Patient Relations
Top Tips to Controlling Your Diabetes
The Kingdom is the second in the Middle East and the seventh globally in the rate of Type 2 diabetes, find out how you can take control of your diabetes and lead a healthy life ›
A year after being diagnosed with diabetes, MQ, a spirited nine-year-old, celebrated a unique milestone: his "diaversary." MQ’s mother and care team reflect on the rollercoaster journey they’ve shared, from MQ’s initial denial of the diagnosis to his transformation into an advocate who empowers other children facing similar challenges. Note: initials are used in this story to protect confidentiality.
When nine-year-old MQ complained about frequent urination to his mother, a cardiologist, she took him to see their trusted pediatrician at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dr. Omar Abdulaziz Moagal.
Despite his general dislike of doctors, MQ had grown comfortable with Dr. Moagal, having been under his care for four years. However, a check of MQ’s glucose levels provided an alarming diagnosis of diabetes – a moment that would redefine his life.
As a doctor herself, MQ’s mother knew all too well how this could affect her son with potential complications like kidney failure, vision loss, and heart disease. This filled MQ’s parents with fear and anxiety but also ignited a fierce determination to secure the best possible care for their son.
They immediately checked him into the JHAH diabetes clinic under the expert care of Dr. Narmeen Albashrawi.
Recalling that first interaction a year later, MQ’s mother said:
I’ve been in the healthcare industry for 25 years, and I’ve never met such a compassionate physician. My son felt comfortable talking with her, and there was a strong connection between them. She’s more than just a doctor; she’s a compassionate caregiver.
Dr. Albashrawi’s care sparked a remarkable transition in MQ, from a boy with a deep fear of the injections he would depend on, to a vocal and articulate young advocate for kids with diabetes.
“A diagnosis of childhood diabetes can be extremely stressful for the child and their families. There are a lot of unknowns, fear and anxiety about what it means to live with this disease. And, in the beginning, MQ was no different,” Dr. Albashrawi said. “But what was truly remarkable about was his journey from that fear to being a positive influence and constructively involved in his own care. It was a sea change. And, here we are just a year or so later, and he has a YouTube channel educating other kids!”
Dr. Albashrawi had left such an impression on young MQ that on the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis, he penned a poem to her and his other caregivers.
“She spoke with depth and flair, like I was flying in the air, Her radiant prescience shines bright, Ms. Narmeen Albashrawi, a rare delight!” MQ wrote.
He also praised Maha, a caregiver who spoke with him about his nutrition and had “a smile that could enlighten Sahara,” and a nurse he met upon his admission to the ward, who “sparkled his mood like a chord.” MQ ended his poem by saying, “May God bless you all, for your love that stands tall, in kindness and caring, you’ve answered my call.”
MQ’s poetry filled his care team with pride.
“MQ’s ‘superpower’ was his ability to take back a sense of power and control. He learned to express his feelings – both good and bad – and his mother really did an amazing job allowing him to do so and reclaim that control. She gave him a lot of confidence that will serve him incredibly well as he moved into adulthood,” said Anwaar Awad, a Diabetic Educator who treated MQ.
For Dr. Albashrawi, the joyful poetry contrasted so sharply with the weight of diagnosis she so vividly remembers upon the family, and MQ’s fear of injections. She remembers telling them that “It’s going to take time, and we will work as a team.” She was especially moved by his parents’ unwavering commitment to their son's care, continuously asking thorough and detailed questions about MQ’s diagnosis and treatment plan, and Dr. Albashrawi was always there to answer her questions. “This communication let the family feel more comfortable,” added Dr. Albashrawi.
A particularly important resource to MQ’s family was JHAH’s patient support WhatsApp group, which allows families to communicate with healthcare professionals and each other. While this group provided MQ’s parents with invaluable medical advice as they navigated this challenging diagnosis, it also provided them with a sense of community and understanding that there were other families in this situation who were all struggling with similar concerns.
A significant turning point in MQ’s journey was the Diabetes Fun Day, an event organized by JHAH to connect families facing similar challenges. Initially nervous, MQ's perspective completely changed when he discovered he wasn't alone. Surrounded by other kids with Type 1 diabetes, he found comfort and friendship. This was a pivotal moment that sparked acceptance of his diagnosis and resolve to tackle it head-on.
“I’ll never forget his smile and joy at last year’s Diabetes Fun Day – it was at that moment that I think he realized he wasn’t alone and that his diagnosis didn’t define who he was or what he could do,” Anwaar said.
This year, Diabetes Fun Day is scheduled for November 30, and more than 200 people have been invited.
Reflecting on the transformation MQ had from his diagnosis to his outlook after Diabetes Fun Day, Sumiah Banimortada, JHAH’s lead for diabetic pediatric endocrine service, said: “MQ was silent in the beginning, but now he hugs me the moment he comes through my door. I think the Fun Day was the turning point. He saw loads of kids just like him, and it was like a weight was lifted off his shoulders.”
In the months following Diabetes Fun Day, MQ’s approach to his condition underwent a dramatic transformation. He began to take control of his treatments, becoming a voice and inspiration for other children. Starting a YouTube channel, he shared his journey, offering support and encouragement worldwide. His story is a powerful reminder of how the love of family and the dedication of a healthcare team can turn denial into advocacy.
“It was after the Fun Day that the most incredible thing happened: his mind turned to ‘how can I help others?’ and he launched his YouTube channel,” Sumiah continued. “I’ve worked with children at this hospital for 14 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Looking back on how the challenges turned into an opportunity for MQ and the strong relationships he’s formed with his care team, his mother added, “I often worry that if we ever left Aramco it would be impossible to get that level of care elsewhere!”