How A Mom And Her Super Child Use Their #Type1Story To Inspire Others

“Dali-dali nilang dinala si Neo sa ICU, kasi hindi na nakakahinga, tapos nung time na yun, lethargic na siya.”

This is how Jhen Linga recalls the harrowing moment they discovered that their son, Neo Eliseo Linga, had Type 1 Diabetes.

Now six years old, Neo was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was just two. At that time, he was rushed to the hospital  because he was having a hard time breathing. Since this happened during the pandemic, doctors initially suspected a respiratory infection, prescribed nebulization, and sent home.

“Sa bahay, same pa rin. Nahihirapan pa rin yung bata. Alam ko sa sarili ko na may something na,” Jhen recounted. “Bumalik kami ng ER. May conference that time yung doctor namin, pero pinilit niya yung resident ER doctor na i-check ang blood sugar ni Neo.”

It was then discovered that Neo’s blood sugar had reached over 560–far above the normal range of 85 to 120, or up to 130 for children.

“Lethargic na siya. Hindi na siya nagre-respond sa akin, hindi na siya nagre-respond sa doctors,” Jhen explained. “Declared diabetic and diabetic coma na siya. Hindi siya gumigising. Binigyan siya proper diagnosis and medication. Tinapat na kami that time na more than 24 hours nang hindi pa gumagana yung binibigay na insulin sa katawan niya. Kaya pinag-pray na kami kasi we really needed a miracle.”

The insulin–and their prayers–worked. After 24 hours, Neo’s condition improved. “With God’s grace and permission, gumana ang insulin. Bumaba dire-diretso yung blood sugar ni Neo. Tapos, tinawag na niya ako,” Jhen shared.

Following his recovery, Neo was immediately enrolled in a Type 1 Diabetes management program.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong autoimmune condition, often diagnosed in childhood. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, the natural hormone that converts food into energy and regulates blood sugar levels. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, posing risks to the body and causing complications of diabetes.

Jhen emphasized that their family had no history of diabetes, and she did not experience gestational diabetes during her pregnancy, which made Neo’s diagnosis even more surprising.

When asked about early warning signs, Jhen recalled, “Lagi siya nanghihingi ng milk. Akala namin noon, baka dahil growing child lang–parang sa wakas, may gana na siya dumede. So syempre since lagi nanghihingi ng milk, ihi nang ihi. Yun pala, early signs na ng sakit niya.”

Super Neo

Four years later, Jhen and Neo are actively helping other parents and children manage Type 1 Diabetes. With the support of healthcare professionals and brands like Watsons, the flagship health and beauty retailer of the A.S. Watson Group, they are raising awareness and enabling others to live stress-free and fulfilling lives despite the condition.

Neo is proof that children with Type 1 Diabetes can live normal lives. He attends regular school, joins activities, and manages his condition with the help of his “diabetes bag”–a belt bag that contains essential supplies.

“Nandoon yung scanner niya, meron din siyang glucose tablet, which we use kapag sobrang baba ng sugar niya. He has regular candies din, like Skittles or gummies na pwede din niya kainin. Meron din kaming medical phone, doon naman yung pang-contact in case of emergency,” Jhen explained. “Wala namang kakaibang treatment sa kanya compared to his classmates, wala din siyang limitations. Siguro, constant communication lang sa mismong school. Bago kami mag-enroll, they know na the situation. Nag-meeting kami with the registrar, principal, the school nurse, and adviser, para ma-explain yung health situation niya, na need niya ng constant blood sugar monitoring.”

Jhen said they are transparent with Neo about his condition:

“Actually, paglabas namin ng hospital, in-explain na namin sa kanya, ‘Oh what happened was, you are now Type 1 Diabetic. What does it mean? It means na yung pancreas mo’–we had a chart sa bahay, ‘this one doesn’t produce insulin.’ Tapos we told him na, ‘you now need insulin before eating, kasi hindi na matutunaw yung carbohydrates mo.’ Tapos we let him watch mga videos on Type 1 Diabetes to help him understand.”

She added: “Sobrang iba ng mga bata ngayon. They’re all mature, smart, and brave. So since he was four years old, he’s trained na to manage his diabetes at school. I wouldn’t say it’s a struggle, but I see great courage in him as he balances academics and his Type 1 Diabetes management. Neo is a resilient boy, and with the right support, he continues to excel in both his schooling and extracurricular activities.”

Jhen also supports other parents through their Facebook group, Type 1 Diabetes Parents PH. The group offers resources such as meal ideas, essential supplies, financial assistance options, and tools to manage the condition.

Her advice to parents: “Find a trusted pediatric endocrinologist who can help you manage your child’s Type 1 Diabetes. This is essential, as they will be your partner in ensuring your child’s well-being and successful diabetes management. At the same time, prepare to expand your financial resources to support your child’s diabetes care. Diabetes management and supplies can be expensive, and even with government assistance, you’ll need to be ready for any emergencies that may arise.”

#Type1Story

Neo’s story is further amplified through Watsons’ #Type1Story campaign, alongside other children like Anna Sophia Valencia and Liam James Lebron. The campaign aims to raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes and help parents recognize early symptoms.

“Diabetes, especially in children, calls for unwavering dedication, love, and resilience,” said Jared de Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons Philippines. “The journey truly takes a village, but a diagnosis is not a limitation. Every challenge is an opportunity to discover strength, foster growth, and embrace courage. At Watsons, we stand firmly with families on this journey. Through accessible diabetes management products, free health services, and awareness campaigns like the #Type1Story, we are dedicated to empowering every child to live their best life and helping families create brighter, healthier futures.”

Watch the video and be part of the #Type1Story movement here.

Read here for symptoms of diabetes in children.