Our Story
MEET CAROL
Carol is Max's mother, a caring and resilient woman who had always prioritized her family's well-being. However, on March 24, 2024, her life took an unexpected and frightening turn. On that day, Carol was hospitalized after experiencing a range of alarming symptoms, including extreme thirst, profound fatigue, and a general sense that something was seriously wrong. Initially, the medical team was unsure of the cause, but the severity of her condition prompted them to conduct a series of urgent tests.
One of the first tests performed was a blood serum glucose measurement, which revealed a dangerously high blood sugar level of 1372 mg/dL—a reading far beyond the normal range. This result confirmed that Carol was in a critical state known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin. Without adequate insulin, the body begins to break down fat as an alternative energy source, leading to the accumulation of acidic byproducts called ketones. This condition can cause intense physical pain, dehydration, nausea, confusion, and if left untreated, can quickly become fatal.
Upon her admission to the hospital, Carol was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she received round-the-clock monitoring and intensive medical intervention. The treatment for DKA is complex and requires a delicate balance of intravenous fluids to rehydrate the body, insulin to reduce blood sugar levels, and electrolyte replacement to prevent further complications. Carol's condition was serious enough that she remained in the ICU for several days, battling the effects of DKA while her medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize her. It was a frightening and uncertain time for both Carol and her loved ones, as they grappled with the severity of her illness and the unexpected nature of the diagnosis.
During her hospitalization, Carol underwent additional tests and evaluations to determine the underlying cause of her sudden health crisis. The results led to a surprising diagnosis: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), also known as Type 1.5 diabetes. This form of diabetes is an autoimmune condition similar to Type 1 diabetes but with a later onset, often occurring in adulthood without any clear precipitating factors. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is typically linked to lifestyle and genetic factors, LADA is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, Carol's body was no longer able to produce sufficient insulin to regulate her blood sugar levels.
The diagnosis was both a relief and a new challenge. On one hand, having a clear understanding of her condition allowed the medical team to create a treatment plan tailored to her needs. On the other hand, managing LADA requires a lifelong commitment to insulin therapy, frequent blood sugar monitoring, and ongoing medical supervision. Upon her discharge from the hospital, Carol was prescribed a regimen of insulin injections and was provided with extensive education on how to manage her blood sugar levels effectively.
Despite her best efforts to follow the prescribed treatment plan, Carol's recovery was not without setbacks. Just four weeks after her initial hospitalization, she found herself once again experiencing the all-too-familiar symptoms of extreme thirst, fatigue, and weakness. Recognizing the warning signs, she returned to the same hospital, where medical tests revealed her blood sugar had spiked to 462 mg/dL—a dangerously elevated level that once again placed her in DKA.
The recurrence of DKA was likely due to improper insulin dosage, a common challenge for those newly diagnosed with LADA. Finding the correct balance of insulin can be a complex and delicate process, as individual needs may vary significantly and can be influenced by factors such as diet, physical activity, stress, and illness. Carol's second hospitalization reinforced the importance of careful monitoring and the need for regular follow-up with her healthcare team to fine-tune her treatment regimen.
Throughout these difficult weeks, Carol demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. The experience of facing two life-threatening episodes of DKA in such a short time was physically and emotionally exhausting, but it also deepened her resolve to take control of her health. With the support of her medical team and her loved ones, she committed herself to learning as much as possible about managing LADA and making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to prevent future complications.