Our Son Maceo was diagnosed with Type1 Diabetes in July 2014 after we noticed the symptoms of increased Thirst, Hunger and trips to the Toilet..       We went straight to hospital with dangerously high blood sugars as his body had not been producing Insulin, where he spent nearly a week getting him stable.

Type1 Diabetes is caused by a non-reversible Autoimmune process that kills off the Insulin producing Beta Cells in the Pancreas, mainly occuring in children and young adults and there sadly is no prevention or cure at the moment. He has adapted outstandingly to a life of pricking his own fingers to test his blood glucose nearly every 2 hours throughout the day, and injecting himself with individually calculated doses of Insulin 4-5 times a day. His insulin doses are worked out taking into condsideration food carbohydrate content, what exercise he is going to do and his current blood glucose level. 

Maceo has never complained and has bravely embraced his Diabetes, and in fact when recently asked about Diabetes said that "he was PROUD"... a strange comment to some to make maybe, but as his parents we are so proud of how well he copes with the day to day life with Diabetes. It is this pride along with mirroring his determination that keeps us going - especially right now at the bottom of the hills we are running up ;)

As with his blood sugars (also affected uncontrollably by the weather, warm bathes, illness, excitement, injury, stress, anxiety and seemingly learning in the classroom!) there are Highs and Lows in our life as the parents of a child with T1 - a recent sick bug ended up with a night in hospital as things can change so dangerously quickly, though he was happy as he loved the Play Station Football Game and beat Kay hands down even with drips in!   T1 affects every aspect of life although you would not see that as he and us strive hard for a fun, healthy, happy childhood. A recent "Film night" at home meant having to limit to little amounts of popcorn and chocolate as he couldn't have another injection at this time. Most of us take for granted what we can eat but he realizes at his young age already the importance of a healthy balanced diet.

Our "Highs" however include watching him play tennis at competition level, play the clarinet in front of a very large audience to raise awareness for T1, swimming 22 miles together to raise money and awareness for Diabetes UK, cycling ahead of us during our current training (yes literally!) jumping ramps in the skate park, being brave and bold around hospital Consultants and Nurses and Teacher at the age of 6, making his own decisions around his care, having drips inserted and blood taken without numbing spray and generally making us so blooming proud at telling us that "DIABETES DOES NOT STOP ME DOING ANYTHING"...

We want people to know how to spot the symptoms of Type 1- Diabetes UK have a "4 T's" campaign ~ THIRST, TOILET, TIREDNESS and THINNER. Also to understand the seriousness of T1, especially if left mis/undiagnosed, as well as the importance of maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels in all people with Diabetes as to prevent long term complications such as kidney, eye, heart and peripheral nerve damage, as well as keeping those with T1 safe 24/7 to try to avoid coma, fitting or even unthinkably death....

We have supported Diabetes UK over this last year because of the support they have given our Family right from the beginning of our journey with T1 through providing us all with factual information, schools advice, helpline support and providing us with the chances to meet other families like ours to ensure that he has the best opportunities to live a happy, healthy life reaching his full potential and beyond xxx

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