When Tragedy Strikes the Family

Quoc Bao was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, after experiencing symptoms such as rapid weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent nighttime urination. But for Bao’s mother, this was more than just a medical diagnosis. It was another major shock to the family.

Before that, she had already battled congenital heart disease with her younger daughter from the time she was in the womb. She shared that she knew about her child’s condition from the 22nd week of pregnancy, but still decided to give her child a chance to live, even knowing that a challenging journey lay ahead. Therefore, when she received the news that her eldest son had type 1 diabetes, she felt as if “the most severe challenges were all piled on my children.”

“I was truly devastated at that time,” she recalled. “I didn’t understand anything about type 1 diabetes; I thought only the elderly got it. Everything was completely unfamiliar and scary.”

The early days were filled with confusion and pressure.

Not only his parents, but Quoc Bao himself also found it very difficult to accept his illness in the beginning. When the doctor explained that it was a chronic disease and would require long-term treatment, he became sad and negative. He once asked his mother, “Could the doctor have misdiagnosed me?” or “Will I ever be cured?” At one point, his spirits were very low, and the family had to take him to see a psychologist for emotional support.

Bao’s mother also went through a period of extreme shock and confusion. What worried her most was her son’s future, the possible complications, and the pressure of having to live with insulin for the rest of his life. But then she reminded herself, “Parents are his only support.”

It was the journey she had gone through with her own daughter who had congenital heart disease that made her stronger to continue accompanying Quoc Bao. She shared: “With my older son, I also told myself that I had to give him the best chance to live a vibrant life. Accepting reality is the only way to save him.”

When the family learned to “live peacefully” with type 1

About a month after the diagnosis, Quoc Bao used CGM to continuously monitor his blood sugar. The technology helped him avoid having to test his blood sugar too many times a day and also helped the whole family reduce the pressure of controlling his blood sugar.

“Thanks to CGM technology, it has greatly supported the treatment and made me feel more at ease,” Bao’s mother shared. “I accept that my son is sick, but I don’t see it as a bad thing. I choose to live peacefully and positively.”

The whole family gradually changed their daily habits towards a more scientific approach. Everyone became “teammates” supporting Bao in managing his illness. The school and homeroom teacher also created conditions for him to safely monitor his blood sugar during class.

Most importantly, the family always tried to help their son understand that type 1 diabetes wasn't something to hide. Initially, Bao didn't want people to know he had the disease because he was afraid of being seen differently. But his mother always encouraged him, saying it was just a metabolic disorder and that people around him understanding the disease could sometimes help him get timely support when needed.

Type 1 diabetes didn't stop a boy who loved computer science and mountain climbing.

What made Quoc Bao's mother most proud was that the disease didn't make her son give up his passion.

Within a year of living with type 1 diabetes, Bao excelled, winning third prize at the National Young Computer Scientists Competition - provincial level and making it to the provincial team to participate in the regional competition. Not only did he do well in school, but he also continued to pursue his passion for mountain climbing.

Bao's mother said that he viewed controlling his blood sugar as similar to solving a computer science problem - requiring precision and concentration. Living with type 1 diabetes has helped my son mature, become more disciplined, and understand his body better.

“He doesn’t see himself as a patient, but as a warrior,” she shared proudly.

Thanks to understanding how to adjust insulin, nutrition, and monitor blood glucose using CGM, Bao can still exercise vigorously and conquer his favorite mountains safely.

To families who have just received a type 1 diagnosis for their children:

The journey with type 1 diabetes is certainly not easy. There will be days when parents worry, feel tired, and even feel helpless. But Quoc Bao’s story is a hopeful message: when families are calmer, understand the disease better, and support their children with positivity, children can absolutely live healthy lives, study well, and continue to pursue their dreams.

Type 1 doesn’t end childhood. Type 1 doesn’t take away your children’s future.

And as Quoc Bao's mother wants to send a message to families who have just received the diagnosis:

"Don't let fear limit your child's horizons. Give them the opportunity to live, to pursue their passions, and to conquer challenges like other normal children."