At Quest Locum Tenens, our people are at the heart of everything we do—and sometimes, their stories remind us of the real-life health challenges families face every day. When Lauren’s young son, Ziggy, became sick with what appeared to be a simple 24-hour bug, no one expected it to escalate into a life-threatening battle with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and an unexpected Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. Their experience underscores the importance of awareness, early detection, and trusting your instincts as a parent.
Here’s their story:
What started as what we thought was a 24-hour stomach bug turned into the scariest week of our lives. Our son Ziggy began throwing up one Sunday night. By Monday, his breathing sounded strange, and his eyes rolled slightly while he napped. When he complained of stomach pain that evening, we went to the ER — a decision that likely saved his life.
Within hours, Ziggy was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and was in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a critical condition that develops when the body has no insulin to break down glucose and starts producing ketones. He spent nearly a week in the hospital, including time in the ICU at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes — formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes — is an autoimmune disease, not a lifestyle disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body can no longer produce insulin — the hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells for energy.
Without insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream while the body begins breaking down fat for energy, leading to the production of ketones. High levels of ketones can cause Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) — a medical emergency that can be fatal if untreated.
Type 1 Diabetes most commonly appears in children between the ages of 4–7 and again in the teenage years, though it can develop at any age. It can sometimes be triggered by viruses or environmental factors, particularly in those with an autoimmune predisposition.
How Common Is It?
Roughly 1.6 million Americans live with Type 1 Diabetes — about 5–10% of all diabetes cases. Every year, more than 64,000 people in the U.S. are newly diagnosed, many of them children.
What It Means for Daily Life
For Type 1 diabetics, insulin is life-sustaining. Every meal, snack, and activity requires careful monitoring. Parents count carbohydrates, calculate insulin doses, and watch blood-sugar trends around the clock. Even with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), managing T1D is an all-day, every-day effort.
In our home, Ziggy wears an insulin pump and CGM that help us track his blood sugar in real time. We change his pump every three days and his glucose sensor every seven. Nights can be sleepless with alarms for highs and lows, and every outing requires snacks, supplies, and backup plans. We can’t easily leave him with a sitter, and vacations take extra coordination — but we’re grateful that this diagnosis, while life-changing, is manageable.
Symptoms to Watch For
Parents often miss the early signs because they mimic normal childhood behavior or illness:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination (including bed-wetting)
- Sudden or unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue, irritability, or mood changes
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Rapid breathing or unusual sleepiness
If you ever notice these symptoms, trust your gut. Ask your pediatrician for a simple finger-prick blood-sugar test — it can save your child’s life.
A Message to Other Parents
We knew nothing about Type 1 before Ziggy’s diagnosis. Now, we know this disease doesn’t discriminate — it’s not caused by diet, sugar, or lack of exercise. It’s an autoimmune attack that changes everything overnight. But with education, awareness, and the right technology, these kids can live long, healthy, incredible lives.
We’re thankful every day for Ziggy’s resilience, his care team, and the science that allows him to be a happy, thriving kid. 💙
If sharing his story helps even one parent recognize the signs sooner, it’s worth it.
In Conclusion
Lauren’s journey with Ziggy serves as a powerful reminder that awareness saves lives. Type 1 Diabetes can be unpredictable, fast-moving, and easy to overlook—but with education, early recognition, and support, families can navigate the challenges and help their children thrive. At Quest, we are inspired by Ziggy’s resilience and Lauren’s courage in sharing their story. By bringing attention to the signs and realities of T1D, we hope to empower other parents, support our community, and shine a light on the importance of advocacy in children’s health. Ziggy’s story is one of strength—and one that can help protect families everywhere.