Being diagnosed with diabetes can be devastating for many children, especially if they don't understand what's going on. News 13's Medical Reporter Nancy Gay tells us about a local program that teaches kids and their families about monitoring blood sugar levels and what to do if they get out of whack.
When doctors diagnosed 14-year-old Eric Stevens with diabetes, he didn't know that much about the disease.
"I was really sad,” Eric said. “Because I didn't think I'd be able to do most of the stuff I normally do."
His mother Lesley Stevens was similarly in the dark.
"I was totally surprised,” she said. “I don't know that much about it. Now I know a lot."
Her knowledge came from the Nemours Diabetes Education Center. Its classes teach children and their parents about nutrition, glucose monitoring and how to measure blood sugar levels.
"Even kindergarteners can prepare their finger and help with the finger stick, and as they get older they're able to assume a lot more responsibility,” Nemours diabetes educator Melanie Forman said.
Eric is pretty good about managing his disease. He monitors his own blood sugar levels and knows how to give himself an insulin shot.
“It’s really easy,” he said.
Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst and hunger, excessive urination, fatigue and irritability. Eric's mom noticed something was wrong when he lost 16 pounds in just a few weeks.
“The doctor came in and said you need to get to the ICU immediately," she said.
It's been six weeks since that day. Even though he has to pay closer attention to what and when he eats, Eric said diabetes didn't change his life that much.
The Nemours Diabetes Education Center is the first pediatric education program in Central Florida to be recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
That's Your Health and Fitness,
Nancy Gay, Central Florida News 13.