Living with T1D: How CGM helps Connor Strand enjoy his teenage life

Studies show that children are most often diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (t1d) between the ages of either five and six or 11 and 13 . Connor Strand was diagnosed at age six and a half on July 4, 2011. Ten years later, he's enjoying life as a typical teenager living with t1d, largely thanks to the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

This is Connor's story and the story of many parents — like Cathy and Chad Strand — learning how to enjoy family life without the constant worry of managing blood sugar ups and downs.

The diagnosis and learning process

The signs of t1d often go unrecognized in young children since high activity levels can result in increased appetite, thirst and tiredness, or weight loss, which parents may view as normal. Playing outside on hot summer days or participating in winter sports without drinking sufficient fluids can cause rapid pulse, dizziness, light-headedness, or mental confusion — all potential signs of high or low blood sugar.

Many children, like Connor, are taken to an urgent care clinic or a pediatric emergency room where they're diagnosed with t1d. For Cathy and Chad Strand, it came as a shock. Bringing Connor home from the hospital was "like bringing home a newborn when you're a first-time parent and not really knowing what to expect," Cathy says in the video.

Like parents, children also commonly experience a sense of fear or uncertainty about how the diagnosis may complicate daily life. For example, they may often worry about how to manage unexpected blood sugar concerns when leaving home to participate in everyday activities.

Talking about diabetes management as a family can help children understand the relationship between eating, exercise, and managing blood sugar levels. Meal planning and setting an example of healthy eating can be as much of a learning curve for parents as it is for children. Establishing regular medical care and attending appointments together to learn about the different aspects of managing diabetes can ultimately be a positive learning experience for everyone in the family.

Monitoring blood sugar levels

It's customary for parents to be concerned about a child's ability to monitor blood sugar. For Cathy, these worries were "having to do the math with the carbs. It was a constant setting my alarm for 2 a.m. to make sure that he was okay," she says.

The event that motivated Cathy to obtain a CMG for Connor was when he passed out and was rushed to the emergency room in the middle of the night. Using a CGM can offer peace of mind and more confidence for parents and children who need to constantly monitor blood sugar levels. Children and young adults may find relief in their diabetes management by not having to perform finger sticks multiple times a day.

How CGM offers peace of mind

CGM offers many benefits for those living with t1d and their caregivers or loved ones. By monitoring glucose trends, the medical device helps children and parents better understand the relationship between food and physical activity. Alarms can also be programmed to alert high or low blood sugar readings, allowing a quick response to adjust insulin levels.

For Connor, the use of a CGM has improved his life significantly. "It's just allowed him to be a normal teenager," Cathy says.

Parents and children can worry less knowing the CGM will alert them to unexpected low or high blood sugar levels at any time in the day. Moreover, the data from the CGM can be downloaded and reviewed by a physician, who can make additional recommendations for managing diabetes. Diabetes educators can also assist with training parents and children on how to use a CGM.

Having a child diagnosed with diabetes can raise many questions and concerns, but remember that you're not alone.

For more information about CGM technology, check out this article that dives into its advancements over the last several years.