Sonsoles Ónega Advocates for Visibility of Childhood Chronic Illnesses, Shares Personal Experience with Type 1 Diabetes
A leading Spanish journalist and presenter, Sonsoles Ónega, is using her platform to raise awareness about the often-overlooked challenges faced by families navigating chronic diseases in childhood, particularly after publicly discussing her son’s experience with type 1 diabetes.
The impact of chronic illnesses on children remains a largely invisible issue,despite affecting thousands of families across Spain.Ónega, a prominent voice on the subject, has repeatedly spoken about the profound impact her son’s 2016 diagnosis had on her family’s life.
During a recent address at an event hosted by The Malasmadres Club, in collaboration with the Spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE) and the Grow Without Diabetes movement, Ónega articulated the shared experience of many families living with childhood illness. “A sick child is the worst thing that can happen to a person,” she stated, emphasizing that illness is experienced collectively, impacting the entire family unit.
Since her son’s diagnosis, Ónega described living in a state of “permanent alert,” necessitated by the constant need to monitor his glucose levels. While modern control devices allow for real-time monitoring, she acknowledged the accompanying emotional strain. “You are almost obsessively looking at your mobile phone,” she confessed, illustrating the constant concern and duty felt by parents of children with this condition.
The journalist underscored that managing a chronic childhood illness is a continuous learning process. This includes adjusting meals and understanding the influence of physical activity on glucose levels, requiring meticulous planning. “it complicates everything, especially until you get into the rhythm and understand what is happening in your child’s body,” she shared, noting the difficulty of fully comprehending the reality without firsthand experience.
According to data from the International Diabetes Federation, over nine million people in Spain live with diabetes, with nearly five million being adults. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in a child extends the impact to the entire family, demanding adaptation to a new lifestyle.
Ónega described the initial diagnosis as entering “a very difficult world of darkness, but it is indeed only a matter of time.” She characterized the experience as “a pothole, it is not a sinkhole,” offering a message of hope beyond the inherent fears associated with illness.
The meeting, attended by mothers, healthcare professionals, and journalists, served as a reminder of the collective effort and ongoing need for support behind every diagnosis. Ónega’s voice contributes significantly to increasing visibility for this reality, reflecting the resilience of countless families who live with it daily.
News Report – Expanded and Edited
Why: Sonsoles Ónega, a prominent Spanish journalist, is advocating for increased awareness and support for families affected by childhood chronic illnesses, specifically type 1 diabetes. She aims to destigmatize these conditions and highlight the collective impact on families.
Who: Sonsoles Ónega, a leading Spanish journalist and presenter, is the central figure. the report also involves The Malasmadres Club, the spanish Diabetes Federation (FEDE), the Grow Without Diabetes movement, families affected by type 1 diabetes, healthcare professionals, and journalists.
What: Ónega publicly shared her personal experience with her son’s 2016 type 1 diabetes diagnosis, describing the initial shock, the constant “permanent alert” required for glucose monitoring, and the emotional toll on the family. She spoke at an event hosted by The Malasmadres Club, in collaboration with FEDE and Grow Without Diabetes, emphasizing the need for collective support. Data from the International Diabetes Federation reveals over nine million people in Spain live with diabetes, with nearly five million adults.
How did it end?: The event, attended by mothers, healthcare professionals, and journalists, served as a
