New nurse's daughter just diagnosed with Type 1

Hi Bandas,

I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at 9 years old, and now I'm a diabetes educator. I'd like to encourage you to enroll your daughter in diabetes camp--you can search for one in your area on Google. It will help the whole family, and can be especially helpful for your daughter to meet other children with diabetes, especially since those of us with Type I are in the minority.

Secondly, I want to prepare you for what might happen when your daughter becomes older, probably around 10 or 11 years old. That's the age when many diabetic children become rebellious against doing what they're supposed to do (e.g., testing sugars, taking insulin). I speak from personal experience as I had a very hard time with diabetes and it took me years to make peace with it. Another thing to watch for is "diabulimia," where usually girls stop taking their insulin in order to lose weight.

Thanks to carb counting, insulin pumps, and other new advances in diabetes care, it's not such a pain as when I was a kid, but I always tell people that I think diabetes is 5% physiological, and 95% emotional. Accepting one's diagnosis and the responsibility required to control it can be a tough journey, but you sound like the kind of mom your daughter can turn to for the emotional support she'll need.

Best of luck to you and your family!

Hi,
Welcome to my world.
my dd was dx when she was 9-she's 12 now. doing great. has animas pump. Its just a new normal now.
There's a good support group childrenwithdiabetes you might want to check it out.

Hang it there it gets better

I'm so happy that you took her to the doctor!

During my freshman year of high school, my sister essentially diagnosed my juvenile diabetes. She was a senior in HS at the time -- I told her that I was peeing and had an awful thirst all the time. She told my mother to take me to see the doctor as soon as possible -- but my mom didn't really believe it. There was not a single diabetic in our family (that we know of).

Well, thank goodness she finally followed my sister's advice! When I got to the emergency room, I was in the mid-600s!

My sister is now in the process of applying to Yale, Columbia, Ohio State and some other prestigious graduate schools to become a Nurse practitioner. I'm very proud of her and I thank her for everything.

I noticed this is an older post, but it really tugged at my heartstrings. I am a nurse whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 11. He is now 17 yrs old and is for the most part doing well, but is challenged to keep his routine as a teenager.

There are 2 resources I would recommend for you. Get in touch with the juvenile diabetes research foundation (JRDF.org, I believe). they have a family support system that will put you in contact with another family similar to yours. Your daughter can also meet others by participating in some of their family activities (a fun walk, for example).

Another great resource when your daughter gets old enough is attending a Diabetes camp. My son found it was the first time he could stop activities because he felt low and not feel self conscious of it--everyone there understood. There is a lot of learning and empowerment that happens at these camps, also.

I wish you the best in your new career and with your precious daughter. She is so lucky to have you as her mom.

A friend's grandmother picked up her toddler's type 1 DM in an unusual, but very logical way. She noticed that ant's were attracted to the child's wet diapers!

My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 at age 11, she too was caught early, thank god I'm a nurse and noticed the sx right away, but was still blown out of the water when the final dx came in! No one in my immediate family nor my husbands has type 1. She is now 14, and has gotten harder, I can't get her to tell me her blood sugars half the time, and she snacks constantly. The last time we went to her Endocrinologist appt. I cried as I learned she had several blood sugars that were 400-500 and never told me. I feel really stupid when I am sitting there as a nurse and the Diabetes Nurse is looking at me like I just won the worst mom award. Anyway, back to you, I wish you lots of luck, and keep on top of those bs and snacks, it will be easier now than the teen years. Maybe its a blessing that shes dx so young, maybe she will be more used to the routine by the time shes a teenager My daughter is my hero, and most of the time is able to manage quite well, I can't imagine being a teen AND being diabetic, or any age for that matter. Your daughter is very lucky that she has such educated and loving parents, i have no doubt that all will be fine. GOOD LUCK

Hi-
I am an older, newbie. My son has been TI for 15 years, and I finally went back to school to be an RN, strive for my CDE and NP. Just passed the NCLEX in February and took the CDE in May. Didn't pass but scored OK. I will try again. It is a roller coaster with a T1 kiddo. Every day I check on my 25 y/o to make sure he has juice, insulin and meter, nearby; before I leave. My heart aches for you, I never say this, but I do know how you feel.

I need to pass my CDE. I was only a few points short. Anyone know of any good classes or seminars? There are not many resources out there and the ADA guideline handbook is very DRY.

Newbie Nancy

I don't understand how if you just got passed the NCLEX in February, how you were allowed to take the CDE exam? Before you even apply for the exam you have to have spent at least 2 years doing diabetes education, plus have a minimum of 1000 hours of diabetes ed (with a minimum 4 hours a week).

I have copied/pasted the required practice experience section from the NCBDE, the body who gives the CDE exam below. NTPinky, you are correct, one must have 1000 hours and 2 years experience in a position whose job description is specifically "diabetes education" to even apply for the exam.


Professional Practice Experience
All professional practice experience is defined as employment for compensation as a diabetes educator in the United States or its territories within the past five years. Employment for compensation means to hold a job in which one is actively engaged in diabetes self-management education and for which paid income is comparable to other diabetes educators in the same area or region of the country. Only experience occurring AFTER completing the Discipline requirement can be counted toward the Professional Practice Experience requirement.
After meeting the Discipline requirement and before applying for the Examination, all (A through C) of the following requirements must be met:

A minimum of two years (to the day) of professional practice experience in diabetes self-management education.
AND

A minimum of 1,000 hours of diabetes self-management education experience.
AND

Current employment in a defined diabetes educator role providing diabetes self-management education a minimum of four hours per week, or its equivalent, at the time of application.

Congrats on your test. I completely understand. My son was 5 when he was diagnosed. Right before Christmas time no less. Within a 2 week period he lost 10 lbs., started asking to take a nap, & started wetting the bed. He was heading for coma the day I got him into the Dr. At first, I was told he had a virus & take him home. Due to the fact that my family is loaded in diabetes, I argued. Boy am I glad I did!
He is now 21. We've had a lot of close calls, but he's still here (stubborn as he is). One of the things he liked best was when he turned 8, he was old enough to go to Diabetes Camp & be with about 300 other kids just like him.
It can be rough & trying at times, but just relax & hang in there.
Due to all I've been through with him, I really want to get into Diabetes education when I finish nursing school.