Powys mums set up group to support families dealing with diabetes – Powys County Times

A pair of Powys mums are setting up a support group for families with children with diabetes.
Sandra Sankey and Emma Hicks, from the Rhayader area, are launching the group after the challenges they had with their children who have type one diabetes.
Ms Hicks’ daughter Emie is the youngest of seven girls, and was five days after her second birthday.
“Within a week she had developed an intense thirst and her nappies were soaked through within minutes of changing them,” said Ms Hicks.
“She had also lost weight but this was put down to learning to walk and becoming more active.
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“With having a history of diabetes in her father’s family we didn’t hesitate in getting her checked out. Emie was admitted immediately to hospital after our local GP had seen her. We spent five days in Hereford hospital where we were looked after so well.”
After her treatment the family “arrived home with an array of equipment and very little knowledge which was daunting”.
Ms Sankey’s work as a nurse led to to look into signs her son Joe may be diabetic. He spent five days at Hereford hospital after a test showed his blood sugar was a quarter of the normal level.

Joe Sankey has overcome the challenges with his diabetes to lead a very active life- including doing a sposored walk for diabetes.
Both children now have sensors to continuously measure blood sugar levels, with Emie’s linked to an insulin pump and to her parent’s mobile phone. Joe, who plays for Llandrindod Wells football club, has to self-inject insulin into his own thigh or stomach six to seven times every day.
“We now have a permanent kit we carry with us, which becomes part of our daily routine whether it’s a short walk or out for the day,” said Ms Sankey.
“It is a juggle as this is all altered if Joe becomes unwell from common cough or cold.
“If he does exercise that doesn’t match the amount of energy he’s broken down ready to complete that activity, this is where Joes blood sugars can drop and we have a risk of him becoming unconscious as his body has no reserves left.”
“Emie’s condition is well managed now and we are lucky to have an amazing team of supportive family and friends around us but it has been six years of learning, worry and stress,” added Ms Hicks.
“It all sounds very sophisticated and amazing, which it is, but the reality can be very exhausting. Our family’s world is a world of alarms.
“Type 1 diabetes is a life changing condition, not just for the sufferer but for the whole family. It consumes everyday life and soon everyday becomes the ‘diabetes show’.”
The mums say there are no diabetes specialist for paediatrics in Powys, and are setting up a monthly meet-up for children with type one diabetes and their parents or guardians.
They are planning 12 meets over the year, starting on February 5, from 11am at the Elan Valley visitor centre.
“Approximately 400,000 people are currently living with type 1 diabetes in the UK, with over 29,000 of them children,” said Ms Hicks.
“We need to make as many people as possible aware of the signs and symptoms to ensure quick diagnosis and treatment occurs.”
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