We almost lost Jack to diabetes
MUM URGES PARENTS TO BE ON LOOK-OUT FOR SYMPTOMS AFTER SON NEARLY DIED
IT was just a normal family trip to the swimming pool. Jack Anderson, then 11, began struggling to breath. His sister Chloe noticed he had started to turn blue.
He was rushed to Trafford General. Within minutes of having a urine test doctors told Jack’s mum Laura BowkerFord that her son had type 1 diabetes.
He was taken straight to Wythenshawe Hospital where he remained in the high dependency unit for two days until his soaring blood sugar levels were stabilised.
Doctors said if Jack’s condition had been left untreated for much longer, he may not have survived.
Laura, 29, from Sale, said: “I was in total shock. The most frightening thing was finding out if he had been left another day he might not have been here.”
Prior to the swimming pool incident, the only change in Jack Laura had noticed was his weight loss. Jack’s ribs had started to protrude and she booked an appointment with his GP.
“He lost about two stone really quickly,” says Laura. “We noticed you could see ribs and my initial thought was he had an eating disorder. I know it’s quite common among teenagers so I thought maybe it was that.
“The only other thing was how thirsty he was all the time. I had no idea it might be diabetes.”
The family have since learned Jack’s rapid weight loss and his episode of deep, laboured breathing were serious symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes.
After three nights in Wythenshawe Hospital Jack did make a full recovery, however he wasn’t allowed to be discharged until he had learned how to read his blood sugar levels and inject himself with insulin before every meal.
Jack and his family are raising money to help find a cure for the condition.
On October 1, Jack will be taking part in the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Fun Run.
To sponsor him, go to: justgiving.com/ fundraising/jackanderson05