This all happened the week that Kitty started at nursery school. 'We had to pull her out to go to hospital to get her insulin sorted. Injections never have been a problem - if you treat it as something ordinary I don't think a child questions it. Kitty never struggled or made a fuss.
'No-one at the nursery really had to do much. The diabetic nurse went to explain to them about diabetes, but for the hours Kitty was there, there wasn't really a problem. What was difficult was if someone brought in a birthday cake -the staff didn't always think to keep it until later, when she could have an injection first. And they also needed to know that she might need water if her blood sugar levels were too high, or sugary foods if it dropped too low.
'Now she is at infant school, the staff are very understanding. The receptionist was a trained nurse and so she has done blood monitoring tests when needed, once or twice a week, to make sure Kitty's blood sugar levels weren't getting too low at school. By next year she should be old enough to do the blood glucose monitoring tests herself and eat sugary foods when needed. The insulin pens are child-friendly and she should be able to use one before too long, but she'd still need adult supervision until she is about ten or 12 to check she has the correct amount.
'Kitty is just starting to have to deal with other children's reactions. They are starting to say "ugh" when she pricks her finger or needs an injection. This summer Kitty also went on a Diabetes UK outward-bound holiday with other children aged six to ten. She loved making friends and sharing her experiences with fellow diabetics of her age.'
