by killJOY » Thu 26 Jun 2008, 16:43:07
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('chakra', 'M')y daughter is a type 1 diabetic. There are no cases of diabetes in either of our families. She is only 4 years old, and did nothing to deserve or acquire her state.
She basically got a flu when she was 2 and the flu was particularly bad and it destroyed her insulin producing cells. So now she's placed in this state from basically playing in the park or going near someone who had a bad flu. We have no idea where she caught the flu, but every kid does.
They've been producing insulin for many years though, and it's actually not very expensive. The expensive part is all the accessories that make diabetes more manageable, such as pumps and blood test equipment.
Basically all a diabetic needs to stay alive is insulin and a needle. Today though, people do blood tests multiple times a day, and have automated insulin delivery systems. The cost to check your blood is many times more expensive then to administer the actual medicine. So basically you can inject yourself with insulin for pennies a day by reusing a needle a few times, but it ends up costing 10 dollars or more a day because of all the other products that make a diabetics life much easier.
What you are describing is by far my biggest fear. Not being able to provide my daughter with insulin is one of the most scary problems I can think of.
Very moving post.
A little pep story for you:
My partner developed diabetes at 19 (year, 1972). Like your daughter, its onset was totally unexpected, given his family's history. Possibly, a prescription for steroids (to combat acne) triggered it.
He has faithfully eaten square meals every day, never misses his shot, and is so in touch with his health that he doesn't test his sugar except if it's clearly too low. He carries jellybeans with him instead of glucose tablets and abstains from drugs and alcohol.
He is now 55 years old, skinny as a rail, healthy as an ox. Complications: ZERO.
And Pops, my sincere condolences as well. Life is so unfair sometimes.