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April 2006
Mom and Son are Role Models for Each Other
Learn how a mother and son control their diabetes together
Her resistance to treatment showed up in her blood-sugar control, too. At one point, her hemoglobin A1c, which measures blood sugar control over the previous three months, peaked at 12.7 percent. “The target for people with diabetes is 6.5 percent,” says her endocrinologist Geraldo A. Saavedra, M.D. of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network.
Then Jennifer Jaworski got a wake-up call. “My son, Bradley, was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 5,” she says. “That’s when I realized I had to start taking care of myself so I could take care of him.” She attended the diabetes education classes at Helwig for a second time. “This time I listened more attentively because I was listening and learning for both of us.”
Now, Jennifer and Bradley manage their diabetes as a team. “We count carbs and measure our foods together,” says Bradley, now 7. “And I let her know if she’s eating something she shouldn’t be. We take care of each other.”
The pair have an agreement: “If we have low blood sugar, we tell each other first so we can take care of each other,” Jennifer says. “We drink orange juice or eat gummy treats to bring our sugars back up again.”
Bradley’s also inspired Jennifer to start using an insulin pump. “He started pump therapy in August 2005, and I started two months later. I didn’t want to be a hypocrite, asking him to go through what I wouldn’t.”
The results—for both of them—have been dramatic. Jennifer’s A1c is now 7.9 and Bradley’s number has improved, too. “He used to look sick with dark circles under his eyes,” his mom says. “Now, he looks so much healthier now that he uses the pump, and he has lots of energy, too.”
Although Jaworski still feels sad that she and her son have diabetes, she looks at the situation differently now. “Bradley is my role model and doesn’t even realize it. Helping him saved me.”
How You Can Be a Role Model, Too
Bradley Jaworski proves that anyone, at any age, can set a positive example. Diabetes educator Ellen Cooper, R.N., offers these tips so you can be a role model for your loved one, too.
Listen. If you know someone with diabetes who’s struggling, says they need support or feels depressed, listen to their concerns. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or diabetes educator for help. Depression is nothing to feel ashamed of and often accompanies diabetes.
Seek support. Throughout the Lehigh Valley, you’ll find people willing to help you and your loved one. Support groups, patient conferences and family retreats are great places to get inspired and seek “reality checks” from others.
Walk the walk. Don't eat an unhealthy diet and expect family members with diabetes to avoid "temptation." Eat a healthy diet and exercise together. It’ll do you both good!
Want to learn about programs and support groups Helwig Health and Diabetes Center offers? Click here or call 610-402-CARE.
This page last updated 7/24/08 11:14 AM
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