Kindergarten Goes Blue

**Special Parent Article**

November 14th marked World Diabetes Day. Miss. Hills and her kindergarten class wore blue to support their classmate Eli Yokum. Eli was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (Autoimmune) when he was 18 months old. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in their pancreas. People with Type 1 are insulin-dependent for life, and must manually give themselves insulin through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. They must carefully balance insulin, food, exercise, and other factors in order to prevent or minimize serious short and long-term complications due to out of range blood sugar levels. Research continues to make advancements in technology as well as finding ways that are leading closer to a cure.

Eli wears a continuous glucose meter to help monitor his blood glucose levels as well as an insulin pump. Eli is still able to eat, play, and do all the things that any 6-year-old boy loves to do! He can even eat sweets and candies that contain sugar (in moderation), just like all of us. It only takes a little extra time and the appropriate amount of insulin!

Below is a list of some common symptoms of diabetes. It is important if you recognize these symptoms to ask your doctor for a simple finger stick to check blood glucose levels. For more information, please visit https://beyondtype1.org/

  • Unquenchable thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained bedwetting
  • Unwanted or unexplained weight loss
  • Less energy
  • Fruity smelling breath
  • Blurry vision
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Rapid, heavy breathing

On a personal note, I want to thank SCA for bringing awareness to diabetes (type 1 specifically). The admin staff, teachers, and everyone at SCA and ELC have been so supportive and involved with Eli’s care. Todd and I could not be more proud to be part of the Summit Family.


Submitted by Katie Yokum, Summit Parent