Has your child been diagnosed with diabetess, and you’re worried? Or maybe they have had diabetes for a while, but you feel like you’re floundering. Sometimes, parents and families need to understand how juvenile diabetes affects the family dynamic and how they can be supportive. Whether your child is an infant, a teen, or in grade school, families often need some guidance on how they can help their children live everyday life.
Here is a brief guide for families living with children who have diabetes.
Be Ready for Misconceptions with Juvenile Diabetes
Parents and diabetic children must deal with various misconceptions and myths about diabetes. It’s good to look over some of the more prevalent myths and questions and have a ready answer for them. You may want to coach your child in answering these misconceptions as well.
- “Will I catch diabetes from you/your child?” Of course not – diabetes is not transferable.
- “I can’t invite you/your child to my birthday party!” Children with diabetes may not be invited to birthday parties because many hosts/parents do not want the responsibility of a diabetic child, especially one surrounded by sugary birthday treats. Hopefully, you can work with the parents of kids having birthday parties and let your child participate in whatever capacity you’re comfortable with.
- “Will you die if you eat sugar?” Some people think people with diabetes will be “poisoned” if they eat sugar.
- “You must have overeaten sugar as a baby/child; that’s why you have diabetes.” Many people think that overeating sugar causes diabetes.
Research Juvenile Diabetes
To help make the disease seem less scary, research the terminology and realities of the disease. That way, when your doctor talks to you about the condition, you will not feel intimidated by the terms and will know what they are talking about. Knowledge can help you feel empowered. You can also use your research to help formulate a plan, which makes many families feel more secure.
Include Other Family Members
Include the family in the scheduled meal times and snacks when you can. Some families make a nightly together time of the snack before bed that most diabetics need. Everyone in the family should know how to recognize signs of a problem – high or low blood sugar.
Get Involved
Involve yourself in the diabetes community in your area and online. There are diabetes camps, online forms, and various support groups can help your family live with diabetes. These groups can also help your child learn how to cope with diabetes now and in the future.
