It's Never Good To Be Unaware

To be unaware, in general,  is usually not a good thing but with Diabetes it can be out right life threatening.

Hypoglycemic unawareness is a frightening reality for some of us with Diabetes.

It is usually a complication brought on by long term damage to the nervous system from many years of diabetes, usually poorly controlled diabetes. 

I say usually because I have discovered it can also happen in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that are under the typical onset age of 7-9.  

We have a daughter who was Dx at 18 months, she is now 6.  She has never been able to tell us or recognize when she is having a low glucose.  

In the beginning this was expected, but now we are hoping even praying that soon she will show some insight when she is hypoglycemic.

We have searched for answers, especially in the beginning.  The explanations from the literature and the health team was that her nervous system was immature and in time she would eventually feel and display the signs (sweating, shaking, mood change) and symptoms (anxious, headache) 

We're still waiting.....

In the mean time we do what is essential to keep her safe. We advocated for a pump, we test multiple times, and we lose a lot of sleep.  

So, if you have a child with Hypoglycemic unawareness, we understand. Here are some suggestions below.

Treatment options are: 

-Peak-less insulin

-Continuous Glucose Sensors(these are expensive and the needle is huge!) 

-Insulin Pump therapy

-Frequent testing to ensure glucose is safe throughout the night. 

-Ensure the last rapid insulin bolus is no later then 8 PM.

So, if you have a child with Hypoglycemic Unawareness, we understand, hang in there, and unfortunately it's up to us to have the awareness, perseverance and diligence until our child's system develops.

Trev