Harwood family hopes son's story helps others recognize diabetes symptoms

Contributed By Matthew Freeman Today at 10:37 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? HARWOOD, N.D. — A Harwood family is sharing their story for national Diabetes Awareness Month so other families don't miss important warning signs. A family road trip to Florida earlier this year led to 9-year-old Jamison Moch, known as JJ, being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. ADVERTISEMENT JJ plays basketball, baseball and football. Now, checking his blood sugar is part of getting ready to play. His parents first noticed something was off on the drive to Florida. He kept drinking water and asking to stop for the bathroom. His father, Jason, recognized the symptom from his own diagnosis. "So the thirst was the main trigger for me because that's kind of how I was diagnosed. I was hunting with my dad and I was thirsty, and he was like, 'Oh, we better check.' So similar situation," Jason said. The family checked JJ's blood sugar on the road. His mom, Kjiesta, says it was over 600. They took him to a pediatric emergency room, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. JJ remembers exactly what day it was. ADVERTISEMENT "On the Super Bowl," he said. JJ spent that Super Bowl Sunday in a St. Louis emergency room. Sanford pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Luis Cases says frequent bathroom trips and unexplained weight loss can also be warning signs. He says if you notice any symptoms, seek care right away. "There could be a very small window of days between being healthy and developing diabetes and being sick enough where you have to be admitted to the ICU," Casas said. Now, JJ wears a glucose monitor that lets his parents see his blood sugar from their phones. Contributed Kjiesta says his coaches and teammates listen for his device alerts. ADVERTISEMENT "We still want him to be that 9-year-old boy and live that life and be the teammate that he can be counted on," Kjiesta said. READ MORE FROM matthew freeman RedHawks jerseys auction supports cemetery volunteers 4h ago Valley City pet supply drive fills loader, finds homes for animals 1d ago Mac and cheese cook-off raises money for United Way 1d ago After the diagnosis, JJ's uncle reached out to Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who also has Type 1 diabetes. Andrews sent JJ a letter, telling him not to let diabetes slow him down. "Well, we're a little bit of a Ravens fan now," Jason said. Contributed Kjiesta says parents should trust their gut if they feel something is wrong with their child. "You know your kid the best. And so if you think something's off, just get that blood sugar check. It's very simple. It's so easy. And your doctor can do it very easily," she said. Kjiesta says the school nurse at Northern Cass helped the family put a care plan in place after his diagnosis and now helps him manage his diabetes during the school day. ADVERTISEMENT Top recent stories Woman found chained to bed in south Fargo apartment unit says she was captive for 2 years 6d ago Guitar invention puts more music in your hands 6d ago Mark Ostlund, leader who helped grow Sandy's Donuts into a regional favorite, dies 5d ago Bison Bowl Projections: A new locale and opponent surfaces Nov 4 Prior Lake stuns Spuds, ending Moorhead's dream season 5d ago Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags HARWOOD HEALTH SANFORD HEALTH By Matthew Freeman Matthew Freeman has been a reporter for WDAY since 2026. He is a graduate of Dan Patrick's School for Sports Broadcasting at Full Sail University. He is from Panama City Beach, FL. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Health First responders warn of carbon monoxide dangers 2d ago · By Hunter Schwartz Health Measles cases continue climbing in Minnesota 2d ago · By Ryan McNamara Subscribers Only Health Study: Vaping among teens drops significantly in Clay County 5 years after Moorhead flavored tobacco ban 2d ago · By April Baumgarten ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Preps Plus: Region's athletes ink collegiate future on Signing Day 6h ago · By Andrew Haugland Moorhead Moorhead man accused in deadly shooting says he's ready for second trial 4h ago · By Matt Henson Minnesota Veteran’s lost wedding ring finds its way back to him in unusual manner 11h ago · By Dennis Doeden Women's Sports Bison women's basketball signs two North Dakotans, part of large 2027 signing class 11h ago · By Dom Izzo