08/02/2026 Diabetes?

 08/02/2026

The past few days have brought news we never expected, and we’re still trying to catch our breath.

The hospital has determined that Jacob has a slight pseudomonas infection in his tracheostomy, along with MRSA. On top of that, we learned he is now an insulin‑independent diabetic. This diagnosis came as a complete shock. It felt like it appeared out of nowhere — but his blood sugar told the story. It climbed all the way to 800, when a normal range is 70 to 99. He was in a very dangerous place, and we are grateful he was already in the hospital when this happened.

We are still in the ICU, and according to the doctor, Jacob will not be moving to a step‑down unit. When he is discharged from ICU, we will go straight home. That alone tells you how carefully they’re watching him and how much support he’ll need once we leave.

Jacob is going to be on a significant amount of insulin. Even his formula from Kate Farms contains more sugar than his body can handle right now, and every feeding causes his levels to spike. We’re working closely with the team to figure out what adjustments need to be made so he can stay stable.

But here’s the part that feels almost unbelievable:

In spite of the infections and the diabetes, Jacob actually feels very good. And I can only imagine how much better he will feel once they get his insulin dialed in and his diet corrected so his levels stay in a normal range again.

Looking back over the last three weeks, the signs were there — extreme thirst, constant urination, and symptoms that were becoming harder and harder to keep up with. These are classic signs of diabetes onset. But when you’re caring for a 27‑year‑old young man with ALS, diabetes is not the first thing you think of. Once again, hindsight makes everything clearer.

It’s been a lot to take in — infection, MRSA, diabetes, ICU, new routines, new risks — all at once. But Jacob is fighting, and we are right beside him. We’re leaning on God’s grace, the skill of his medical team, and the strength that has carried us through every chapter so far.

One step at a time. One breath at a time. And as always, thank you for lifting Jacob up in prayer.