|
Coping with Your Child’s Diabetes
|
 According to a 2003 research study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 15,000 youth newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes annually. As a result, many parents may find themselves struggling with the psychological affects of their child’s diagnosis. As they work to help the child manage their diabetes, parents often find themselves experiencing anger, fear, or even guilt. Through diabetes education, feelings can turn from despair and helplessness to that of empowerment and control. As parents and children arm themselves with diabetes knowledge, frustration levels brought forth by daily health challenges are eased.
Starting your diabetes educational journey can begin with researching the facts of the disease and gathering management tips from medical professionals. Such research may include what measures to take when your child becomes ill. Research may include determining which over the counter medications, such as cough medications, are best suited for people with diabetes. Or parents may want to further investigate the importance of keeping meal plans as close to normal as possible when their child becomes ill. Although many children may prefer to forego a full meal plan while ill, those with diabetes should maintain a diet as close to their regular meal plan as possible, in effort to keep blood glucose levels within their normal range. Parents may also choose to research the market’s blood glucose monitoring systems and discuss with their child the benefits of using these tools regularly. Children may feel greater empowerment when they are given a choice on which products to buy and whether they can perform the functions of the system themselves.
In addition to arming oneself with knowledge, parental anxiety may be reduced when a parent shares diabetes information with their child’s school nurse or teachers. Parents should notify all of the adults who will be responsible for their child’s well being during the parent’s absence. Simply having your child wear a diabetes identification bracelet is not enough. School nurses and teachers should be made aware of the child’s potential need for using blood glucose monitoring systems, having an extra snack during the day, and what actions to take if the child’s blood glucose levels fall dangerously low. Parents may encourage their child to sit in on the meeting when discussing their condition with the adults, as the children may find strength in being the one who gets to “educate” their teacher about themselves.
Often a parent’s concern for their child’s physical health is balanced with their concern for their child’s mental health. Children living with Type 1 Diabetes may express their depression or frustration surrounding the challenges of the disease. When a child does so, parents may encourage the child to write about their feelings, or even talk to their friends. Parents and children alike may find comfort in attending a community playgroup where they are introduced to peers who are also living with diabetes. And a child may feel greater family support when they are included in making decisions regarding meal recipes for the entire family.
As you create a strong foundation based in knowledge for managing diabetes, remember to look for opportunities to include your child in information gathering. For example, your child many find strength in researching and leading the family in your community’s annual diabetes walk. As a parent coping with your child’s diabetes, strive to create this powerful support system early and nourish it often.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2007. Altlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008.
American Diabetes Association. (2009). Retrieved January 9, 2009 from http://www.diabetes.org
|
|
|
|
