Diabetic Mom's/Dad's Archives - The Diabetic Journey

Category: Diabetic Mom’s/Dad’s

My Dad, My Hero

Posted on June 18, 2022June 18, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

Jaime McCurry

—

In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to recognize my diabetic hero, my dad.

Growing up, all diabetes was to me was the fact that our house was always stocked with Diet Coke and hearing my mom always check with my dad to make sure he had “his stuff.” I never really knew what that meant but I knew my dad had diabetes and one time when I was in intermediate school we even did a walk to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.

I also remember reaching a point in my life where I started getting worried about what having diabetes meant and I even asked my dad if I would ever have diabetes. Being supportive, loving, and always protective dad he is, he assured me I had nothing to worry about.

Fast forward to February of my sophomore year of high school.

We were coming up on the end of a week long February vacation and I was scrambling to finish a project I had barely started. Over the past couple of weeks, I had started to become very thirsty. I was finishing off gallons of milk on my own and drinking two gatorades before my recreation basketball game even started.

I was going to the bathroom…all the time. But to me, I thought this was normal, I mean I was drinking so much so it only made sense I spent the rest of my time peeing it all out right? Then I started waking up in the morning feeling like I just chewed juicy fruit which was bizarre.

I shook it off and thought I probably forgot to brush my teeth the night before. It wasn’t until my vision started getting really blurry that I brought it up to my mom and she put all the pieces together. She had been dating my dad when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, so all the symptoms I was having reminded her of what he had gone through.

She told me to have him check my blood sugar when I got home but the stubborn teenager I was shook it off and figured she was exaggerating. Three days went by and I started feeling worse so I finally approached my dad and had him check my blood sugar. The reading was over 500. I looked at him and said, “Is that normal?” And I will never forget the look on his face as he told me it wasn’t.

As I’m sure you can guess in the next 48 hours my official diagnosis followed and my new life with diabetes began.

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t know much about diabetes because my dad never really talked about what it was like. He kept his life with diabetes very private and most people outside of our family didn’t even know he had it.

Everything he did was “normal” in my eyes growing up and diabetes was really just a word. When I was diagnosed, my dad was with me every single step of the way. When I was too afraid to give myself injections, my dad was there (even though I was 16 years old).

He’d drive to the house I was babysitting at, to my basketball practice, or a friend’s house I was sleeping over just to help me give myself my insulin. For the first two weeks, he made every single meal for me and for the first couple months helped me count the carbs for every single thing I ate.

He was there for me for my first real meltdown and “why me??” moment following my diagnosis and sat there and let me cry and be mad about it because he understood.

Every single day my dad shows me how to not only be an extraordinary person but how to live beyond my diagnosis.

He’s run a half marathon raising thousands of dollars for diabetes research in the process, he’s started a support group in our town for families affected by Type 1, become a mentor for newly diagnosed families, and volunteered with JDRF on numerous occasions.

He encourages me to do anything I want and supports me following all of my crazy dreams. Although our choice in managing our disease is different, the best part is he realizes that my diabetes is different than his.

Many people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes don’t even know anyone else that has it for months or even years following their initial diagnosis date. I feel so privileged to have my dad there for me through every single high and low and as a role model to never let diabetes get in the way.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there thriving with diabetes, raising strong diabetic warriors, and loving their diabetic partners/other family members and friends. I think I speak for all of us when I say we love you and we wouldn’t and couldn’t do it without you.

What It’s Like To Be a Type 1 Mom

Posted on May 20, 2022May 20, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

What It’s Like To Be a Type 1 Mom

Stacey Rose

I am a 49-year-old type 1 woman who has had diabetes for 39 years. When I was diagnosed at age 10, I was told a cure was five years away. Well, clearly that didn’t happen. So then I was told I probably shouldn’t have kids. Well, I’m a type 1 mom now and I have three kids. My oldest son is 14 and I also have soon-to-be 12-year-old twins (boy/girl). I was all kinds of a high-risk case both times: at 35 with my first son, I was already a “geriatric” mother and then at 37 with twins not to mention the whole type 1 diabetes thing!

My younger self would never have imagined I would have one kid let alone three! My younger self didn’t want to get married, but I did that too and was married for almost 15 years. Of course, I never imagined I’d be divorced either, but here I am. Life changes like that can certainly throw your diabetes management for a loop.

And where I am now is a really good place, actually. I get along very well with my ex-husband whom I share custody of those three kids with. My mother is very involved with my kids and is there more often than not when I am not with my kids. I have a wonderful boyfriend of three years now and he is the most generous, giving man I have ever met. It’s a complicated life with me in Massachusetts and my ex-husband and my kids in Southern California – I fortunately, have the flexibility to travel back and forth monthly and it works for all of us.

I’m also a runner – another thing my younger self would have laughed at. I started running at age 39. I guess I’m a late bloomer in all aspects of my life! I have a goal to run a full marathon before I turn 50 (so I’m trying to train right now as that’s getting closer as we speak, although I am plagued by injuries lately.) I have run a half marathon before though and have the drive to do more, which is another bit of my being a type 1 mom. Part of my reason for wanting to run a full marathon is big a “F you” to diabetes. That won’t keep me from doing something I really want to do.

My daughter, one of the twins, also has type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed at age 5, which as you can imagine, was devastating news. I know I can’t be the only type 1 parent who blamed themselves for a child also getting diabetes. I logically know that is not the case, but it’s hard not to feel that way initially.

My daughter has brought me out of my shell in terms of wanting to get involved in the type 1 community. There are so many opportunities to advocate and I’m still fumbling my way around trying to figure out where I belong in that crowd. The fact that there are so many opportunities to serve that community is a good problem to have! I often refer to myself as a “wannabe” advocate, as I just don’t know where I fit in yet. I have done walks and raised money and I try to raise awareness and educate people daily.

Below is a picture I have done with my daughter every November for Diabetes Awareness Month. (It’s not a coincidence that we use that particular finger for the finger sticks, by the way. My daughter thinks that’s funny. You may notice a theme here about my feelings toward this unwelcome guest who refuses to leave.)

I’ve always been a bit of a loner and maybe denied myself the benefits of a support group, but I did find a wonderful group of other type 1 mom ‘s right after giving birth to my first child. We have all remained friends and I really don’t know where I’d be without them as a support system. We’re all over the country and a couple international, but have all gotten together as a group and just one on one throughout the years.

We help each other find doctors, we commiserate with each other on bad days and highs and lows we can’t explain and fears when we go to the eye doctor or suspicious symptoms in our kids. No one knows what you’re feeling or going through better than someone else who goes through those same things and a couple of us also have children with type 1 diabetes. It’s heartbreaking for all of us to hear this news. This group of ladies has been a lifeline for me.

The challenges of having type 1 and managing my own health is compounded by my daughter having it too. She’s growing up now – almost 12 – and is branching out into her own independence. It’s really hard for me to let go of those reins. I’m sure my own mom can relate to that. It’s always hard letting go of your kids as they grow, but even more difficult when that child has a chronic disease.

When I was a kid, I often “joke” that it was one shot in the morning and hope for the best. That’s not really a joke though. It’s pretty much the way it was. I didn’t have a glucometer, as they weren’t really around back then. When I finally did get one, you couldn’t take it with you. It had to remain in its spot on the counter because if you moved it an inch you had to recalibrate the darn thing and you needed a degree in chemistry to do that. I’m exaggerating, of course, but it sometimes felt that way.

All the new technology that I have like my insulin pump and CGM are wonderful tools! They can be very overwhelming though and I’m scared as hell that my daughter will forget to change her pump or not bolus or not pay attention to her blood sugars when she goes off to camp or out for the day without her dad, my mom, or me.

At this point, I don’t remember not having diabetes. My daughter has now had type 1 for six years and I’m afraid she’s getting to, if not already there, that stage where you forget what it’s like to not have diabetes and that breaks my heart. My oldest son, who is 14 now and does not have diabetes, did a Christmas wish picture for school when he was in 2^nd grade. His first wish was for everyone in his family to not have diabetes – another heartbreaking moment. I don’t thinks my kids ever thought of diabetes as out of the ordinary though, as they have always been around it.

My other two children, both boys and one a twin to my daughter with type 1, are enrolled in the TrialNet studies, or I should say, they get tested once a year for antibodies and have been negative so far. The waiting for results period is a scary time though. I’m sure all moms of diabetics, and maybe even more so type 1 mom ‘s, always worry about that. I do at least.

So, what is it like being a type 1 mom?

Well, it has never stopped me from doing things – having kids being one of those things. I want to show my daughter that she can do anything she has a passion for. Yeah, we need to plan in advance for everything. I wonder if I was always that way or getting diabetes at a young age made me a planner.

My mom will tell you I was always organized, so I guess it works in my favor in managing life with Type 1 diabetes. Management isn’t always easy, but I have done it for so long that I just do it. I count carbs in my head. I always have glucose tabs on me wherever I go, my phone is always charged for my CGM, but you just do what you do. I take care of my kids and live my life. Do I want a cure? Of course I do. Not so much for me anymore, but for my daughter, yes. I would gladly never get cured myself for my daughter to not have type 1 and that’s pretty much all mothers I’m sure, whether a Type 1 mom or not.

I’m Proud to be a Mother with Type 1 -

Posted on May 11, 2022June 29, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

I’m Proud to be a Mother with Type 1 -

Jill Brown

30 years ago

I was a typical, active 9 year old girl. One day my freedom was stripped away from me when I received a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. My mother embraced this disease and taught me how to accept and conquer the challenges. She promised me that if I took good care of my body I would be able to have children someday.

In 2009

I gave birth to my first child. After a complicated pregnancy and delivery I had a little boy. Adjusting to motherhood is a huge task. Adjusting to motherhood and managing Type 1 is too great to measure.

There is a constant voice in your head asking what is my blood sugar? Did I eat enough? Did I eat too much? Is my blood at a safe number for sleeping? Why am I not producing milk? How am I going to lose the baby weight? All of this while taking care of my baby and going back to work.

In 2010

I gave birth to my second child, a little girl. Having 2 children under 2 is a task of its own but again, add in diabetes to the mix.

Fast forward to 2017

I have 2 healthy children ages 6 and 7. I have taught them the facts about diabetes and they are very involved in my care. They know about insulin, site changes, blood sugars, carbohydrates, lows, highs and the frustration and sadness that I occasionally let out to others.

I’m a very devoted mother, my children are my whole world. I know that in order to be the best mother I can be, I need to take care of myself. Sometimes I can’t share my snack, or we have to wait 15 minutes before taking a walk because I need to eat.

Being a mother with Type 1 diabetes has taught me:

patience, acceptance, multi-tasking, gratitude and a huge appreciation for life. I don’t take my health for granted. I work hard at exercising and eating well to support my body.

Having Type 1 has lead me down a career path that I adore. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and a Holistic Nutritionist. I get to spend every day helping people help themselves and learning about the needs of their own bodies.

I wish I didn’t have diabetes. I struggle with pretty severe anxiety as a result of this full time disease. However, I have never let it stop me. I’m very active in my community, I coach my daughters baseball team, I spend my summers on the beaches of Cape Cod where I live and I try to educate people as best I can about the facts of Type 1 Diabetes.

I’m proud to be a mother with Type 1 diabetes.

A Heartbreak Like No Other

Posted on February 21, 2022May 7, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

It’s a Heartbreak Like No Other

By: Jessica Hale

It’s a moment of heartbreak unlike any other I have ever experienced in my life. That moment that you realize that your 2-year-old child gets it. She knows that you’re different and your lifestyle is different than any other person she interacts with. She’s 2 years old and she understands as selfishly as this may sound; that I have medical needs that sometimes require me to put myself before the wants and sometimes needs of my own child. That alone rips me to pieces inside.

But the moment you realize that your child gets the fact that there is something not right with you and she tries to help. Everything that you’re supposed to stand for as a parent seems to be ripped out from under your feet, you are the protector, the comforter, the nurturer. But when that role gets flipped and you’re staring up at your 2-year-old who’s trying to help you with your low blood sugar…it’s a heartbreak like no other.

I was in the middle of getting Chey ready for bed and out of nowhere I’m too weak to stand or walk. So I have to crawl my way to the fridge and sit there in front of it trying to stay coherent and not nod out of consciousness before the sugar has time to hit my system. While doing that I didn’t notice that Chey had moved a box over to the cabinet to where she could step on it and reach on top of the counter to grab my sugar kit. She brings it to me and says “here is your ouch momma” because she knows that it’s used to draw blood and it’s an ouch when you see blood.

And when she handed me my blood sugar tester and put her hand on my shoulder and asked “are you alright“? My heart broke in pieces I never knew existed. I can’t hide this disease at times no matter how hard I try to keep her away from it and as a parent, it hurts because you want to seem invincible; to never show weakness. But with a disease like mine, you get the shit knocked out of you sometimes, and your child is there watching you take that beating and it makes you feel like a failure.

But at the same time of the heartbreak, my heart also swelled with such adoration in the type of child I am raising. One who is 2 years old but with a soul as old as time, the one who already has her hand out to help another one up, and the one whose compassion shines through her very core. A 2-year-old that can show an adult how to be selfless at times and I can’t express to you how much I adore this child of mine. She’s my silver lining, forever and always…

You Are Proof That Miracles Do Exist

Posted on February 12, 2022May 13, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

My Dearest Daughter,

It has been four years since the moment I met you. Four Years! They weren’t kidding when they said ‘time will fly by’. And it sure has. It’s all very bittersweet. It’s such a privilege to watch you grow up. To watch life blossom before my eyes. To see you become your own unique person. And while you have grown, so have I.

You see, when I knew you were coming into this world I was somewhat terrified. I always wondered how I would be as a mom. If I would be any good at it. But more so, I wondered how diabetes would play into my pregnancy and motherhood. With this disease that I’ve had since I was a kid, I was told could not only cause harm to me, but also to you if I wasn’t diligently on top of it. However, knowing the risks and everything involved, I wasn’t going to let diabetes stop me from my hopes and dreams.

Believe it or not, you saved me. In every which way. You were and ARE my driving force. I had to take a step back and see the bigger picture. It was no longer about me. It was about how I needed to take this challenge, and work harder than I’ve ever have before—and for many years to come. Because in order to give you the best life, I HAVE to be here. You broke down my walls, and helped me face my biggest insecurities, doubts, and fears.

It was because of you that I started on an insulin pump. I traveled 2 hours every other week, and 2 hours several times a week later on in my pregnancy just to hear your heartbeat. To be honest, it was actually a blessing to be able to get those extra scans and capture those special memories. I would lay awake at night to feel kicks and count them, I would test my blood sugars 10 or more times a day, and I hardly slept much at all. But all the extra work I put in for you to be here—was SO worth it.

I remember being so excited to find out you were a girl. I always envisioned of having a girl first. I guess god knew exactly what I needed. Now everyday when I manage my diabetes, things don’t seem that bad. I see your interest. I hear your concern over what my blood sugar is. Or if I ate something recently. And you realize that it’s a huge part of my life. It breaks my heart to have to explain this disease to you. That one day, you will have to know what to do in case of emergency. I never wanted to put this burden onto you, but it’s amazing how you embrace it, as if it’s all you know.

With you—my faith has grown stronger. I wake up everyday and am truly grateful that despite this ugly, cruel disease you have made me a mother. You are my first child, my only daughter, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. You have given me a new perspective on life. I no longer think of the short term, I think long term. I hope that I can set an example for you growing older to never give up, to be strong, to be compassionate, and to always believe in yourself.

Because you have shown me that miracles do exist.

I love you—forever and always

What It’s Like Being a Type 1 Diabetic Mother

Posted on October 7, 2021May 13, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

What It’s Like Being a Type 1 Diabetic Mother

(Guest Post)

I guess this is not as much a story as it is a ‘thank you’. Thank you for shining some light on parents with diabetic children, and what it’s like being a type 1 diabetic mother.

—

Working full time, being at every event of your child’s, tending to the house, cooking meals, laundry.. all is tiresome, but being a type 1 diabetic mother makes it so much harder! And those who are not diabetic don’t seem to understand. On the outside, I look healthy and happy, but on the inside, I have a body which is constantly attacking itself.

I worry constantly, not only will I be alive long enough to see my now 4 and a half-year-old son grow, but the possibility of him one day carrying the burden I do. I would love to have more children, but knowing how demanding and troubling this disease is on my life — I can’t bear to think of it.

I’m so lucky that to my son understands that ‘mommy taking shots and poking her finger is normal’, but what will he say to his friends? What will his friends say to him? I am trying to teach him to not be ashamed of it and that all people are different and it keeps me alive.

I remember vividly when I was a child, I wasn’t allowed on school field trips or to play with some kids because parents thought their child might catch it — Yes.. like the flu. I have been told it’s all my fault because I was FAT. Fat, me? I was an all-star volleyball player who was also on the swim team and wore a size 4 and was mostly muscle. I was not FAT when I was diagnosed at 3 years old. It has been a constant struggle that many don’t seem to understand.

There is so much more than what’s on the surface.

I feel guilty when i’m too tired from highs and lows to play with my son. I feel guilty when he’s begging to show me something and I have to wait while i calculate and give myself a shot. I feel guilty that I don’t know what the future holds and I want to see him grow old and become a man. I feel guilty, and I have no choice but to teach him about this disease when he’s only a child.

But again - I thank you for making me feel not so alone.

What Life is Like Being a Mom With Type 1 Diabetes

Posted on July 7, 2021May 9, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

What Life is Like Being a Mom With Type 1 Diabetes

Just like diabetes—motherhood is a lot of work.

Both are full-time jobs.

Not one is more important than the other.

For me— being a mom with Type 1 Diabetes, they both go hand in hand.

I get asked often ‘how do you manage?’ The kids—they mean.

Of course, that’s only half of the equation in my life.

Not many people realize the other half.

The half that I have to continuously battle every day.

Nobody understands how complex and intertwined diabetes is in every aspect of my life.

It’s certainly made me the strong mother that I am today.

But it’s also made me unlike other mothers as well.

—

I’m the mother who pricks her finger several times a day, and those numbers determining whether it’s safe to attend to my children.

The one who packs for an army to leave the house for a quick errand—but never being fully prepared enough.

The mother who has to take breaks constantly and has to eat the snack that my child wants desperately. Knowing that sometimes I have to come first.

The one who has to go to as many doctor appointments—if not more than my children.

I’m the mother who wants to vent to an open ear but doesn’t think they would understand.

The mother trying to lose weight, only to have a difficult time due to having to treat lows.

I’m one who carries guilt, wanting to be the best mother and not wanting diabetes to inhibit that in any way.

Having to steal a part of my children’s innocence by teaching them about this disease that I wish I could keep from them.

I’m the mother who worries about going to sleep at night—fearing of not waking up in the morning.

Waking up some days feeling like I’ve been run over by a truck and just continuing to push through.

The mother who is constantly attached to devices, and always setting off alarms.

The one with erratic mood swings, an inconsistent schedule, and a low blood sugar peaking around the corner.

I’m the mother who carries around the weight of this disease on her shoulders every day.

Trying to care for others while having to care for myself first.

The one who worries every minute of every day—wondering if I’m doing this right.

I’m the mother who is concerned about the short term implications of this disease and having to accept the long-term effects that correlate.

The mother who works so hard every day at this disease so that I can see my grandchildren one day.

I may have diabetes—but diabetes doesn’t have me. Diabetes has given me the tools to fight. But being a mother has given me the reason to fight.

Being a mom with Type 1 Diabetes—my life may not be ordinary, easy, or simple.

I may have my bad days, my setbacks, and my doubts.

But I go on despite them.

Letter To My Mother (From The Diabetic Herself)

Posted on June 23, 2022April 2, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

Letter To My Mother (From The Diabetic Herself)

The moment I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes I didn’t know that my world was going to change.

But you did.

I didn’t see the fear or worried look on your face as it must have felt like your world had been turned upside down.

You held it together for me—you put a smile on your face—and told me everything is going to be okay.

I didn’t witness the nights where you laid awake in bed asking “why this had to happen to me?”

Why your daughter—your baby—your piece to the puzzle had to be given this disease.

I didn’t realize the pain I put you through throughout the years when I didn’t want to take care of myself.

When you could have said anything and I would have looked the other way.

No one could save me—not even you.

The sacrifices and the struggles that you dealt with and being a mother is hard regardless.

A single mother going through difficult times of not having insurance.

Barely being able to afford my insulin and supplies.

The times where I dropped a vial of insulin on the kitchen floor by mistake—were cringe worthy moments (I’m sure).

Not having anyone to talk to that understands or even knows what Type 1 Diabetes is.

I know that you would have done anything to take it away from me, even if it meant for you to have it.

Having to worry if I actually checked my blood sugar (or if I lied to ignore it).

If I took the right amount of insulin (or if I took any at all).

Having to save my life countless times—fearing for my life ahead—having the fear of losing me.

Begging for me to wake up to reality and take care of myself or I would end up killing myself.

I’m sorry mom—I didn’t understand.

All I wanted to do was bury my head in the sand and escape the reality of it.

Feeling sorry for myself and not knowing that I’m my own worst enemy.

I thought that this was a life sentence. I didn’t know how beautiful my future was going to be.

I didn’t know at the time that this shall pass. That what doesn’t kill me WILL make me stronger.

That I can do this.

I know that a mother doesn’t want or need a thank you but now I’m so much more appreciative.

Now I can see it from your perspective.

Now when I look at and kiss my three children—I can say that I have the world.

The world you always wanted me to have.

I have peace, I have love, I have the future.

Now I understand.

Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.

I would go to the ends of the earth for my children. No questions asked.

Despite my hardships—I found lessons—I found purpose—I found out why I have diabetes.

Why I’m still here today.

This right here…this is my purpose.

Motherhood and Diabetes - Not All Superheroes Wear Capes

Posted on May 3, 2022May 3, 2022 by thediabeticjourney.com

Motherhood and Diabetes

Becoming a mother has changed all our lives. We appreciate each day more than before. Every hug, every kiss, every “I love you mom“. Even though we make it look easy, it’s a constant struggle. We fight to be here, we fight for our health, for our future, and most importantly for our babies. Not a moment is taken for granted.

Not all superheroes wear capes. We often wear spit up, food, blood, tears, sweat, and even an insulin pump.

There’s never a dull moment being a diabetic mother. With all the difficulties that motherhood brings, we face diabetes on top of it all. But we continue to set the bar high, to do better, to challenge ourselves, and make our children proud.

They keep us going after all. Our children are our saviors, and we are blessed to be their mothers.

***

Happy Mothers Day

To the whole diabetes community for your strength, courage, and perseverance (you are all true diabetic superheroes).

Amanda

Being a type 1 Diabetic mom has made me realize how tough it is to raise a child that has diabetes…my poor mom and what I put her through….I only hope my daughters will not get diagnosed with it, but it is a worry that I have every day of my life…on the other hand, it never lets me forget how precious every minute of the day is and how much more I want to be in control of my sugars for the sake of my two daughters…I want to see them grow up, and they deserve to have a happy, healthy, mommy!

Katharine (Kathy)

Motherhood and diabetes has made me realize just how much of a miracle my son is and how much you can accomplish no matter what cards you have been dealt. On August 16, 2007, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, just 2 months before getting married at the age of 26. I thought I would never forget that day because of my life changing diagnosis. For the following 5 anniversaries, I pondered on my new life while remembering with grief the life I lost. But on my 6th anniversary of diagnosis, my son was born. August 16th became the best day of my life instead of the worst. I had a rough pregnancy and even harder birth experience. And learning to care for a newborn while managing this disease was something I didn’t think I would find strength for. But then I realized my reason to go on, my reason for fighting this disease every day, was right in front of me. My son is now the reason I push through on the hard days. I do it for him. And I am thankful he gave me a reason to celebrate August 16th instead of mourning it. I am a diabetic mommy. And I am stronger person because of it.

Becky

Becoming a mom made me realize that I had to focus & start taking care of myself once and for all as I now had another person relying on me to be the best mum I could be. The hardest thing about being a diabetic mum is the niggling thought that my child could also develop the disease like me. I get terribly paranoid and often prick her finger in her sleep.

Crystal

Being a mom with diabetes had made me realize that not only do I need to stay healthy for myself but also my child who depends on me to take care of her. It’s gets stressful especially when your suffering from a high or low blood sugar and trying to take care of a little one at the same time and you get frustrated because you don’t feel good but at the end of the day you have that cute little face and slobbery kisses reminding you that it’s all gonna be okay and to stay strong. Some women don’t think they can do it. I know I didn’t but trust me you can and the outcome is definitely worth it!

Michele

Being a diabetic mom has made me…..stronger! I have been a Type 1 Diabetic since my son was 6 months and he is now 9…I also have a 4-year-old daughter. I am so blessed to have children who love me and watch out for me with my diabetes. They are trained on when I am high and when I am low…I have a Dexcom so they hear it go off and ask me if I am ok and if I need something. It has made me appreciate my family so much more because they care and do whatever they need to do for me. I have learned even though I am the only one with diabetes that it affects my family just as much as it does me. Some days are amazing…no issues…no highs or lows..great energy….and then there are the bad days…Where I’m unable to get the sugars to act right…moody…tired…but then I know I have to fight through those days to get to the great days ahead of me with my family!!! I HAVE DIABETES IT DOES NOT HAVE ME!!

Melissa

I think life as a diabetic Mom can be messy and unpredictable. The daily focus on T1D has shifted to taking care of another tiny human being. Both are so very important and seem to take over my world. Decisions often need to be made quick for both and without hesitation. Do I need to set my crying baby down while I treat a low or try to bring him with me in my arms while I can barely focus on unwrapping my fruit snacks. Do I need to leave Mommy and Me Yoga early while I am talking to a new Mom friend to grab a spare snack in my car? It has enabled me to become more aware, more empathetic, more cautious, and more scared. It has also taught me to live in the moment and really savor the small seconds with my son.

Beth

Being a mother is hard. Being a diabetic mom adds a level of complexity and stress that few other moms deal with on a daily basis. As a mother, with diabetes, of two children under the age of 3, I have learned a few things. I’ve learned that the adage of making sure you take care of yourself before you take care of your kids is important. Especially when your blood sugar is bottoming out, you’ve got two cranky & hungry kids clamoring for your attention and you don’t have enough brain power to parent, let alone treat the low sugar without going overboard and stuffing your face with half the pantry. Being diabetic & a parent has given me a darn good reason or two to take care of myself as best as I can so that those first & special moments my children will have as they grow up I will be able to enjoy them with my children and not observing from afar because it’s time for my dialysis treatment due to not taking care of myself as best as possible.

Jenni

Being a mother with diabetes has its highs and lows for sure. My daughter’s spunk, positive attitude, and kindness are worth all the struggles that come with battling a high blood sugar and just wanting to be alone or having to chug a juice box (or two) because we are in the middle of playing baby house. It’s not always easy but in the end, it’s always worth it!

Osob

Motherhood has its ups and downs and when combined with diabetes, the ups and downs come with a lot of highs and lows. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 2 years old, I am now 31 with two daughters both under the age of 5. I love being a mother but the hardest thing for me as a diabetic mum has to be the loneliness. It’s just me and the girls most days, the same chores and the same worries day in day out. Am I good enough for them? Are they missing out because of me being diabetic? What if I hypo? Who will help my girls? Diabetes is a lonely disease in its own right and having children has made me even more lonely. People tend to forget about you, the kids and the extra struggles you might be dealing with. I overcome this loneliness because my daughters need me. I love hearing their laughter, I enjoy the enormous smiles on their faces when they do something new. The innocence that I witness on a daily basis makes me feel appreciative to have them in my life. I can’t forget the hugs, kisses, and support that my daughter shows me when I am hypo. She gets me something to drink and is always aware of where my supplies are. Diabetes has made me a strong, independent mother. I plan in advance, make sure my daughters have a routine and in turn, this has made all of us happy and content. I’ve learnt that I am strong enough to carry children, to ignore the restrictions that people put on me and that at times, I need support and encouragement from family, friends, and professionals. My future is bright, even though I have type 1 diabetes, my children will be limitless to achieve whatever their hearts desires.

Karly

I have had diabetes for 15 years, I have one son, he just turned 2. Being a diabetic mom is an amazing challenge. Having diabetes has helped me to be a patient mother, a mother who knows that life is precious. Without my son, I can’t say how much longer I would’ve survived, but he saved me. He is why I test!

***Thank you to all the amazing ladies from the diabetes community for sharing their story***