A young family in Mississippi got a huge surprise when their one-year-old son, Bain, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  This news came after a scary trip to the emergency room, where Bain was found to have diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can be life-threatening.  The family had to quickly learn how to manage this new reality, which involved a lot of learning and adjustment.

        The signs of type 1 diabetes can be easy to miss, especially in young children.  Bain's mom, Marlee, noticed he was more irritable than usual and thought it was just teething.  But when his symptoms got worse on the way home from the doctor, she knew something was seriously wrong.  Bain was vomiting, breathing heavily, and had no energy.  This led to a rushed trip to the emergency room, where the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes came as a shock.  The family was airlifted to a children's hospital, where Bain spent three days in the ICU.

        Managing type 1 diabetes is a full-time job.  Marlee and her husband, Chandler, had to learn how to monitor Bain's blood sugar, give him insulin, and count carbs for every meal and snack.  It was a lot to take in, but they were determined to give Bain a normal, happy childhood despite his condition.  They use a Dexcom, a device that helps monitor blood sugar levels, which has been a game-changer for them.  It gives them peace of mind and helps them manage Bain's condition more effectively.

        Marlee, who used to work as a speech language pathologist, is now focused on teaching Bain about his condition.  She talks to him about diabetes using simple words and phrases, so he can understand what it is and why he needs to manage it.  She wants him to grow up confident and unafraid of his diabetes.  The family has also found support and knowledge through the type 1 diabetes community, which has been a big help in their journey.

        Living with type 1 diabetes means constant vigilance and adaptation.  Marlee and Chandler have to be ready for anything, from stubborn high blood sugar levels to the challenges of managing Bain's condition as he grows older.  But they are determined to give him the best life possible, filled with love, support, and the tools he needs to manage his diabetes with confidence.

A Mississippi Family's Unexpected Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

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