The first time I read Kassie's post, I didn't click on the link because,well, I was trying to avoid getting upset.
I have tried to avoid controversial posts since this one that I wrote in January. I received a couple of not so nice emails because of my views on the subject. But, I just can't let this subject go by without saying something.
But, for now, I'll refrain from telling you what I think and listen to what you think. Should people with Type 1 D have children of their own, knowing that they could pass on the genes to their children?
If you've read my posts before you probably know how I feel about this, but then again maybe some of my thoughts may surprise you.
(Side note to Sassy. If you are reading this, thank you for mentioning me in one of your posts. I couldn't figure out how to email you, so I'll just thank you here.)
4 comments:
If my diabetic father had not had children, I would not be here. None of my siblings or I have diabetes. For our family the disease skipped a generation and my son (my only child) was diagnosed with Type 1 at 13. I certainly want him to have children and give me lots of grandbabies. I truly believe that in the next 30 years we will see great strides in diabetic care. The differences between my father's care in the 50's and 60's and the care my son recieves now is unbelievable. I have hope!
I have been reading this blog as I found it while researching some things on the internet. I have been feeding my son cereal in his bottle since he was 10 weeks old for acid reflux. I have just found out that this can cause Type 1 Diabetes and it has me so worried. (Article: http://nutrition.ucdavis.edu/briefs/Issues/SepOct03.htm) Did any of you feed your children cereal before 4 months of age? Also, I have seen that taller and heavier babies are at risk. My son is in the 95th percentile for height and weight!! Is this the case with any of you. I am so worried........ Thanks for any help you can give.
Anonymous, I think that article is rubbish, if you want my opinion. Riley was started on scedule with his cereal and he's never been a "big" boy. He's usually in the 25- 50th percentile for height and weight.
In contrast,Holden, my oldest boy, (who does not have D)was started on cereal early and has always been in the 95th percentile.
As far as I'm concerned there's really nothing you can do to keep your child from getting diabetes and there's nothihg you can do to cause it either.
You are right -- this is a personal decision. Since even identical twins have less than a 50% (at least, maybe even greater) risk of both developing diabetes, I don't feel the odds are high enough to warrant such a drastic response. However, if you are a member of a family with many instances of Type 1 among family members, that may make you more cautious. There are may diseases (Tay Sachs would be one I can think of or Lou Gehrig's disease) where I would definitely think very carefully about having children of my own. But Type 1 diabetes is rare so the odds are in your favor.
Post a Comment