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Lindy teen lives with diabetes and looks to the future
Diabetes is a disease that requires tremendous personal health management on the part of the patient. They must take shots of insulin regularly, monitor their diet and exercise and maintain a healthy approach to life to minimize the impact diabetes has on the body. Festa is active and enjoys what most youngsters his age enjoy: hanging out with his friends and riding bikes. But his disease can make those normal aspects of life a little difficult and challenging. Recently, he was visiting a friend and the two went riding in a wooded area in Northport. At first everything was fine, but the exercise caused his blood sugar levels to drop and he lost consciousness. His friend called Festa's mother and she drove out to Northport to get her son. "It can be annoying," said Festa who appears to view such incidents more as a disruption of his life than a serious health risk. School trips are also difficult because diabetes can be unpredictable. A parent or a nurse must accompany him on all field trips to address any medical complications that may arise. Only his parents or a nurse can inject the glucagon shot that can raise his blood sugar levels quickly enough to prevent a severe reaction. For Festa, that's all a little too much attention drawn to him and his disease. "I feel stupid," he said. "I don't go because no other adults go." As a result, he doesn't go on many field trips. Linda Festa recalls first hearing the words, "your son has diabetes" following a bout with the virus. He was just 10-years- old. Over the years she has dealt with it but has concerns about his future. "Leaving for college is a concern because we won't be there," she said. "He has us to depend on now and we take care of everything." The family has adjusted to the daily requirements of the disease and the frequent doctor visits he needs when he has difficulty controlling the disease. "At first we were in shock," said his mother. "But you have to be vigilant with your health- you have to stay involved." There is no cure for diabetes and there are an estimated 20.8 million children and adults in the United States who have the disease. One of those millions, Festa refuses to allow his condition to paralyze his youth. He plays basketball and he is a member of the Lindenhurst cross country tract team. When he grows up, he wants to be a drummer.
Meanwhile, his mother continues to try and look to the future with optimism. "I know I have to let go at some point," she said.
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