Natasha Elliott

When my son, Kingston Shooter, was just 10 months old, I noticed something was off, he seemed extra sleepy, had lost weight, and was drinking and urinating a lot more than usual. Even though the doctor initially said “nothing’s wrong,” my motherly instincts told me otherwise. Following that gut feeling took us on a whirlwind journey from our local GP to the Mackay Hospital, then quickly on to the pediatric ICU in Townsville, where we finally received the life changing news… Kingston had Type 1 Diabetes.

It was a terrifying moment. We learned that infants are rarely diagnosed so young, and Kingston was in such bad shape that doctors worried we might have to say goodbye. Thankfully, he pulled through. He spent days in the ICU while specialists got his blood sugar under control. Eventually, we were able to secure an insulin pump for him (thanks to an incredible diabetes support group) that delivered doses suited for babies and toddlers.

From the panic of rushing him to the hospital, to the overwhelming relief of modern medical care, and ultimately to the indescribable joy of watching Kingston grow into a vibrant, spirited young man, this journey has been a whirlwind of raw emotion. With every step, I’ve felt the weight of uncertainty and fear, but I’ve also experienced the incredible strength that comes from love, hope, and unwavering support. Through honest storytelling and heartfelt insights, I want to share that while Type 1 Diabetes in babies is rare and serious, there is light even in the darkest moments. Trust your instincts, lean on those around you, and never let go of hope, it can carry you through to brighter days.