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Something wasn’t quite right with Ivy Tegelhuter until a type 1 diabetes diagnosis helped the 15-month-old thrive, thanks to the care from staff at Barwon Health.

Ivy’s mother Maisie knew something was wrong with her daughter in March when she started soaking through her overnight nappies, became irritable, fatigued, thirsty, and lost some of her motor skills and appetite.

After blood tests confirmed Ivy’s type 1 diabetes, staff in Barwon Health’s Emergency Department (ED) and Children’s Ward were able to intervene swiftly, stabilising her blood sugar levels and providing her parents with invaluable support and education.

Grovedale resident Maisie said ED staff promptly treated Ivy and began the process that would see her return to her usual active self.

“Once Ivy was stable, we were sent to the kids ward for about five days where we could find the therapeutic range for her insulin and install the CGM (continuous glucose monitor) on her arm,” she said.

“The level of care, consideration and thoughtfulness for both my husband, myself and Ivy was second to none.”

Maisie said Ivy's spirits remained high throughout their hospital stay, transforming the medical environment into a familiar and comforting space.

“Ivy loved being here on the kids ward. There’s a really nice feeling and it’s great that kids don’t have to think of it as a scary place.

“We were able to spend time with the diabetes educators and paediatricians to make sure everything was understood and there wouldn’t be any issues managing Ivy’s insulin at home.

“It was a lot to take in, but we never felt like we were left alone. We had a lot of support and the nurses were absolutely amazing.

“We cannot thank the team at Barwon Health enough – they saved Ivy's life.”

While genetic factors contributed to Ivy's diagnosis, there were early warning signs that helped her GP make the call to order blood tests.

Senior emergency registrar Dr Anna Mysliborski treated Ivy at University Hospital Geelong and said early detection was crucial to both manage type 1 diabetes and prevent its potentially life-threatening complications.

“It made a big difference that Ivy’s GP made a referral for blood tests, which started her diagnosis and treatment journey,” Dr Mysliborski said.

“Some of the common signs to look out for in children include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, fatigue and weakness, irritability, and behavioural change.

“If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important to seek medical advice from your GP.”

While adjusting to life with a diabetic toddler has its challenges, Maisie said Ivy, now 19-months-old, was enjoying her return to daycare and had made progress since improving her health and wellbeing.

“There’s a lot of meal prep and you have to count carbs to make sure you're organised, so it is a lot of work and you don't get days off, but it’s worth every bit of effort when you see how healthy and happy she is now.

“Rather than having these energetic swings, she's stable, healthy, and flourishing. Since the diagnosis, she’s able to grow and play and catch up to other kids.”

Pictured: Ivy, now 19 months, and mum Maisie Tegelhuter, pictured with Barwon Health paediatric nurses Jackie King and Drew Aitkens, and emergency registrar Dr Anna Mysliborski.