This thirteen year old is a mini expert in diabetes management. Why? Because he was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was 6. And though we’re not sure why, type one diabetes is on the rise. Here’s a look at what life is like living with the disease.
Here’s the story.
Brett Shearer often has a juice box and granola bar by his side. That’s because he has to eat regularly to keep his blood sugars in check. He has type one diabetes.
“It’s somewhat difficult but not too much, it’s mostly school and taking my blood and trying to hide it from other students,” says Brett.
And he checks his blood sugars four times a day.
“I do it at breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and in the evening.”
It’s what has to be done, says pediatric diabetes specialist Doctor Daniele Pacaud. Otherwise patients are at risk of serious complications.
“Increased rate of kidney damage, increased rate of eye damage that can lead to blindness, increased rate of heart disease, increased rate of foot problems.”
And that can lead to amputation… which is why it’s so important to keep the disease under control… like Brett does.
Brett says he can live a relatively normal life with his type one diabetes but does say it’s nice to have a couple of buddies on board especially when he’s at school.
“I’ve got a couple of friends and they just support me all the way,” he explains, “and I’ve got one friend he could care less and just treats me normally and that’s good.”
But the question remains – why is type one diabetes on the rise? Doctor Pacaud says, they’re still not sure.
“We’re thinking it’s something more related to the environment- to the interaction between the pool of genes and environment in our modern society rather than just a change in the genetic background overall.”
So why do kids get it? They have to be genetically predisposed and then the immune system has to be triggered.
“The immune system which is there usually to fight bacteria, viruses and infection for whatever reason, starts to recognize the cells that produce insulin as foreign to the body and starts destroying them.”
Which is why there’s nothing parents can do to prevent type one diabetes. All they can do is be aware of the symptoms… increased drinking and urination.
“If a child never used to get up and starts getting up 2-3 times to go to the bathroom,” says Pacaud, “that would be a cue – we need to see what’s going on.”
Because as with many diseases, the earlier a diagnosis the better. Brett was diagnosed when he was 6. So he’s an old hat at keeping his blood sugars where they should be, which allows him to do pretty much whatever he wants.
“Going skating, tobogganing or just basketball or soccer, I can do whatever.”
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There’s a fundraiser for diabetes on tomorrow (Friday Sept 18) at Eau Claire Market. For more information on the event or how you can donate visit the website: