In 2018, at the age of four, Jacoby developed symptoms of type 1 diabetes.
Jacoby’s mother, Jody, vividly remembers Jacoby’s pediatrician telling her to take him directly to Cottage Hospital Emergency Room as Jacoby was in severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life threatening illness if left untreated. After five days in the hospital, Jacoby was discharged with a life changing diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, which was devastating for their family.
During this time, Jody and her husband, Brian, were waking up throughout the night to ensure Jacoby’s blood sugar was at a safe level. This was one of the greatest struggles in managing Jacoby’s diabetes. When his blood sugar was too high, Jacoby required an insulin injection and when he was too low, he was given juice. As a result, many nights were spent sleepless for Jody and Brian. Jacoby’s parents simply did not have the tools to manage his diabetes properly. Thankfully, a friend introduced their family to SDRI, and shortly thereafter, Jacoby became a patient.
“When Jacoby started receiving care at SDRI, it was a night and day difference,” said Jody. “SDRI is always on the forefront of diabetes technology, and it has impacted our life greatly. We’ve learned critical information about insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. This level of training was so helpful and thorough.
“When we were introduced to a closed-loop system at SDRI, our lives dramatically changed,” said Jody. “It has allowed our family to sleep through the night for the first time in four years. It’s been a game changer for all of us. It is now the exception, and not the rule, that we have to wake Jacoby up because of a low blood sugar in the middle of the night.”
“Participating in research has provided Jacoby with a sense of empowerment, leadership, and introduced him to others who live with type 1 diabetes,” said Jody.
Jody noted that having her son be a patient at SDRI was the greatest gift, given how thorough the team is in caring for all aspects of Jacoby’s type 1 diabetes. She sincerely appreciates how the clinicians communicate with Jacoby in terms that he can understand, and how genuine the team is in answering his questions. The clinical care team brings a level of compassion and education that she and Jacoby have not experienced anywhere else.
“Jacoby has made close friends in the SDRI community, and it sounds strange to say but we feel really lucky,” said Jody. “Jacoby recently participated in his first clinical research trial at SDRI, and he was so proud that he could help other people with diabetes. Participating in research has provided Jacoby with a sense of empowerment, leadership, and introduced him to others who live with type 1 diabetes. We feel so fortunate to have SDRI in our lives.”