Children with Type 1 Diabetes | Video

Van Tieu | 2/24/2013

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas doesn`t produce insulin needed to break down carbohydrates and sugars. In a study published by Diabetes Care earlier this month, more children are getting Type 1 Diabetes. For a group of Bismarck moms, it hits too close to home.

Nine-year-old Chase Stockert checks his blood every morning and before every meal. He`s been living with Type 1 Diabetes, it can`t be treated by diet and exercise. He has to wear an insulin pump.

"It`s completely incurable. It is a lifelong condition," says his doctor, Parag Kumar.

Chase was diagnosed seven years ago. Back then, his mother, Susan, didn`t know of anyone else dealing with the disease, but then a peculiar thing happened.

"Two years ago, I was at work, received a phone call. Our good friend`s daughter was diagnosed. Didn`t see that coming."

A year later, another phone call.

"They`re on the way to the hospital with Griffin," Stockert recalls.

Chase, Annelise and Griffin all have Type 1 Diabetes.

"It`s crazy. It`s too close," said Petrea Klein.

Studies suggest Type 1 Diabetes is increasing among children, but doctors don`t know why. Dr. Kumar suggests improved health care and prompt diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes led to the increase, and he gets one or two new cases a month.

The rate of Type 1 Diabetes among children under 14 is estimated to increase by three percent annually worldwide, according to JDRF.

Alarmed by the numbers nationwide and in her own circle of friends, Stockert started a support group for parents in Bismarck and Mandan, knowing the challenges of testing blood sugar and counting carbohydrates every day.

"People think it`s a manageable disease, but it manages you," she said.

The group has 22 members and shares knowledge from insulin pumps to low-carb snack ideas and they plan activities for the children.

"It`s the club no one wants to belong to, but we take them because knowing other people have gone through this really helps," said Klein.

The mothers hosted their first rummage sale fundraiser for JDRF earlier this month, and raised about $2,000 for diabetes research. If you would like to join the Facebook group, it is called Bis-Man Moms of Type 1 Diabetics.

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