Kids with diabetes… you’ve got this!

As our children grow, they want to live their own lives – to be spontaneous with friends and to take control of those activities they feel are most critical to their livelihood (like hanging out in the mall for hours… wink, wink).

However, for children living with Type 1 Diabetes, planning and adhering to medical advice is what is truly vital to their lives. So, how do you find a balance between the two?

Your first step is to help them become self-sufficient in their diabetes protocol. This means your child (and you) should be completely comfortable in his or her ability to perform testing, adhere to dietary restrictions and administer their medications. Let them know that in being consistently responsible with their diabetes management, they gain more freedom.

Your second step is to expect challenges. As kids grow and go through puberty, controlling blood sugar can be difficult even when your child is doing everything he or she is supposed to do. Although it will be frustrating, we need to encourage our children to keep following doctor’s orders and assure them that with patience and persistence, they will get it under control.

Finally, remember that your child will have to take responsibility for his or her diabetes at some point. It is up to you to give them the knowledge, support and encouragement they need to succeed. And if things aren’t going well, remember that help is available. There are diabetes support groups for both parents and children, online resources and your doctor’s own experience and advice to assist.