type 1 diabetes information

The Futrell Family

An initial misdiagnosis of the flu for the Futrells' 14-month-old daughter, Amber, in 1999, had devastating results. Amber exhibited some of the classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes)--excessive thirst and urination, and later, fast, heavy breathing--however, both of Amber's parents had the flu, which produced similar symptoms. The pediatrician diagnosed Amber with the flu and prescribed antibiotics.

Despite Mrs. Futrell's follow-up phone calls to the pediatrician the next day in which she described Amber's worsening state, she was twice met with reassurance and told to wait another day before bringing Amber in again. Mrs. Futrell followed the pediatrician's advice and brought Amber back the next day, but by then it was too late. Amber's condition had progressed to diabetic ketoacidosis. She was rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment, but died the next day.

In an article in The New York Times Magazine on September 23, 2001, Mrs. Futrell urged, "It's so important to recognize the symptoms and insist that blood tests be done, because this can save the lives of children."

Incredibly, just last year, Mrs. Futrell herself had the opportunity to save her second child, Rachel, from suffering the same fate as Amber. Rachel developed the same flu-like symptoms. Mrs. Futrell rushed her to the hospital, and was again told that the baby was fine and could go home. Mrs. Futrell persisted, however, until the doctor agreed to see Rachel and test her blood, which revealed that she, too, had developed type 1 diabetes. Thankfully, Rachel is alive, but she now faces a lifetime of finger sticks, insulin injections, and the threat of devastating complications, until a cure is found.

The Futrells have since told their story several times in the hopes of saving other children's lives, and already it has worked. At least one woman who heard about Amber's misdiagnosis was prompted to have her child's blood tested when the child developed similar symptoms. As a result, the child was diagnosed with type 1 before her situation became life threatening.