It is a privilege for me to add a parental note to Paul's
diabetic case study.
As Paul’s father, it broke my heart when my wife first called me from the hospital
to inform me that Paul, who was seven years old at that time, was diagnosed
with juvenile diabetes. When we came to the United States, Paul was very
young and very active and he had a very strong will that no one could take from
him. Until this day, when he decides on doing something, he will not rest
until it's done. From the first days in the hospital he was objecting to the
treatment the team of doctors had prescribed for him.
What child at Paul’s age would have understood that he had to take daily
insulin shots? Paul was never convinced that the treatment was necessary;
nevertheless he succeeded to cope with the new situation without losing
his hope that sooner or later the truth would emerge. Since then he kept
a close eye on each fluctuation of his blood glucose. He seemed to manage
his insulin dose without having any medical guidance.
Honestly, I never understood what diabetes was, even when I myself developed
type 2 diabetes at age 67. Reading this study has helped me to better understand
my actual condition.
As I tried to understand what diabetes was, my wife handed me a brochure to
read. Unfortunately the content showed the worse case scenario of
diabetes complications without explaining much and without giving us any
hope. We as parents didn't have any guidance on how to handle this new
situation, except that every day was a guess of how much insulin and how much
food we should give him.
We suffered as much as he did when he felt lousy. Every night was a worry
because of the possibility of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia occurring.
Paul's determination kept him aware of the state of his health to the point
that this preoccupation took center stage, overshadowing any other interest.
I am grateful that at this point in his life he seems to see the light at the
end of the tunnel.
Knowing of his multiple talents it is our sincere hope that his newly
found improved health condition will open a new horizon and new opportunities
for him.
Emile Tubiana
September 2003
My special thanks to my endocrinologist, who freed me from
the bondage of hopelessness that Type 1 diabetes, brings, and who enabled me to
reach these conclusions. Also my
special thanks to the makers of Lantus® insulin, for improving the quality of
my life.
I dedicate this case study to my parents, my family, the
countless people who have helped me along the way, and especially to the
children and adults, who were once children, who may benefit from it.