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In the UK there are 2.6 million people with diabetes, but only 5% of those are children with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening illness and we and our children have constant battles every day juggling the right amount of insulin and food/exercise to try and keep their blood sugar levels within range so that it will not cause them complications now and in the future.  We have to count the carbohydrates in all their food and weigh everything before they can eat it.  The trouble is so many things can affect their blood sugar levels, like the weather, environment, stress, illness, growth hormones and excitement, and it can become very frustrating indeed.  Never is one day the same as the next and every day is very challenging.

Having type 1 diabetes means constant finger prick blood tests every day, up to 10 times a day, sometimes even more! Both Cesca and Jake have insulin pumps connected to their bodies 24/7, infusing insulin subcutaneously.  For cannula insertion a big inserter needle is required and this is painful.  The pump drip-feeds insulin into their bodies at different rates throughout the day to suit their needs.  These little mobile phone sized pumps frankly keep them alive. We are constantly trying to avoid the risk of hypoglycaemia/hyperglycaemia and/or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) all of which could kill them, and we also to try to minimise the future, long term risk of health complications, including blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions and amputation of feet and legs.   It is a constant battle of balance.

We are all so proud of Cesca and Jake and how they deal with their diabetes struggles on a day to day basis they are such wonderful kids and they are always smiling.

Insulin is not a cure for type 1 diabetes, it is life support.  JDRF are so important in finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. They are at the forefront for finding this and they need donations to make this possible.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.