"I wanted to share Tyler's story in
hopes that more lives can be
changed and new hope can be
found for everyone who is looking
for a better way to manage
diabetes."

 

Tyler Willis has cystic fibrosis, Williams syndrome and Type 1 diabetes. For six years his mother watched in dismay as his blood sugars soared and plummeted. Not wanting to take another shot—he needed roughly 9 a day—Tyler would eat “just a little bit” with no additional insulin, with ruinous results. While a pump seemed like the better health solution, Tyler’s mother knew it wouldn't work with his day-to-day life. Then a friend mentioned the OmniPod System, saying, “It’s like not having diabetes at all.” Tyler mastered the PDM in just three days, and today is in control of his diabetes. As his mother exclaims, “Can you believe it?”

 

 

I want to share a victorious story with all the mothers of a child with Type 1 diabetes—and others who feel hopeless, angry, and controlled by the constant attention Type 1 diabetes requires.

Tyler was only 5 days old when the ambulance transported him to the Vanderbilt Hospital. He had an intestinal blockage which confirmed his diagnoses of cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung disease better understood as a death sentence for my precious newborn son. When Tyler was 6 months old he was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a disease that causes him to be mildly mentally retarded. At age 14 Tyler received yet another devastating diagnosis: Type 1 diabetes.

Although cystic fibrosis and Williams syndrome are overwhelming diseases that require much attention, nothing compares to the freedom lost and the frustration involved when encountering never-ending high and low blood sugars. Tyler’s cognitive ability is about that of a seven year old, so it is extremely difficult for him to understand the complexity of diabetes—or even to detect a sugar low. I have tried to live in his body for the last six years—unsuccessfully. I have horrible memories etched in my mind of treating low sugars. One day while Tyler was bathing I heard the sounds of splashing water and thumping as he was trying to get out of the bath tub with a low blood sugar. We are also way too familiar with high sugars, when Tyler eats without taking his insulin because he doesn’t want another shot and thinks just a little bit of food will be okay. It’s never okay. As a result, Tyler has been tired too long from high sugars.

It is hard enough for someone who is able and capable to manage their diabetes, but it has seemed impossible for Tyler until now.

My friend has a 10-year-old daughter with Type 1 diabetes and she told me about the new OmniPod wireless insulin pump that her daughter uses. She added, “It’s like not having diabetes at all.” Well that sure got my attention! In the past I knew insulin pumping would be an improvement for Tyler, but I also knew he would have difficulty with the tubing and managing the pump.

After committing myself to a three-month training period for Tyler to learn how to use the Wireless OmniPod our journey began—and within three days he was already reading the PDM and making entries by himself. I had him read everything to me out loud and within a week he was in charge of the PDM all by himself. I still help him with carb counting and remind him to check his sugar every now and then.

Prior to the OmniPod, Tyler needed about 27 shots every three days of both Lantus^® and Novolog^®. The 27 shots did not happen, so his blood sugars roller-coastered. Now he only has one automated cannula insertion every three days. He boluses about 6 to 8 times a day, and his blood glucose is very stable because he is now getting the insulin his body needs, without all the pain and hassles. Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it myself.

I am thankful my son Tyler, who is 21 years old now, has a much better life because of the OmniPod System. Because my friend shared her story with me I wanted to share Tyler’s story with you in hopes that more lives can be changed and new hope can be found for everyone who is looking for a better way to manage diabetes.

Lantus is a registered trademark of sanofi-aventis U.S.
NovoLog is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.