Do you have any personal experience with a 7-year-old being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?

There is an implanted device that injects and monitors insulin. It saves the child the pain and anxiety from having to do shots and finger sticking. I know of several children that had a tough time with the pain and anxiety of shots, but did well with the implanted device.

Can you send me a link?

I sent the question to @bookish1. I’ve noticed he checks the account from time to time, even though he’s not active.

I know he was diagnosed at a very young age himself.

Thanks.

@gailcalled – A web search for pediatric insulin pump will give you a lot of links.

I haven’t personally known or worked with diabetic kids, but I do know that Juvenile Diabetes is a well-researched and supported condition. I am confident that if this family lives anywhere near a children’s hospital, they will have access to terrific programs to help guide them through the process. Again, the web will also have a multitude of resources and support groups.

From having worked in children’s hospitals, even with terminally ill kids, I observed that the psychological toll is usually much greater on the parents than the kids – and the kids’ biggest worry is usually their parents! For the children, they don’t have a lot to compare to, so they often take it in stride and it becomes their new normal. However, the parents have to go through a grieving process whenever they learn that their child’s future is not how they had pictured it. The more the parents can put aside their own worries and be positive and supportive of the kid, the better the outcome is overall. If the parent is really struggling to come to terms with their child having ‘special needs’ of one kind or another, the kids can tell. Hopefully your friend will find a good support system for parents, too.

One of my closest friend’s son was diagnosed at age 6 too. He got great at checking himself and giving himself insulin very matter-of-factly. I know there is the implant now too; not sure if it used in every case. He is now 32 and still very healthy; runs marathons and travels, etc. One thing the family did was not have sweets that the child couldn’t have although once he was stabilized, he could indulge occasionally.

@hearkat, @janbb; Helpful info, thank you. They are in San Francisco so will have access to cutting edge medical and support resources. They will also have excellent support from the maternal grandmother and three uncles and their wives, one couple who live near-by. I am less upset now that I am getting better educated.