Nine-year-old Mason from Liverpool was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just three months ago. His parents Annette and Tim share their journey and how they’ve adapted to their ‘new normal.’
What were Mason’s first symptoms?
About three months ago, Mason started drinking much more than usual, he was incredibly thirsty and began waking up at night to use the bathroom. One day, while we were at work, his grandparents called to say he was feeling dizzy. I asked them to give him a sugary fizzy drink, and he seemed to improve a bit. That made me think he might have diabetes. His GP quickly referred him to the Accident & Emergency department at Alder Hey. We later learned to watch out for the ‘four T’s’- Tiredness, Thirst, Toilet and being Thinner. These are all sings of type 1 diabetes.
How was Mason diagnosed?
At the hospital, blood tests showed Mason had very high blood sugar levels and ketones, which can be dangerous as it makes your blood acidic. He immediately needed insulin to bring those numbers down. We ended up staying in the hospital on ward 4C for two weeks.
How did you feel when you got the diagnosis?
It was an emotional whirlwind. We were in total shock, no one in our family had diabetes, and Mason is healthy and active. We quickly learned that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, not caused by diet or lifestyle, so it wasn’t something we could have prevented. We felt heartbroken seeing him so unwell and anxious about what the future might hold. It was overwhelming, we worried about managing the injections, how it would affect our daily lives, and how Mason would cope. It was terrifying.
“While Type 1 diabetes is life-changing, it doesn’t limit what your child can do.”
Mason’s parents
What happened next?
The first few days focused on stabilising Mason’s blood sugars and helping him feel better. After that, the education began. We learned everything about managing Type 1 diabetes from the diabetes team at Alder Hey including how and when to give insulin, how to control blood sugars around meals and activities, and how to handle highs and lows. Mason was surprisingly attentive and eager to learn too. It was intense and exhausting, but the diabetes team were always there for us, offering support and guidance. The nurses on the ward were amazing and patient with Mason and kind enough to give us some much-needed breaks.
When did you get to go home?
We were given home leave to get some sense of normality. Naturally, we were nervous being on our own without the diabetes team, but knowing they were just a call away 24/7 gave us confidence. We even took Mason to a basketball game and out for dinner, we wanted to show him that life could still be normal. Unfortunately, shortly after, Mason caught a viral bug and was put onto a drip for fluids and insulin for five days. It felt like two steps forward, two steps back. We stayed in the hospital for an additional week. We also needed to help Mason adjust to coming home and allowing us to administer the insulin injections. We were advised to take a hands-off approach, giving him space to adjust, and it worked, a big milestone for us.
Is Mason back at school now?
Thankfully, once he was stable, Mason was discharged and went straight back to school. We wanted him to get back into his normal routine as soon as possible. The diabetes team visited his school soon after diagnosis and trained his teachers on managing his condition. Mason even wants the team to come back and talk to his classmates about Type 1 diabetes; to help them understand why he might need injections or snacks during the day. Of course, he still has good days and bad days, but looking back, he’s come so far. He’s confident now, he prepares all his injections himself, and we’re hoping to get him an insulin pump soon, which looks fantastic. He knows when his sugars are too low or high and tells us. We’re so proud of him. From the beginning, we taught him there’s nothing to be ashamed of, this is just part of his life.
What advice would you give to families with a newly diagnosed child?
We’d say that while Type 1 diabetes is life-changing, it doesn’t limit what your child can do. Mason still plays football, swims, goes to youth club, enjoys his food, and goes to school just like any other child. The diabetes team is there 24/7 to support you. It’s tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, just take it one day at a time.