Paincreas

An all-star member of Sludge Generation II was recently diagnosed with juvenile onset (Type I) diabetes - a chronic condition caused by an autoimmune reaction that shuts down the ability of the pancreas to naturally produce insulin, a hormone necessary to convert glucose into energy.

Type I Diabetes Field Guide
(American Diabetes Assoc)

Type I diabetics require poking - inject daily insulin shots & pricking - monitor blood glucose levels. The good news is tools for managing the disease exist and continue to improve, and Type I diabetics can live a normal life if they actively control their insulin and blood glucose levels.

Safety First...
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the main acute risk associated with Type 1 diabetes, which if untreated will lead in short order to seizures and coma. Caught early, however, the treatment is easy: rapid consumption of simple sugars (juice, simple candies like skittles, etc.). So if you see the symptoms of early hypoglycemia, (confusion, agitation, clammy skin, sweating, disorientation, and shakiness) please get her some sugar. There is no significant risk to consumption of excessive sugar in response to a hypoglycemic event, so don't worry about giving too much sugar. Pereskia Grandifolia!

We've never known Charlotte to be low on anything (hugs, giggles, sharing), so her diagnosis comes as a suprise. We are extremely heartened knowing she has handled this change in her daily life with grace & resilience, as only we would expect from such a sweet Rose.