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Q: I am concerned that my daughter may have contracted type 1 diabetes from the antibodies in my breastmilk as I was diagnosed with it at the time I was breastfeeding her. Or could the immunisations that she has against hepatitis, typhoid and yellow fever have triggered the disease?
A: It must be both very stressful and distressing for you recently to have had your own diagnosis of type 1 diabetes to cope with alongside that of the diagnosis of your baby daughter.
Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in young teenagers and young adults, it is rather less common in very young babies. However, it is not unusual and paediatric units have very specialised teams of nurses and doctors who will support you through your daughter’s childhood and the management of her diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is known to be a genetic condition - that is it is passed down through generations and incidence increases if there is type 1 diabetes on both sides of the family.
Type 1 diabetes may also be triggered by exposure to an autoimmune reaction, often this may be earlier in life. It is only at a later stage that type 1 diabetes manifests itself. The area of science researching autoimmune response is a highly specialised field particularly with very young babies and children.
My thoughts for you are to concentrate on looking after yourself and your baby at this present time, taking each day as they come along and ensuring you maintain very close contact with your Paediatrician and Diabetes Specialist Nurses. When you feel more settled and have gained a good enough understanding of the basic management for both of your diabetes. Then, this may be a good time to make an appointment with your Consultant and discuss some of your concerns. Good luck and I trust in future years you will be able to provide mutual support for each other.
By Sadie Cox, DSN/Education Consultant, Partners for Health Ltd
Information correct as of May 2007
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