Jennifer, like many others, has worried about her family’s health during the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, she was diagnosed with COVID-19. Shortly after, her 13-year old son Mason started feeling ill. Unsure if he too had contracted the virus, they visited their local emergency room. Soon after, the family was informed that Mason was living with type 1 diabetes. In this post, Jennifer discusses her family’s experience and the ways they are managing Mason’s diabetes during the global pandemic.

Mason came to me and said he didn’t feel right. Upset tummy, sinus issues, and a small headache. We took him to a local emergency room, and sure enough his rapid test was positive for COVID-19. The doctors also said that his sugar was pretty high. They asked if I could watch his levels at home over the next couple of days and if his sugars remained high, then I should call our family doctor. We left the ER on Tuesday evening. By Thursday, I called our doctor because his sugars never went below 200 mg/dL. We were put in touch with an endocrinologist, who advised us to take him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with diabetes. 

As a parent, all fears set in. I was worried that I didn’t know enough about diet and medication. I worried about if my son would ever feel normal again.

I was surprised that Mason was able to start giving his own insulin almost immediately, and he preferred it that way. In the three months since he was diagnosed, I have probably only given 10 shots! 

I was introduced to the i-Port Advance™ injection port through a Facebook page. I posted that we were having issues with him taking too much insulin before meals, and then he was too full to finish what he had dosed for. Several parents came back and suggested we try an injection port! I called my doctor’s office the next day and they were super excited to let him try it.

Almost immediately, Medtronic sent us a box of the i-Port Advance™ injection port to try at no-cost. I could not express my happiness! I was thankful the company was willing to let us try the port before we purchased. As a parent, this was such an amazing feeling and it was one of the first easy experiences we had since Mason was diagnosed! 

Mason fell in love with the injection port, and so did I! When he used the port, it was the first time since he was diagnosed that he didn’t feel like an outcast. Although he is incredibly diligent with what he eats and doesn’t take advantage of his insulin, he is a kid! He wants little treats, he wants to hang out with friends his age, and eat cupcake or have snow cones from time to time. All of which he had stopped because he hated sticking himself all the time and taking shots in front of people. Now, he can take a little extra insulin if he needs to. He can hang out with friends and not feel like an outsider because he can’t eat what they do! I’m also happy because he is building up less scar tissue with 1 stick every 3 days compared to 12-15 injections.

As a parent, I’ve been so happy to watch his outlook change. He knows that he can manage this disease and he isn’t constantly worried with taking another shot! 

Mason’s family enrolled in the 12-day evaluation program offered by Medtronic. To learn more, click below.

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The testimonial above relates an account of an individual’s experience using a Medtronic device. The account is genuine, typical and documented. However, this individual’s experience does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response or experience other people may have using the device. The experience other individuals have with the device could be different. Experiences can and do vary. Please talk to your doctor about your condition and the risks and benefits of Medtronic devices.

Safety Information: i-Port Advance^™ injection port

i-Port Advance^™ injection port is indicated for patients who administer or receive multiple daily subcutaneous injections of physician prescribed medications, including insulin. The device may remain in place for up to 72 hours to accommodate multiple injections without the discomfort of additional needle sticks. i-Port Advance^™ injection port may be used on a wide range of patients, including adults and children. For more, please see http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information.

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Read more about children with diabetes, devices, diabetes diagnosis, i-port, insulin, Intensive management, Medtronic.