My niece Bella was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on the 2nd January 2014, at 3 years old.  Looking back at the three months prior; she had been ill with a couple of viruses, began bed wetting, feeling lethargic, drinking a lot, and was generally very emotional.  In the final days before diagnosis, Bella was sleeping 20 hours a day. 

(The 4 T's of Type 1 Diabetes in an undiagnosed - Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner and this is regularly misdiagnosed as a childhood viral infection for which antibiotics are given.)

Upon diagnosis she was sent to hospital in an ambulance, as unknown to us, Bella was as little as hours away from falling into a coma.   Bella spent four days in hospital, this was a huge shock to everybody.  

Nearly 18 months on, amazingly Bella has adjusted to the regime of managing her illness. Bella has her blood sugar level tested 10 to 15 times throughout the day and night, sits patiently while all food and drink she consumes is carb counted, and permanently wears an insulin pump which, through a tube and cannula feeds insulin into her body.  With countless nurse, consultant, GP & psychology appointments,  episodes of hypoglycaemia & hyperglycaemia, and feeling unwell, life can be very hard for Bella.

Type 1 diabetes can be a difficult illness to manage for every sufferer, and Bella has been inspirational. This is why we have chosen to help raise awareness and money for Diabetes UK..

You'll see my fundraising target on the right. Your donation can really help us smash this goal

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