Diabetes and Hypothyrodism

I may not know you personally, but I'm truly sad that your young daughter has developed both hypothyroidism and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

I'm afraid the facts are that someone that has one autoimmune condition is at greater risk of developing autoimmune conditions too.  (Both hypothyroidism and type 1 diabetes mellitus are believed to be autoimmune conditions.)

It's easy for an outsider to say don't worry, but as a parent myself I fully understand how anxiety forming being diagnosed with a lifelong condition can affect you.

You don't indicate how long your daughter has been diagnosed as hypothyroid, nor whether it is now under control, but I'm afraid the bad news is it's her diabetes that will take much more of your time, experience and understanding.  It's also the condition that's likely to cause many more problems in the future if it's not controlled.

I'm afraid that there is so much information that you will be bombarded with about how best to control your daughter's diabetes that you'll feel that it's 'never ending' or that there's too much information for you to remember.  That IS the case when it's all new to you but, believe me, it WILL get easier as time progresses.

Don't be afraid to take notes about anything that you are told.  Your daughter's diabetes support team will see that as a positive thing on your part.  They will NOT expect you to remember everything that you're being told.

You SHOULD find that your daughter is under the care of an endocrinologist ... a doctor that specialises in the treatment of hormone-related disorders.  S/he will have others working as part of a team, which will include diabetes specialist nurses, certified diabetes educators, dietitians, podiatrists (foot specialists), ophthalmologists (eye specialists), etc. etc.  You SHOULD be given personal contact details, such as telephone numbers and/or email addresses.  They are there to offer you and your daughter support so do NOT be afraid to make use of their services.  I've been type 1 myself for more than 35 years now, and I can't tell you how many hundreds ... maybe thousands ... of times that I've contacted members of my diabetes support team when something hasn't been quite right.  I'm incredibly lucky in that EVERY member of my diabetes support team has been more than willing to spend time talking with me about any concerns.  I truly do hope that you'll find your daughter's support team is exactly the same.

I appreciate that we don't know each other, but if you'd like some moral support for your daughter ... and yourself ... please do feel free to PM (Personal Message) me.  I will do my utmost to give you the facts, as I know them, and if you need someone to shout and scream at, I'll be here for that too.

I wish you well, Jaf Real facts, and hope that you find that you can 'take it all in your stride'.

While the diagnosis is upsetting, there is much teaching and support available.

Education is key.

What would be very worrying and depressing would be a condition for which there was no method of management.

Hundreds  of thousands of people educate themselves and manage diabetes just fine and live long lives.

Lill