Fathers Who Have Type 1

[MHoskins2179]

I'm interested in hearing from some Adult Type 1 men who have gone on to become fathers. It doesn't matter to me whether the child(ren) do or do not have a D-Diagnosis, as I'm more interested in the emotional aspects of starting a family from the perspective of a man who's lived with Type 1 since childhood. We hear so much about motherhood and diabetic pregnancies from the female perspective, and while I realize that's so very important, I'd really appreciate hearing from some of the guys who've faced their own issues (or not). Thank you, kindly.

[HERMSman]

MHoskins2179, I just joined. I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for almost thirty years. I have two kids, aged 14 and 11 years old. Both are healthy and free of diabetes, so far. Anything else I can answer for you?

[Ronin1966]

Hello MHoskins2179:

What a wonderful question, thank you for raising it!

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I've been diabetic since the "dark ages" when shots were SOLELY once a day, and "tests" involved urine (ie worthless).

As a parent, I do not want my family to ever expereince a "low" of mine. If they do... in my experience, they will be "ghosts" resurrected again and again, and again...

I did not enjoy it the first time through thanks... even less than you!!! Being reminded, trapped in past event(s) by others recollections of them is not joy nor blissful. If we could erase all memories of them from all existance, so that I was the sole bearer of the memory(ies), I would do so with no hesitation.

The complications, the whispers of things that are not certain, and not discussed too often. If asked, the question is answered as hopefully as possible, no matter what I truly believe. My burden is mine alone, I will not share it easily.

Parents don't normally announce and lecture re: the family history of heart attack, or kidney disease, blindness, impotence... the "bad things" that ~might~ happen to them (ie as parents) to their children, why should I? A burden of knowledge they should not be given... I will gladly keep them innocent as long as possible.

As my children have grown, they have asked about shots, testing, why I do the things they see. Now they are teens, neither adults nor children, I will let them test me once in a while before I drive... not forced, but simply asked.

Someday, I will let them test themselves. Learn what we do. As teens I know they wonder what its like... and whether they could do it, to themselves.

As "kids", until they ask, I will not force knowledge on them. As teens they have much to learn already. As a father who also happens to be a type 1 diabetic, I keep my dragon closely guarded, watched to the best of my abilities. It is not theirs...

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I hope I have answered some small piece of your question, I will gladly clarify where I may if you wish.