Dear All,
As many of you will know, my son has Type 1 diabetes. This condition is not caused by poor lifestyle and eating habits, it's an autoimmune condition that can strike at any time, but is particularly prevalent in young children.
There is currently no cure, my son faces a lifetime of blood tests and injections, cannula insertions and hospital visits. The complications that can arise from this condition are too heart-breaking to dwell on. Since diagnosis, almost two years ago, my son has endured around 4500 finger stick tests, 1850 injections, 150 cannula insertions, 16 hospital clinics, 3 hospital stays of more than 1 week, and several periods on a drip.
My wife and I have not had a full night’s sleep in over two years due to routine testing as he sleeps. Many people are unaware that diabetes can kill. If his blood sugar drops too quickly and isn't picked up, he could fall into a coma and die. If his blood sugar is too high, he can within hours fall into diabetic ketoacidosis which can also lead to death.
Emotionally and psychologically, it's draining for all of us. It is of course, particularly hard on my son, having gone from a normal 5 year old little boy, to having to live with this condition.
In spite of the obvious negatives, my son is a constant inspiration to us. He has his bad days of course, and it's heart-breaking to see him go through this every day, and when he asks us 'Why do I have diabetes?', 'Will I always have diabetes?', 'Will I die of diabetes?'
But in spite of everything he endures, he's always got a smile on his face, and humbles me to my very core with his courage and tenacity.
JDRF are the only diabetes charity dedicated to finding a cure. They have already funded many advances in the treatment of this condition, from smart insulin to the artificial pancreas, not to mention the exciting developments in the quest to discover what triggers Type 1 diabetes, and what can be done to stop it, and eventually cure it.
On the evening of the 6th of June I’m taking part in the London Nightrider event, which is a 63 mile circular bike ride overnight to raise funds for JDRF.
If you can spare a few quid, I would be most grateful.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulSmart1
Thanks,
Paul
As many of you will know, my son has Type 1 diabetes. This condition is not caused by poor lifestyle and eating habits, it's an autoimmune condition that can strike at any time, but is particularly prevalent in young children.
There is currently no cure, my son faces a lifetime of blood tests and injections, cannula insertions and hospital visits. The complications that can arise from this condition are too heart-breaking to dwell on. Since diagnosis, almost two years ago, my son has endured around 4500 finger stick tests, 1850 injections, 150 cannula insertions, 16 hospital clinics, 3 hospital stays of more than 1 week, and several periods on a drip.
My wife and I have not had a full night’s sleep in over two years due to routine testing as he sleeps. Many people are unaware that diabetes can kill. If his blood sugar drops too quickly and isn't picked up, he could fall into a coma and die. If his blood sugar is too high, he can within hours fall into diabetic ketoacidosis which can also lead to death.
Emotionally and psychologically, it's draining for all of us. It is of course, particularly hard on my son, having gone from a normal 5 year old little boy, to having to live with this condition.
In spite of the obvious negatives, my son is a constant inspiration to us. He has his bad days of course, and it's heart-breaking to see him go through this every day, and when he asks us 'Why do I have diabetes?', 'Will I always have diabetes?', 'Will I die of diabetes?'
But in spite of everything he endures, he's always got a smile on his face, and humbles me to my very core with his courage and tenacity.
JDRF are the only diabetes charity dedicated to finding a cure. They have already funded many advances in the treatment of this condition, from smart insulin to the artificial pancreas, not to mention the exciting developments in the quest to discover what triggers Type 1 diabetes, and what can be done to stop it, and eventually cure it.
On the evening of the 6th of June I’m taking part in the London Nightrider event, which is a 63 mile circular bike ride overnight to raise funds for JDRF.
If you can spare a few quid, I would be most grateful.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulSmart1
Thanks,
Paul