Jo Raven, 34, of Edge Avenue, is set to start Grimsby's only diabetes support group, based at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.
Her eight-year-old son, Joseph, was diagnosed two years ago andwith the nearest organisation based in Scunthorpe, Jo thought it was about time carers and parents in the area came together to share their experiences.
Jo said: "Joseph had been poorly after Christmas in 2009 and he was drinking a lot.
Her eight-year-old son, Joseph, was diagnosed two years ago andwith the nearest organisation based in Scunthorpe, Jo thought it was about time carers and parents in the area came together to share their experiences.
Jo said: "Joseph had been poorly after Christmas in 2009 and he was drinking a lot.
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| WANTING TO HELP: Jo Raven with her son, Joseph, 8, who has diabetes. Picture: Rick Byrne |
"We thought he was just getting over the virus but he became very grumpy and irritable and even his teachers at Scartho Junior School became concerned.
"I noticed he wasn't right and rang my GP. He had tests and was quickly diagnosed with type one diabetes."
Since then, Joseph has had to adapt to a new way of life – regularly injecting himself with insulin and having his blood sugar levels checked.
His parents also make note of his daily food intake and calculate how many carbohydrates he has consumed.
In the UK, about one in 300 people has type one diabetes at some stage. The illness usually develops quite quickly – over days or weeks – as the pancreas stops making insulin.
Jo said: "At first, it was stressful and different for us as we are a chilled out family.
"He can still eat sweets and chocolate but everything is in moderation."
Joseph said: "I didn't want to do the injections at first, they were a bit scary, but I'm used to them now.
"It will be good to start a group because I can meet other people with diabetes."
Jo said her aim is to gather interest from other families and tell the town about the new group.
While she takes up the position of chairman, she is hoping to appoint a secretary and treasurer as part of a full committee.
The group will also have a bank account and work under the umbrella of Diabetes UK – fundraising to take the youngsters on days out and pay for anything the group is in need of.
Jo said: "My friend's daughter was diagnosed with diabetes in November and I also have another friend whose son was diagnosed after being poorly for quite some time.
"It has really helped me by speaking to others in the same situation."
The first meeting of the Grimsby group will take place on April 7 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the children's development unit in the hospital. For more information, call Jo on 07738 293842 or e-mail jo.raven40@ntlworld.com
"I noticed he wasn't right and rang my GP. He had tests and was quickly diagnosed with type one diabetes."
Since then, Joseph has had to adapt to a new way of life – regularly injecting himself with insulin and having his blood sugar levels checked.
His parents also make note of his daily food intake and calculate how many carbohydrates he has consumed.
In the UK, about one in 300 people has type one diabetes at some stage. The illness usually develops quite quickly – over days or weeks – as the pancreas stops making insulin.
Jo said: "At first, it was stressful and different for us as we are a chilled out family.
"He can still eat sweets and chocolate but everything is in moderation."
Joseph said: "I didn't want to do the injections at first, they were a bit scary, but I'm used to them now.
"It will be good to start a group because I can meet other people with diabetes."
Jo said her aim is to gather interest from other families and tell the town about the new group.
While she takes up the position of chairman, she is hoping to appoint a secretary and treasurer as part of a full committee.
The group will also have a bank account and work under the umbrella of Diabetes UK – fundraising to take the youngsters on days out and pay for anything the group is in need of.
Jo said: "My friend's daughter was diagnosed with diabetes in November and I also have another friend whose son was diagnosed after being poorly for quite some time.
"It has really helped me by speaking to others in the same situation."
The first meeting of the Grimsby group will take place on April 7 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at the children's development unit in the hospital. For more information, call Jo on 07738 293842 or e-mail jo.raven40@ntlworld.com
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