Alice Martin

Raising awareness for children living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families

From 1st February to 29th March, I am taking part in a virtual triathlon to raise £1,000 for Breakthrough T1D, the Type 1 Diabetes charity. I will be running to support more research and, ultimately, a cure for T1D.

My oldest child, Casper, was diagnosed with T1D at just 15 months old and in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). This was an incredibly traumatic experience for both Casper and us as his parents, as we had no choice but to navigate an almost impossible journey. However, Casper has shown incredible strength and resilience, and he inspires us every day. Now 6 years old, he’s eager to learn more about T1D and how to take care of himself, a true testament to his bravery and determination.

Over the past 5.5 years, we have seen amazing advancements in the technology available for people living with T1D. These improvements give us hope for an even brighter future. That said, there are still challenges: the sleepless nights, the need for greater public awareness, especially as Casper is the only child in his school with T1D.

While raising funds to contribute to finding a cure for T1D is my primary goal, there are other areas I hope to highlight.  I would love to see GPs better equipped to identify and support potentially fatal cases of DKA and a missed diagnosis. When Casper was a young toddler, his symptoms were almost missed, and the consequences could have been devastating. Testing a child’s blood glucose levels is such a simple step, yet it’s often overlooked, and early detection could save lives.

The early days after Casper’s diagnosis were especially hard. He was too little to understand why he needed cannula and sensor insertions, and as a family, we experienced immense stress and desperation. I strongly believe that families in these situations deserve better psychological support, as well as more education about T1D as both an autoimmune and “invisible” condition.

Despite the challenges, our journey has been filled with moments of hope and gratitude. Casper’s determination, the support of friends and family, and the advances in technology give us so much to be thankful for. Together, I believe we can make life easier for children like Casper and their families and take significant steps toward a cure.

Thank you so much for your support and  I hope we can fulfil these goals together. ❤️