On January 3, 2021, our son Alexander was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 14 years old. After several days of feeling unwell, he became violently ill. Like many teenagers, Alex enjoyed gaming and staying up late, so we initially assumed he was simply overtired and coming down with something mild. However, when we took him to the hospital, he was quickly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with a dangerously high blood sugar level of 1,110—for reference, normal blood sugar is typically around 100.
Alex spent four days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he received exceptional care and education on how to manage his new reality. While we are deeply grateful for the medical advances and support available, it’s important to understand that there is no true “normal” when living with diabetes. What works for one meal may not work for the same meal another day. Every bite of food and sip of drink must be carefully calculated and dosed with insulin. Before leaving the house, Alex must ensure he has all the necessary supplies—there’s no such thing as just “running out the door.” Managing this condition requires constant planning, calculation, and monitoring. Any misstep can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Type 1 Diabetes is a 24/7, relentless condition.
Over the years, incredible advancements have been made thanks to organizations like Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Alex has gone from enduring multiple daily finger sticks and injections to using an insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) that updates his blood sugar every five minutes. These tools have made daily life more manageable and have even allowed us to monitor his levels remotely, providing some much-needed peace of mind. Today, Alex is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas and continues to thrive.
