Surrounded by family and friends, the occasion is celebrated with laughter, cake, and presents. It is a time of joy and happiness, with the promise of many more to come.
Alishan and Nadim Ladha, new parents from Toronto, Canada faced a starkly different reality after their son Zayan reached this milestone. On March 24, 2014, Zayan Ladha was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (previously known as Juvenile Diabetes) just after his first birthday.
Since that day, life for the Ladhas has been drastically different. Raising a child to live with a chronic disease is an incredibly challenging ordeal, but their family has faced it with faith, support, and hope.
To mark World Health Day on April 7, a global health awareness day, we explore Zayan’s powerful journey with Type 1 diabetes. While diabetes and other chronic diseases can be taxing and difficult to navigate for families, the Jamat is well supported by health institutions and a host of health professionals.
“You can totally get through it,” says Alishan.
While she describes the journey as emotional and draining, she knows what helped her and Nadim along the way: “You definitely have to have the support system and have to have faith.”
Their support system consists of friends, family, Jamati members, and Type 1 Diabetes Facebook support groups.
“Just knowing that you have a community and people to go to … that really helped us,” says Alishan.
Doctors first suspected Zayan may be having blood sugar issues due to his suppressed immune system. Before he turned one, Zayan was often falling sick and needing antibiotics, only to fall sick again after returning to daycare and being exposed to germs.
Most children determined to have Type 1 diabetes are diagnosed at age 4-7 years or age 10-14 years - much later than Zayan. Diabetes Mellitus occurs when blood sugar levels are high. This can be a result of the pancreas not making enough insulin, or body organs not storing or using the insulin properly. Diabetes has a particularly high prevalence in the South Asian community, affecting more than 10% of South Asians.
Some factors that place individuals at a higher risk of getting diabetes include obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Recognizable symptoms of the disease include chronic fatigue, blurry vision, thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.
Many diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, however, will not experience the above symptoms before diagnosis. A major concern associated with the disease is that it may lead to serious complications, such as cardiovascular disease or nerve damage, especially if not treated.
Over the years, Zayan’s parents have had to constantly adapt to ensure Zayan grows up as healthy, active, and socially integrated as possible.
Alishan says her son’s daily routine includes “constant monitoring of blood sugars and pricking and pump changes,” making it more complicated than that of most other children. Still, through careful planning, the six-year-old carries out a diverse set of extracurricular activities, including karate and swimming.
Alishan and Nadim say Zayan’s resilience, calmness, and responsibility over the years has eased the burden on them.
“He’s taught us how to just calm down and take life in and enjoy it”, says Alishan.
Despite the many challenges posed by diabetes, there is good news. With blood tests, diagnoses are becoming easier to make at earlier stages. Moreover, today’s treatment is increasingly safe and available, and is proving effective in treating diabetes as well as preventing associated complications.
If you believe you are at risk or experiencing symptoms, please see your healthcare provider. For more information on diabetes, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, and support resources, please visit the Diabetes Canada website.
