son or daughter.
Take deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. You will feel overwhelmed at time. This is normal.

I am finding the link to the book I mentioned, hold on.
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Diabetes-Handbook-People-Living/dp/0983265003/ref=sims_dp_d_dex_ai_rank_model_feedback_d_v1_d_sccl_2_2/132-7852452-3914547?pd_rd_w=khcxX&content-id=amzn1.sym.5daa61ea-dedc-4cc4-b84a-9865d4f36e97&pf_rd_p=5daa61ea-dedc-4cc4-b84a-9865d4f36e97&pf_rd_r=WXTPNK4WJNEEFVTTP6B5&pd_rd_wg=QPsJ9&pd_rd_r=861597bb-446a-464a-8d71-d451e779f4ce&pd_rd_i=0983265003&psc=1

Type 1, I assume? My kid has T1D. The days after a diagnosis are really overwhelming. There is so much to figure out, and to learn. And I felt so much grief, too.

It does not stay as overwhelming, and the grief fades. You will find a new normal. But these initial days and weeks and months will be a lot — there’s no way to reach the new normal without going through the overwhelm.

I’m going to post more but right now I just want to say first that I’m sorry. And second: it will be okay. It will be okay. It won’t always feel like it does now.

Type 1 or Type 2?

FIL had Type 1
Lived a long life to 80

It’s ok. It will be ok. How old is he? My sister went through this. You will learn. What helped her is to eat the same things all the time in the beginning so she could get her insulin right. Get a continuous glucose monitor so you can see his sugars either your phone. It will be ok.

One step at a time. You’ll be an expert in the condition and how to help your son manage it soon enough. I agree with a support group, you’re part of a large community of parents who have walked these very steps. It’s totally natural to be overwhelmed, give yourself some grace. But it’s going to be okay.

Does he also have a SN?

Deep breath OP. You've got this. I don't have experience with this specifically but I'm sure lots of lovely people here will. Find some support groups for parents. It's very manageable in this day and age, and better you know now!

wtf do i do