Jan 23, 2020
Episode 19: Creating A Community With Guest Stacey Simms
In this episode, Stacey Simms discusses her experience navigating
the Type 1 Diabetes world and finding a community. Stacey discusses
the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and the
importance of getting an accurate diagnosis. When her son was
almost 2, his personality changed (irritability and tantrums), he
would become sleepy at unusual times, he started urinating more
frequently, and was drinking a lot more water. Stacey became
concerned. Stacey discussed the process for her son to get
diagnosed. She noted that they coped relatively well with the nitty
gritty of managing diabetes when he was young, as her son was laid
back about having to take insulin shots. However, it was difficult
to figure out how many carbs were in homemade foods, and she never
knew what he would actually eat, as toddlers are bonkers. Stacey
discussed struggles her son experienced, such as not preferring to
talk with his friends about diabetes, blood sugars fluctuating
frequently, and having to be on top of his blood sugars at all
times. Currently, he is navigating how to manage diabetes during
puberty, due to hormonal fluctuations.
At the time, she was a health news reporter, and met others in
similar situations through summits and meetings while she was
working. As time passed, she met more parents of children with
Diabetes through school (and the school nurse), and posting
meetings on Facebook. Starting a Facebook group helped grow the
community in her area and connect families. Finding her community
helped her to realize some fears were unjustified and helped her
find support and helpful ways to cope. Her son currently copes
relatively well, due to having a great support network and having
attended camp for children who have Diabetes. She recommends that
to create a community, start a Facebook group, talk to your child's
school nurse, schedule a dinner or coffee date with other parents,
keep meetup locations and activities simple, attend charity walks,
set small goals, send your child to camps for children with that
diagnosis.
Links:
Stacey Simms:
https://www.diabetes-connections.com
https://www.staceysimms.com
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Show Music:
Lion Roar: Lion Roar by Iwan Gabovitch under CC-BY 3.0 License
(www.freesound.org)
Intro Outro: Intro Outro 2 by Mattias Lahoud under CC-BY 3.0
License (www.freesound.org)
Theme Song: 90s rock style by monkeyman535 under CC-BY 3.0 License
(www.freesound.org)
Self Care Song: Green and Orange No Water by Duncan Alex under
CC-BY 3.0 License (www.freesound.org)
Hosted by: Jessica Temple and Lewis Temple
Disclaimer: Our show is not designed to provide listeners with specific or personal legal, medical, or professional services or advice. Parents of children with health issues should always consult their health care provider for medical advice, medication, or treatment.
Copyright 2020 Jessica and Lewis Temple