Diabetes patient has fond
memories
of Texas Children's 35 years later
Julie smiles for the camera
with her family in the late 60s, (above), and more recently,
with her husband (below).
In
1968, when Julie was 11 years old, her parents interrupted the
family’s summer vacation because she was having unusual symptoms. She
was admitted to Texas Children’s, where she was diagnosed with
diabetes.
On release, she was given oranges to practice giving
injections, and thanks to her parent’s bribe of a Monkees album, she
was proficient within a week. The next year, she was readmitted when
she went into ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by a
drop in insulin levels.
Today,
Julie leads a full, active life even though she still battles her
disease on a daily basis. She has great memories of Texas Children’s –
including a handsome young intern and perky candy stripers.
"Texas Children’s saved my life twice,"
she says. "I am so grateful and never take it for granted."
To
read other stories about Texas Children's patients, visit
Kids Courageous.
The diabetes care center
treats and educates both established and newly diagnosed
patients and their families in self management of all
aspects of the types 1 and 2 diabetes.
Texas Children’s has one of the country’s largest clinics
for Type 2 diabetes, following close to 300 patients.
Early next year, the clinic will become one of 12 centers in
the United States to /Web/50years a trial study to evaluate
treatment options for children with Type 2 diabetes.
To
address the needs of children with Type 2 diabetes, Texas
Children’s has designed a special family-based program that
encourages multiple changes in diet and lifestyle.
Texas Children’s has one of the country’s largest clinics
for Type 2 diabetes, following close to 300 patients.