But there is one thing and much more difficult. Even harder than counting carbs. It’s like explaining to you, my precious 2 year old, that I have diabetes. What should I say?
This question has been bugging me ever since the day your mom and I found out we were expecting you, our baby, soon.
So what do I want you to know?
Your father is not sick.
Yes, I’m not sick. It sounds strange, but I don’t inject or take pills because I’m sick. And I don’t want you to think I’m sick, because people with diabetes are no different from anyone else. You must have often heard from me that “dad takes medicine to make my life better.” It’s true. The medicine makes me feel better and allows me to live the same life as you, feeling all its charms.
Your father has an insulin pump.
Stage “what is it?” we’ve already passed. Now you know all about daddy’s pump. Mom and I explained to you that this little device injects medicine into my body. You heard the same when you saw me with a syringe and an ampoule. You said: “Mom, look! Daddy injects himself in the tummy.” I even remember you giving similar injections to your little dolls. My pump delivers medication to my body. There is nothing wrong with this.
I need to pierce my finger.
As you matured a little and started to understand a little more about my life with diabetes, I know you were upset when you saw me piercing my finger with a lancet. You didn’t have the slightest idea why I was doing this. You just saw my finger, drops of blood and started asking questions. Every time I told you that I’m fine and it doesn’t hurt at all.
It’s true. Finger pricking is part of my daily routine, but it doesn’t hurt at all and you have nothing to worry about.
We are all a little different.
The only lesson you should learn from watching my life with diabetes is that we are all different. Every person is unique, and diabetes is one of my unique traits. Yes, I need to take insulin to live and stay healthy, but that’s what sets me apart from the rest. Remember, we are all special because we are unique. This is a good lesson.
What else do I want you, my daughter, to know about my diabetes?
First, I’m fine. Sometimes you’ll see me drinking your apple juice or taking a break from your favorite monster game for a snack, but I’m fine.
Secondly, even if I get hurt sometimes (during the insertion of an infusion set, insulin injection, finger prick), I will do my best so that you do not have to feel fear.
And finally, I want you to know that everything I do to feel better, I do it because I want to be healthy. Because I want to be with you as long as possible and live together as many pleasant moments as possible. From the first second, as soon as I knew that you would soon be born, I constantly think about you, even more than about diabetes.