I remember around last quarter of 2021, Link was unusually thirsty and because of the excessive water intake, he had more than the usual trips to the loo. These trips did not stop there and it got to the point that he was bed wetting 2/3x a week. We thought he was just going through some growth spurts, because on top of it he was also hungry, to no satisfaction.
Being the hypochondriac ever, I am paranoid of the littlest things, all these symptoms of Link made me search for possible causes and it all led to diabetes. I had a hunch honestly, but I had a “lesson learned” experience years ago to not self diagnose and/or consult Dr. Google alone.
New year 2022 came and so did the surge, it was hard to book an online Pedia appointment. Naturally, we were hesitant to visit the hospital. We were able to secure a slot by the end of January and Link’s Pedia wanted to rule out UTI vs. Diabetes, so she instructed us to do some urine and blood tests. The waiting game for an LOA from Hon’s HMO is frustrating and I suddenly remembered the doctor’s advice that we can use a glucose meter for a quick sugar check.
It was the morning of February 7th, Link just woke up and I told Hon to check our blood sugars. Hon's was 87, mine was 99… and Link's was 195. I panicked inside and vibered Doc. She then pushed for the blood tests and we opted for a home service so we can have it administered as early as 7am the next day. My mind was clouded the whole day and the only consolation is seeing Link very active and seemingly well while just going about his day.
Shy of 10pm, Hon wanted to do another blood check, this time Link’s blood sugar spiked to 594. In disbelief and in an anxious state, I begged Hon that we take Link to the ER. Link was excited upon arrival at TMC. So sweet, loud and hyper that he is, he just played it cool at the ER bed waiting for blood results. That midnight, Link was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.
My first thoughts were, is it our fault? Link loves sweets and how ironic that I am also a baker. The Pedia Endocrinologist said lifestyle is not a factor. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, Type 1 is unpreventable and uncurable (for now, in our time). There’s no exact reason why some people get it at Link's age, and others around 20 years old. Most likely, it boils down to genetics or from an unknown viral infection. Link’s condition is like that of Gary V., Jillian Ward and Nick Jonas, just to name a few.
Alone with Link in our hospital room, I cried for 2 days. Either while Link is sleeping or just playing with his phone. He’d ask me why and we had a talk. I don’t know if he fully understood me, all I know is that he was truly listening. I explained his condition and that it will be a lifetime journey, full of adjustments. He said ok and hugged me.
I guess the biggest blow is being informed that the management for this type of diabetes is for life. Yes, daily for the rest of his “just starting” life. It pains our hearts to see him get 4 finger pricks at the minimum to know his blood sugar levels and 2-4 or more insulin shots in his belly or arms or thighs to keep his numbers stable. All of these so we can manage hyperglycemia (high sugar). I also thought he can’t eat sweets (and his favorites) anymore, when in reality, sweets can save his life during a hypoglycemia (low sugar) reading. Given the very intricate management and monitoring, this means goodbye (for now until he can manage on his own) to future sleep overs and overnight campings, food sharing or splurge with friends and classmates during kiddie parties and breaks.
While Link, Hon and I are transitioning to our own version of new normal, I am more than thankful to be part of a support group for parents with type 1 kids. ❤️ He’s newly diagnosed yet he got a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) kit for free from them!
With CGM, we can now keep eye on Link’s glucose levels without the hassle of constant finger-pricking. With it, we were able to see how food and activities will impact his readings.
It will be a lifetime management, but we have learned to accept and surrender. Link is a fighter, truly brave. We will walk with him through it. ❤️