I diagnosed my daughter with type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. One week prior, she'd had symptoms of a viral infection, but certain signs and symptoms persisted. She was exhausted, extra naps during the day, and she looked listless. Fatigued. She complained of thirst and hunger throughout the day, and throughout the night. We had 8 sippy cups on her dresser so that we prepared every evening for her nighttime water requests. Later we connected zero weight gain from her 1st well child check to her 2nd one. No weight gain in a year. Her height & head circumference were fine, however, so after re-weighing her at her 2 year well child check, we assumed it was nothing.
So on one particular night, at 10:30 pm., after about a week of these symptoms persisting, when Liv was lying there awake and restless, and I suspected diabetes but wanted absolute proof, I tested her urine for ketones. It was positive for a large concentration of ketones in her urine. We dressed her and her baby sister and headed to the emergency room. I remember reaching for other diagnoses, what else it could possibly be, but all other options made no sense. I called ahead, told them we were coming, gave them her history, and we drove silently to the ER.
Except for her. She sang the whole way to the hospital. She's an incredible little person. That was 12 years ago.
So on one particular night, at 10:30 pm., after about a week of these symptoms persisting, when Liv was lying there awake and restless, and I suspected diabetes but wanted absolute proof, I tested her urine for ketones. It was positive for a large concentration of ketones in her urine. We dressed her and her baby sister and headed to the emergency room. I remember reaching for other diagnoses, what else it could possibly be, but all other options made no sense. I called ahead, told them we were coming, gave them her history, and we drove silently to the ER.
Except for her. She sang the whole way to the hospital. She's an incredible little person. That was 12 years ago.
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