My son, K, is 18 months old and actively participating in TEDDY. K's father has type 1 diabetes, which is why we decided to participate in TEDDY after learning about the study from our pediatrician. The decision was easy - we didn't even have to think about it, we just did it. We knew right away this was something we wanted K to participate in.

We feel that the expectations of TEDDY are normal - we like all parts, the visits, filling out our TEDDY Book. The most difficult part of the study for us is remembering to get our stool samples in within the time frame. We haven't had any negative experiences with TEDDY.

We have had a very positive experience! It's nice to know that if our son is to get type 1 diabetes, we are working with a great group of people! We are also glad to be part of something that can help find out what the environmental triggers for type 1 diabetes are, and later help to keep others with the high risk genes from getting the disease.

H is 15 months old and has been in the TEDDY Study since we learned about TEDDY in the hospital where she was born. There is no family history of type 1 diabetes that I know of.

An advantage to being in TEDDY is knowing the results of the blood test for the diabetes antibodies. I like knowing about the antibodies, however, drawing H's blood is difficult for me to watch. I was hesitant to participate in TEDDY because of doing the blood draws and the monthly stool samples. I haven't really come across any drawbacks or negative aspects of being in TEDDY yet.