Feels a bit cheeky as I lurk here more than I post... but exploring everywhere at the moment.
My teenage daughter has just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes which has been a bit of a shock. Just wondering if anyone has experience and might be able to point us in the direction of some good resources to help her cope?
Feels like such a significant change in lifestyle for her to cope with, on top of GCSE's starting in a couple of months.

Any thoughts gratefully received.  Thank you.

Try: Diabetes UK and in particular: Young People with Diabetes

Thank you...there's a lot of info here!

Just saying that it's pretty scary when you have only just been delivered the shock.  But all the folk I have known lead a totally normal life.  Yes, you need take care that you listen to the advice given, but she will do just fine.  Really.  :-)

Thank you Jean. My daughter is just getting on with it but my husband and I keep thinking forward...and it doesn't help. One day at a time...

Hi

I'm not a regular poster either, but I do have a son with T1.

My lad is 17 and took his GCSEs last year. He was diagnosed at age 11 and is on an insulin pump, which has given him his life back.

There are some good Facebook Groups out there, for you and for him. I belong to 'Parents of Type 1 Teens' which is very supportive.

You must be going through a vey difficult time. Many people just don't realise what a serious condition it is. Most people don't even know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 and simply refer to it all as Diabetes - often making the misjudgement that Type 1 is lifestyle related and could have been avoided.

You can talk to your School's Exam's Officer. They should be able to agree that your teen has extra time 'stop the clock' to treat their highs or lows during exams and probably the choice to sit in a small side room, or at the front  or the back of the exam hall - as preferred. They should also be allowed to have their meter, glucose etc with them during the exam. If they do have a hypo during an exam, the school can apply to have special considerations from the exam board, to moderate the grade if it was affected by their condition as evidenced by their glucose meter. 

There is a lot learn - but you will get there. Very best wishes to you.

Oh and another thought. It's not a 'totally normal life' at all. Checking you blood sugar level half a dozen times a day (or night), counting all the carbohydrates in your food before you eat it, injecting or infusing insulin 24/7 and generally taking a great deal of effort to stay alive every day is very much 'not normal'.

But, you can do all normal things as long as they are properly planned for - and everyone else will think you are leading a normal life. They just don't know the half of it!!!

And you can be happy. My son is a very happy lad with lots of good times ahead.

Very good informative post OzzieMum.

>But, you can do all normal things as long as they are properly planned for - and everyone else will think you are leading a normal life. They just don't know the half of it!!!

I'm perfectly aware of all this, having lived with a type 1 for 24 years.  The people who don't make a huge fuss over their condition, lead a life that is normal, and doesn't stop them from enjoying life.

I didn't just post with not knowing the half of it.

Apologies for not replying sooner, I haven't had internet access for a few days.

Thank you all - I wasn't aware of the facebook groups so will definitely look those up. And the exam advice is really helpful.

My daughter is coping well - she is just getting on with things. It is definitely my husband and I that struggle more at the moment as we keep thinking about the impact it will inevitably have on her.

But...she is off to Greece with her school next week. I am horribly worried - but she's confident she can cope, the school are supportive and she's got good friends with her who are aware. Also the lady at the diabetic clinic has said she can call her any time while she is away.

I don't think she is going to let it get in her way if she can help it!

Thank you again. It's just comforting to hear things from people with experience.

Katien
I am so glad that your daughter is facing this with such a positive attitude.  It means that she has already decided that this thing won't interfere with what she wants to do.  Pleased that you and your husband raised such a great kid.  :-)

Thank you Jean. Your kind comments brought a tear to my eye actually - she does have a great attitude and we're proud of her.

Thanks again.