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continued from p.14 For the first six months, Michael had to have insulin injections. Then he was given an insulin pump that attaches to his body and provides automatic injections based on what he eats. "I don't think Michael ever complained. He just accepted it," Steve said. "But my wife and I were a mess for about a year. It was like we were in mourning because we felt so sorry for him. "But then we realized it wasn't a big deal for Michael. He was living his life and we didn't let it own us." Even having the insulin pump hasn't been a big deal for Michael as it has allowed him to live as normal a life as possible. The pump, which OHIP funds, is like a mini-computer. Before Michael eats anything, he needs to punch in the carbs and the pump calculates how much insulin to inject into his system. Every three days, the site, akin to a round patch, is moved on his legs, arms or stomach. "He's getting pretty good at judging food," Steve said. Michael said "30 carbs" without hesitation when asked how many carbs were in a banana. Being active and playing sports, such as hockey and taekwondo, means Michael expends a lot of energy, which is why father and son always have the same conversation before he competes. "Asking him what his IOB is refers to what his Insulin On Board pump is and Bolus refers to when he gave himself his last insulin shot," Steve Type 1 diabetes doesn't stop Vrbensky from living to the fullest said. "At two hours, the insulin has reached its peak strength. So if his blood sugar level is at a five, which is beautiful, we'll probably give him half a chocolate bar to get him through taekwondo. "When he's playing hockey, he might drink half a bottle of Gatorade on the bench." With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, the Vrbenskys want people to know there is a difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and that people can live their lives to the fullest with the disease so long as it's monitored. "It always bothers us when we see a commercial on television about diabetes and they emphasize you need to exercise and eat right to avoid getting the disease," Steve said. "Michael is very active. His getting type 1 had nothing to do with not eating right or not being active. "We didn't have a clue there was any difference until Michael got it. I wish there was a different name for type 1. " With type 1 your body attacks itself and your pancreas doesn't know how to produce insulin anymore, Caroline said. "When Michael was diagnosed, the doctors asked us if he had been sick," Caroline said. "Well, all four of our kids had a cold and fever. Michael was the first one to bounce back, but the doctors said with type 1, a virus attacked his body and the body then turned on itself." You need to be very diligent with type 1 because everything Michael consumes has to be accounted for, Caroline said. Michael checks his blood sugar 10 times a day by poking his finger. "Your fingers build up callous so it's no big deal," he said. "It's more annoying than anything because whenever I get home from running or doing something, or if I feel hungry, I have to prick my finger, but you get used to it. It's just another part of life. It's not the end of the world. It's just normal for me. Having diabetes hasn't stopped me from doing anything." It hasn't. Steve has never forgotten something his son said to him after he was diagnosed. "We were going to have a birthday party for him and thought instead of presents, the kids could donate money to the Juvenile Diabetes (Foundation), but Michael said he'd rather give the money to kids in Haiti. He said he only had diabetes, but those kids needed food." 15 | Friday, November 13, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Get the Best Price on Your Next New Car Hassle Free.... With Dealer Invoice Prices Visit www.carcostcanada.com first. Getting started is easy! Get ready to save on your next new car. 289-813-3200 Call us at Manufacturer's Rebate Manufacturers Rebate on TORLYS smart floors* up to $0.50/sq.ft. on TORLYS smart floors* September 28th to November 22nd, 2015 New Haven Clay Oak Engineered Hardwood (Artisan Premier) Regular Price: NET Price: Qualifies for: Up to $0.50/sq. ft. $4.69 sqft Regular Price: $4.29 sqft + $0.30 Mail In Rebate Qualifies for: Hot Stone Oak Engineered Hardwood (Artisan Premier) NET Price: $4.69 sqft Regular Price: $4.29 sqft + $0.30 Mail In Rebate Qualifies for: Walkers | Wheelchairs | Lift Chairs | Stair Lifts | Porch Lifts | Aids for Daily Living Adjustable Beds | Compression Stockings | Incontinence | Bathroom Safety | CPAP & More Sales Service Rentals Events American Walnut Engineered Hardwood (Everest Elite) NET Price: $5.79 sqft Regular Price: $4.39 sqft + $0.40 Mail In Rebate Qualifies for: Vintage Espresso Cork Flooring (Florence Premier) NET Price: + $0.30 Mail $4.79 sqft In Rebate *Excludes EverWood and EverTile smart floors and Marquee Floors by Torlys $4.09 sqft 266 Speers Road, Oakville · 905.845.8562 · www.speersflooring.com