A SLEEPOVER with friends is something many children take for granted, but until recently even this simple social pleasure was difficult for Steph Harris.

Five years ago, a diagnosis of Type One (insulin dependent) diabetes turned her world and that of her family upside down, as they struggled to stabilise a condition that at its worst caused her to have three 'hypos' - low blood sugar episodes - a day.

Steph, 11, from Caldicot, was just six years old when diagnosed. Despite a daily regimen of insulin injections, her fluctuating condition meant mum Elaina Harris had to give up work to look after her.

In the past few months however, Mrs Harris says her daughter is "a different girl", happier, healthier, more confident, all because of a device the size of a mobile phone.

Insulin pumps are not suitable for everyone with diabetes, but for Steph and many others, they help transform lives.

"When she was diagnosed we knew nothing about diabetes, knew no-one else in our position, and felt very isolated," said Mrs Harris.

She and husband Mark researched the condition, but it was making contact with the charity Diabetes UK Cymru that proved their lifeline.

"We've so much to thank them for, they were so helpful with advice and information, and it was through them we met people who used insulin pumps," said Mrs Harris.

Getting a pump, a digital device that mimics the pancreas by releasing timed doses of insulin into the body when needed, is not a straightforward business. Patients must satisfy NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) criteria, and the NHS must agree to funding. Training is then required in its use.

The device is connected to a line into her body, constantly feeding in insulin. The pace of the feed can be controlled by Steph using a digital hand set which is also on the line.

Steph got her pump late last year, and "it’s turned her into a different girl,” said Mrs Harris.

“Her blood sugar is under control and she’s become confident, well and relaxed. She can go on sleepovers, she had one with friends recently for the first time in two years, and have a more or less normal life.”

"It was a long process, but Steph is very happy. Her consultant asked her why she likes it and she said it's because she feels so well and can do what she wants.

"It's about confidence, having more freedom, in what she does and to a certain extent with food.

"She used to get sore arms and legs because of the injections. but there are no needles now, just the canula to change every three days.

"It's also very discreet. She delivers the insulin through a handset and it's like she's on a mobile phone.

"Play was difficult before, but Steph loves sport and is very competitive, she's done horse riding, swimming, plays netball and loves running.

"She can adjust her pump and manage it herself depending on what she is doing and she's down to about one hypo a week. It's a massive improvement."

Family Day will help give diabetes help

DIABETES UK Cymru is running a special Family Day next month and Mrs Harris is urging parents with children with diabetes to go along.

"We went to one after Steph was diagnosed and it was brilliant. We met lots of people in the same situation as us, and learned so much," she said.

The day aims to be fun-packed, while offering lots of practical information and advice for children and their families.

The South Wales Family Day is at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday July 28, #10 per family. For information and a registration pack, contact wales@diabetes.org.uk or call 029 2066 8276.

*For more information on diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.uk