My Fellow Type 1 Parents… I know one of your fears.
It’s are the other kids going to get type 1 too?
Probably not.
Should you be testing them?
Yes and No.
Yes. When they are old enough to understand, they need to do a test so they know what their sibling is going through. It doesn’t take more than one or two finger sticks for them to get the idea. (I almost wrote get the point! LOL) They need to know how it feels. When it is age appropriate they need to know how to test, in case they need to test the D kid when you’re not there. Age appropriate, like diabetes varies.
No. You don’t need to test to see if they are getting it too. You have probably noticed for the first time in a long time, possibly their lives, that they drink water. If you’re feeling the need to test them, that falls into the category of your stuff. As in you need to deal with your stuff. Testing without seeing a couple of the symptoms will just ad to your and more importantly their anxiety. Neither of you need it. They don’t deserve you putting your anxiety on them.
Getting diabetes too has probably crossed the other kids’ minds. That thought doesn’t need encouragement. Diabetes puts enough stress on a family.
If there is a second case in your family, you will know what to do. If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. You may miss the signs for a while but you will pick up on it faster the second time.
Trust me. I know. I have been there.
If it does happen, when you test, the meter will say HI! As in How You Doing? You will be suddenly doing very crappy. You will have been there, you’ll know the road, and it will still suck.
Don’t go looking for trouble.
May 27, 2008
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Amen. Great post.
ReplyDeleteMy brother was diagnosed about 20 years after me. My mum recognized the symptoms the first time he visited with her.
Kids don't need any extra worries.