August 16, 2022 • 11 mins
Diabetes is something that has hit the African-American community hard but even harder with our
toddlers. We are finding that more and more toddlers are being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes,
faster than we can find additional diabetic knowledge and supplies to support them.
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing my thoughts as a mom of a 3-year-old toddler who was
diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We will be discussing my true feelings of fear when it comes to
being a mother of a Type 1 Toddler. What I fear the most and why will all be shared in this two-part
series.
To learn more about Ce’Onna Meilani Johnson, you can follow her here
https://www.instagram.com/ceonnameilani/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/c/CeOnnaMeilani
If you like to learn more about Dr. Dionna, you can follow her here
https://drdionna.com
https://www.instagram.com/drdionnalifecoach
https://www.youtube.com/drdionnalifecoach
You can also purchase her two bestselling books titled
Be Your Own Life Coach: How to Life Coach Yourself Into What You Want here
https://drdionna.com/product/be-your-own-life-coach/
Where Did My Half Brother Come From here https://drdionna.com/product/be-your-own-life-
coach/
toddlers. We are finding that more and more toddlers are being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes,
faster than we can find additional diabetic knowledge and supplies to support them.
In this week’s episode, I will be sharing my thoughts as a mom of a 3-year-old toddler who was
diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We will be discussing my true feelings of fear when it comes to
being a mother of a Type 1 Toddler. What I fear the most and why will all be shared in this two-part
series.
To learn more about Ce’Onna Meilani Johnson, you can follow her here
https://www.instagram.com/ceonnameilani/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/c/CeOnnaMeilani
If you like to learn more about Dr. Dionna, you can follow her here
https://drdionna.com
https://www.instagram.com/drdionnalifecoach
https://www.youtube.com/drdionnalifecoach
You can also purchase her two bestselling books titled
Be Your Own Life Coach: How to Life Coach Yourself Into What You Want here
https://drdionna.com/product/be-your-own-life-coach/
Where Did My Half Brother Come From here https://drdionna.com/product/be-your-own-life-
coach/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This is the FCB Radio Network coomof the best Personalities and we're a real
tiglets online at FCB radio dot comFCP. Hello everyone, it is doctor
(00:23):
Deanna, your host on Talking Talleswith Type one diabetes, and tonight's episode
is going to be about thoughts offear as a diabetic mama. I like
to share with you guys some ofthe thoughts and things that I've had that
has just been really on my mindthat as a MoMA we go through and
it's going to be a consistent processthat we go through this, and so
(00:45):
I just want to be able toshare this with you guys and be able
to, you know, get somefeedback from anybody else who's going through this,
and just let you know you're notalone. So let's get into this
podcast. So this is some ofmy fears, you know, having my
(01:07):
own time to myself. When Sianawas diagnosed and she was turned away from
daycare, guys, I had tocut everything to give my life to her
and give it to understanding what sheneeded. Every day research and study and
reading books, calling doctors, callingpeople, calling other parents that they recommended
to help me get through it.And that's why I started this podcast is
(01:30):
to be here for you guys,to be here and explain what I've been
through, because I know there's somany others going through this and they have
no one to talk to, toturn to, and you know, we
need a platform like this, especiallyfor parents with little ones, to talk
to them and to get their feedbackon things. So I'm welcoming anyone who's
going through this and have kids,have two kids, one kid, just
(01:55):
anybody who wants to talk and sharetheir story and think of it help someone,
because I believe all stories will helpsomeone going through this. I had
to sacrifice my life as well asmy income, my career as a professor
for twenty two years. I hadto figure out alternative ways to make money,
(02:17):
you know, And I had toalso determine if my daughter was going
to continue what she was doing,if she was going to continue in her
career that she was already doing sinceshe was nine months old, which was
acting in stuff like that and beingyou know, and on TV, commerci
shoes or modeling all over the place. She's been on everything you can think
(02:39):
of, any billboard or anything.And I had to determine it was that
something she could continue and it hasso far taught me that she can and
it's what makes her happy, SoI will continue that as long as it
makes her happy. But that wasa fear of minds. Also sacrificing just
(02:59):
balancing out in your marriage and yourhome and with your other family members,
traveling when people not understanding. Youcan't just pick up and go anymore.
You can't do all these things withouttaking the whole house and what your baby
needs. You can't. You mightnot want to go, you might not
want to be a part of things, trying to balance out in your relationship,
(03:19):
trying to be on the same pageas you're going through this. And
I'm thankful I have my husband whothis is his daughter that's going through it
with me. But I can onlyimagine what it's like for people who are
going through this who do not havethat father figure in their home, or
the actual father of the kid whowas diagnosed, or kids or children I
(03:40):
was diagnosed. I can only imaginewhat that's like. And I know it's
hard, but you know, youhave to figure out what's more important in
terms of balancing, balancing, Andif I was in that circumstance, I
probably wouldn't date as often because Ifeel like nobody would understand it's hard to
find someone that loves your kid justas much as you do and want to
get give them the world and bethere for them no matter what. And
(04:03):
that's not just because of type one, but just because that's your kid and
you want the person to the otherperson to feel exactly what you feel,
and that's not always easy to do. So God's a fear that I've had
and sacrifice in my sleep. Willit ever come back? Will it ever
(04:24):
come back? Guys? Because I'mup all night making sure my baby's numbers
are on point. I'll those off, I have her phone near me,
I will listen to it, puttingher in her room, making sure she's
gonna be safe. These are justthings that I think about, guys,
that it's just there, and it'sjust what it is. Now you're talking
about having another baby and trying tofind a new schedule with not just Siana
(04:48):
but also this new kid. OhLord knows, I need a baby who's
gonna come and sleep because I've neverhad that opportunity with either one of my
kids. And so I'm laughing becauseyou they don't know what you're gonna get
literally, let me see. Iam remorseful sometimes and feeling like I'm neglecting
(05:09):
her care the moment, I havetaken care of her, but I've taken
my eyes off to attend to thehouse, attend to my son, attend
to phone calls, business, mycompanies, everyone else that needs me.
I feel like sometimes I don't knowif I'm doing enough to make things right,
to keep things going. I feellike sometimes it is a fear of
(05:32):
neglecting her if I don't attend toher like right away. And I'm working
through that because I know that she'sgonna be okay, because I've taken the
steps to get her where she isnow. But that doesn't mean I still
don't go through those concerns, concernabout her future as well as you know
(05:57):
now after being diagnosed, the futurelooks like from my other kids who say,
well, since she was diagnosed,Mom wasn't there. Since she was
diagnosed, Mom had to change whoshe was. Since she was diagnosed,
Mom was more meaner, more nicer, more lenient. She lets her get
away with things. You know,I think about all these things, and
you know what the future looks likein our household as we bring in a
(06:18):
new baby, how things are goingto be in terms of structure, discipline.
I'm older, some things just don'tbother me like they used to.
I've been through a lot. Iknow I'm going to go through more in
life, and I've just changed quitea bit, guys, and so you
know, I think about those things, and you know, also healthy relationships
(06:44):
that either my son or my daughterhas, especially my baby girl, you
know, trusting people to help takecare of her as she become a doct
meeting someone, meeting a partner,going to high school, going to college,
having people around you that I cando what I do as being by
her side and stand up with herbecause I don't expect that. I feel
(07:04):
like as she gets old, asshe would be to handle that. But
what if any circumstances she has toa roommate and she needs someone to be
there to give her insolent or youknow, it's just all these things that
I just think about that I've discussedsome of these things in my last episode
guys, that is talking about thestruggles of being a diabetic mama. So
(07:25):
when you can please tune into that, I am just sharing with you,
guys, everything that I've been dealingwith and what I'm going to continue to
go through. This is an ongoingjourney that we'll have together because this is
not going away, and our babiesare getting diagnosed every single day, more
and more babies every week, andso we have to be there for everyone
(07:46):
in this community and for other peoplethat are going through this as well.
And one of the last things Ithink I think about is just how will
her condition be as she gets older. Are the things that I'm doing now
going to hurt hurt her, hinderher or help her. I like to
(08:09):
believe that everything I'm doing is helpingher because the doctors have already looked at
me as an expert in terms ofher condition. Not an expert in this
field, but an expert in hercondition and what she goes through and knowing
her numbers and knowing her process andher patterns and what she eats. You
can only be an expert for yourown your own baby, I wanted to
(08:31):
say, your own kiddo, butyour own children. You can't be an
expert for someone else's kids. Inthis field. You can give your advice,
you can share, just like I'mdoing with you guys, But every
person, every kid, every parent, every situation, circumstances is there for
it, and you can just takewhat it's applicable to your life and try
to apply it. But I can'tnecessarily say that those things work because things
(08:54):
that I didn't didn't do in thebeginning, and see on those diagnos I
felt was for the betterment of herhealth, where as you may feel otherwise.
And I knew that with God,I was making the right decision for
my daughter. I could tell youwhat was going on with my daughter and
what she even did me. Ican't speak like that for anybody else.
So you know, that's a hugefear of just wondering what is the condition
(09:18):
going to be like in the future. Is what she's doing and what we're
doing as a team, and it'sa unit benefiting her and you won't know
until time goes on. That Aone C is one indication for us.
But again, is there any underlyingissues that is not being tested on time?
That it's being tested once a yearand that doesn't really affect the A
(09:39):
ONEC, but yet it's still somethingthat's causing her problems or pain or issues
or concerns. That is a partof being diabetic, the immune breaking down,
the immune system, breaking down theprocesses. You know. All that
stuff goes through my head is fear, and you just don't know if you're
ever getting it right. And soI say to you, guys, when
(10:00):
you're feeling end doubt, ask questions, when you're feeling concern, ask questions.
When you're feeling lonely. Know thatyou have a community out here that
cares for you, that it's therefor you, that wants to also help
and be there and support you.There's so many support groups, there's so
many doctors and community events and activistsand things that are there to help answer
(10:24):
questions. I'm in California, inthe Los Angeles area, so I'm just
starting to learn a lot about thatmyself. I don't have a lot more
to share on that at the moment. I am taking a day by day
with my baby and doing all thatI can because, as I mentioned in
my last episode, where I livecurrently, it's too far from Children's LA,
(10:46):
So all the things that Children's oryour main hospital offer, I am
not capable of doing because of thefact of my distance. So I'm working
on moving closer so that I canbe a part of a lot of things
that see on us now old enoughto do, such as the diabetes camps
and the support groups for families,and support grows for her and little kids
(11:07):
that are her age and maybe helpstart some of these movements that work around
her. So that's all I havefor you guys in this episode. I'm
so glad you're tuned in. I'mso glad you're listening. This is doctor
Diana Hancock Johnson and I am onTalking Talles with Type one Diabetes podcasts and
(11:28):
I look forward to seeing and hearingyou guys next time. Please light come
and subscribe, share, download these, share with anybody you know. Let's
get this community growing and let peopleknow that there is a podcast now for
moms, dads, and their childrenwho are Type one diabetes. See you
in the next episode. The FCBRadium Network first class broadcasting worldwide
This is the FCB Radio Network coomof the best Personalities and we're a real
tiglets online at FCB radio dot comFCP. Hello everyone, it is doctor
(00:23):
Deanna, your host on Talking Talleswith Type one diabetes, and tonight's episode
is going to be about thoughts offear as a diabetic mama. I like
to share with you guys some ofthe thoughts and things that I've had that
has just been really on my mindthat as a MoMA we go through and
it's going to be a consistent processthat we go through this, and so
(00:45):
I just want to be able toshare this with you guys and be able
to, you know, get somefeedback from anybody else who's going through this,
and just let you know you're notalone. So let's get into this
podcast. So this is some ofmy fears, you know, having my
(01:07):
own time to myself. When Sianawas diagnosed and she was turned away from
daycare, guys, I had tocut everything to give my life to her
and give it to understanding what sheneeded. Every day research and study and
reading books, calling doctors, callingpeople, calling other parents that they recommended
to help me get through it.And that's why I started this podcast is
(01:30):
to be here for you guys,to be here and explain what I've been
through, because I know there's somany others going through this and they have
no one to talk to, toturn to, and you know, we
need a platform like this, especiallyfor parents with little ones, to talk
to them and to get their feedbackon things. So I'm welcoming anyone who's
going through this and have kids,have two kids, one kid, just
(01:55):
anybody who wants to talk and sharetheir story and think of it help someone,
because I believe all stories will helpsomeone going through this. I had
to sacrifice my life as well asmy income, my career as a professor
for twenty two years. I hadto figure out alternative ways to make money,
(02:17):
you know, And I had toalso determine if my daughter was going
to continue what she was doing,if she was going to continue in her
career that she was already doing sinceshe was nine months old, which was
acting in stuff like that and beingyou know, and on TV, commerci
shoes or modeling all over the place. She's been on everything you can think
(02:39):
of, any billboard or anything.And I had to determine it was that
something she could continue and it hasso far taught me that she can and
it's what makes her happy, SoI will continue that as long as it
makes her happy. But that wasa fear of minds. Also sacrificing just
(02:59):
balancing out in your marriage and yourhome and with your other family members,
traveling when people not understanding. Youcan't just pick up and go anymore.
You can't do all these things withouttaking the whole house and what your baby
needs. You can't. You mightnot want to go, you might not
want to be a part of things, trying to balance out in your relationship,
(03:19):
trying to be on the same pageas you're going through this. And
I'm thankful I have my husband whothis is his daughter that's going through it
with me. But I can onlyimagine what it's like for people who are
going through this who do not havethat father figure in their home, or
the actual father of the kid whowas diagnosed, or kids or children I
(03:40):
was diagnosed. I can only imaginewhat that's like. And I know it's
hard, but you know, youhave to figure out what's more important in
terms of balancing, balancing, Andif I was in that circumstance, I
probably wouldn't date as often because Ifeel like nobody would understand it's hard to
find someone that loves your kid justas much as you do and want to
get give them the world and bethere for them no matter what. And
(04:03):
that's not just because of type one, but just because that's your kid and
you want the person to the otherperson to feel exactly what you feel,
and that's not always easy to do. So God's a fear that I've had
and sacrifice in my sleep. Willit ever come back? Will it ever
(04:24):
come back? Guys? Because I'mup all night making sure my baby's numbers
are on point. I'll those off, I have her phone near me,
I will listen to it, puttingher in her room, making sure she's
gonna be safe. These are justthings that I think about, guys,
that it's just there, and it'sjust what it is. Now you're talking
about having another baby and trying tofind a new schedule with not just Siana
(04:48):
but also this new kid. OhLord knows, I need a baby who's
gonna come and sleep because I've neverhad that opportunity with either one of my
kids. And so I'm laughing becauseyou they don't know what you're gonna get
literally, let me see. Iam remorseful sometimes and feeling like I'm neglecting
(05:09):
her care the moment, I havetaken care of her, but I've taken
my eyes off to attend to thehouse, attend to my son, attend
to phone calls, business, mycompanies, everyone else that needs me.
I feel like sometimes I don't knowif I'm doing enough to make things right,
to keep things going. I feellike sometimes it is a fear of
(05:32):
neglecting her if I don't attend toher like right away. And I'm working
through that because I know that she'sgonna be okay, because I've taken the
steps to get her where she isnow. But that doesn't mean I still
don't go through those concerns, concernabout her future as well as you know
(05:57):
now after being diagnosed, the futurelooks like from my other kids who say,
well, since she was diagnosed,Mom wasn't there. Since she was
diagnosed, Mom had to change whoshe was. Since she was diagnosed,
Mom was more meaner, more nicer, more lenient. She lets her get
away with things. You know,I think about all these things, and
you know what the future looks likein our household as we bring in a
(06:18):
new baby, how things are goingto be in terms of structure, discipline.
I'm older, some things just don'tbother me like they used to.
I've been through a lot. Iknow I'm going to go through more in
life, and I've just changed quitea bit, guys, and so you
know, I think about those things, and you know, also healthy relationships
(06:44):
that either my son or my daughterhas, especially my baby girl, you
know, trusting people to help takecare of her as she become a doct
meeting someone, meeting a partner,going to high school, going to college,
having people around you that I cando what I do as being by
her side and stand up with herbecause I don't expect that. I feel
(07:04):
like as she gets old, asshe would be to handle that. But
what if any circumstances she has toa roommate and she needs someone to be
there to give her insolent or youknow, it's just all these things that
I just think about that I've discussedsome of these things in my last episode
guys, that is talking about thestruggles of being a diabetic mama. So
(07:25):
when you can please tune into that, I am just sharing with you,
guys, everything that I've been dealingwith and what I'm going to continue to
go through. This is an ongoingjourney that we'll have together because this is
not going away, and our babiesare getting diagnosed every single day, more
and more babies every week, andso we have to be there for everyone
(07:46):
in this community and for other peoplethat are going through this as well.
And one of the last things Ithink I think about is just how will
her condition be as she gets older. Are the things that I'm doing now
going to hurt hurt her, hinderher or help her. I like to
(08:09):
believe that everything I'm doing is helpingher because the doctors have already looked at
me as an expert in terms ofher condition. Not an expert in this
field, but an expert in hercondition and what she goes through and knowing
her numbers and knowing her process andher patterns and what she eats. You
can only be an expert for yourown your own baby, I wanted to
(08:31):
say, your own kiddo, butyour own children. You can't be an
expert for someone else's kids. Inthis field. You can give your advice,
you can share, just like I'mdoing with you guys, But every
person, every kid, every parent, every situation, circumstances is there for
it, and you can just takewhat it's applicable to your life and try
to apply it. But I can'tnecessarily say that those things work because things
(08:54):
that I didn't didn't do in thebeginning, and see on those diagnos I
felt was for the betterment of herhealth, where as you may feel otherwise.
And I knew that with God,I was making the right decision for
my daughter. I could tell youwhat was going on with my daughter and
what she even did me. Ican't speak like that for anybody else.
So you know, that's a hugefear of just wondering what is the condition
(09:18):
going to be like in the future. Is what she's doing and what we're
doing as a team, and it'sa unit benefiting her and you won't know
until time goes on. That Aone C is one indication for us.
But again, is there any underlyingissues that is not being tested on time?
That it's being tested once a yearand that doesn't really affect the A
(09:39):
ONEC, but yet it's still somethingthat's causing her problems or pain or issues
or concerns. That is a partof being diabetic, the immune breaking down,
the immune system, breaking down theprocesses. You know. All that
stuff goes through my head is fear, and you just don't know if you're
ever getting it right. And soI say to you, guys, when
(10:00):
you're feeling end doubt, ask questions, when you're feeling concern, ask questions.
When you're feeling lonely. Know thatyou have a community out here that
cares for you, that it's therefor you, that wants to also help
and be there and support you.There's so many support groups, there's so
many doctors and community events and activistsand things that are there to help answer
(10:24):
questions. I'm in California, inthe Los Angeles area, so I'm just
starting to learn a lot about thatmyself. I don't have a lot more
to share on that at the moment. I am taking a day by day
with my baby and doing all thatI can because, as I mentioned in
my last episode, where I livecurrently, it's too far from Children's LA,
(10:46):
So all the things that Children's oryour main hospital offer, I am
not capable of doing because of thefact of my distance. So I'm working
on moving closer so that I canbe a part of a lot of things
that see on us now old enoughto do, such as the diabetes camps
and the support groups for families,and support grows for her and little kids
(11:07):
that are her age and maybe helpstart some of these movements that work around
her. So that's all I havefor you guys in this episode. I'm
so glad you're tuned in. I'mso glad you're listening. This is doctor
Diana Hancock Johnson and I am onTalking Talles with Type one Diabetes podcasts and
(11:28):
I look forward to seeing and hearingyou guys next time. Please light come
and subscribe, share, download these, share with anybody you know. Let's
get this community growing and let peopleknow that there is a podcast now for
moms, dads, and their childrenwho are Type one diabetes. See you
in the next episode. The FCBRadium Network first class broadcasting worldwide
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