Alex Guerra, T1D at 8


Alex at diagnosis.

Alex at diagnosis.

Alex’s answers

Name, age & school: Alejandro (Alex) Guerra, 8 years old, Pleasanton Elementary

Diagnosis date: April 18, 2017

3 things I wish people knew about T1D:

1.”It’s hard, some days are harder than others. No one day is the same as the other.”

2. What Type 1 diabetes is.

3. That it was not caused by anything I did, it just happens and no one really knows why.

Most asked question: “What is that?”

Least favorite question: “What is that?”

T1D camp attended: Has not attended a camp but hopes to go to Lion’s Camp in 2019.

Do you play sports: Football (Brush Country Rattlers), Basketball (Upward), Baseball (Little League)

Alex now.

Alex now.

How do your coaches and teammates help you: Make sure I’m ok during my games, they show me a lot of support.

One positive thing about having T1D: “It’s an experience like no other, makes me more responsible.”

Best advice for someone just diagnosed with T1D: “That it’s going to be ok.”

Parents’ answers

Names: Alejandro and Elizabeth Guerra, Autumn Guerra, Aaliyah Guerra and Alex

Thoughts the day your child was diagnosed: We were very frightened, not sure what to expect. Very nervous, but as a nurse, I knew our lives would never be the same.

Thoughts today compared to then: Today we know that Alex has T1D but it doesn’t have him, he doesn’t let it limit him in any way.

The Guerra family, front row, Elizabeth, Alejandro, Autumn, back row, Alex and Aaliyah Guerra.

The Guerra family, front row, Elizabeth, Alejandro, Autumn, back row, Alex and Aaliyah Guerra.

3 things you wish people knew about T1D:

1. It is not hereditary, it was not caused by anything we or Alex did. Most people automatically think that is was caused by us feeding him the wrong things as a child, or the fact that he was a little overweight for his age.

2. At this time there is no cure, he needs insulin to live. There is no special tea or plant that will magically cure him. Diet and exercise will help him lead a healthy life but will not cure him.

3. It does not limit him, he is still able to do almost everything he set his mind to which is a lot.

Least favorite question about T1D: “ Does it run in your family.” No it doesn’t and even if it did, it is not hereditary. No one as far back as we know has had T1D on either side of his family. I have to admit I have two least favorite questions, the other question is “Can he eat that,” he can eat what ever he wants as long as he takes his insulin.

Best advice for someone just diagnosed with T1D: It’s going to be ok, some days are going to be better than others. Your lives will definitely never be the same. Find a strong support system, you will definitely need it, even if only to tell you, you’re not the only one. We are lucky to have the support system. We have our family and our T1D family.

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