Managing diabetes at any stage of life can feel overwhelming. However, it can feel especially tough for adolescents as they adapt to new lifestyle changes and routines.
A supportive network of adults who understand and empathize can improve kids’ well-being and confidence in managing the daily tasks associated with the condition. If your child or a child close to you has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, here’s what you need to know to help them navigate this new life circumstance.
What Is Juvenile Diabetes?
Juvenile diabetes (or type 1 diabetes) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body doesn’t produce enough — or mistakenly destroys — insulin.
Insulin is an important hormone that the pancreas produces. It moves sugar in the bloodstream to the body’s cells for energy.
Without insulin, sugar remains stuck and builds up in the bloodstream. This buildup can cause life-threatening complications or death if not treated quickly. The missing insulin must reach the bloodstream through injection or an insulin pump to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Though juvenile diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses in children, there’s currently no cure or prevention method. Advancements in modern medicine have made it easier than ever for children to manage their diabetes and live full, healthy, and exciting lives.
What Is the Treatment for Juvenile Diabetes?
Children with type 1 diabetes need to get insulin into their bodies. Your health care provider will give you and your child the option between daily insulin injections or an insulin pump.
Insulin pumps
Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices that deliver insulin continuously through a patch that adheres to the skin or a cannula (a tube) placed just under the surface of the skin.
Some people choose an insulin pump because it provides more freedom. Some pumps also provide a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which requires less manual dosing.
Others find the pump option too cost-prohibitive, too uncomfortable, or too obvious when worn in public.
Insulin injections
Insulin injections are typically through an insulin pen or syringe. A small needle injects insulin into the body while a small dial or vial helps dose the appropriate amount.
Some people like this option because they don’t have to attach anything to the body and they can use the pens discreetly and simply.
Others don’t like it because you must poke yourself multiple times a day to get glucose readings. In addition, injection dosages are longer-acting. That means any change in the basal rate (background insulin) must happen after waiting 24 hours.
Discussing insulin options with your child and health care provider is important. That will help you choose the right method for your child’s needs.
You can always switch to another method. But understanding the pros and cons of both methods as they align with your child’s lifestyle will help ensure the best possible fit.
Diet and exercise
Treatment for type 1 diabetes also includes understanding how to plan meals, what foods to eat or avoid, and the effects of exercise. Talk to your child’s doctor about how to manage their diet and exercise.
Communicating With Your Child About Diabetes
Today, there are many ways you can help your child thrive while managing their diabetes.
The first step is to communicate with your child about what having diabetes means for their lifestyle. Children can often feel angry, ashamed, or fearful when they receive a diabetes diagnosis. Talking with your child and validating their feelings will help them feel more confident as they navigate these changes.
Taking the time to understand what diabetes is and how to manage it is incredibly important for parents. That way, they can help their child manage their condition.
Children look up to their parents. They’re more likely to care about something and have a healthy attitude toward it if their caretakers model the same behavior. Read, learn, and connect with professionals and community members who may understand what your child is going through and provide you with tips and comfort.
Here are more ways to help your child thrive as they live with diabetes:
Share the diagnosis with trusted adults
Educate your child’s family members, teachers, nurses, coaches, friends’ parents, and other adults who interact with your child about diabetes. That way, they can understand the seriousness of this diagnosis.
Because monitoring carbohydrates and blood sugar levels is a big part of managing diabetes, discussing scenarios in which your child can’t eat the same meals or enjoy the same treats as friends can help.
Teaching your network who may not have experience with childhood diabetes can go a long way toward helping your child feel less alone and more supported no matter where they are.
Give yourself (and your child) grace and patience
A juvenile diabetes diagnosis is a lot to process for the whole family. Understand that this adjustment will take time for everyone. It comes with highs and lows as you figure out the best way to manage it.
Patience, understanding, grace, and validation will go a long way as you start your journey. Know that you did not do anything wrong to give your child diabetes.
Make sure you remind your child that this is not their fault and there is no way they could have prevented it. Creating a safe space to talk about feelings and challenges will make this path seem a little less scary.
Also remember that young children are not self-starters when it comes to checking blood sugar levels, injecting insulin, and eating the right foods at the right times. Guiding your child through these changes will help them turn these tasks into daily habits.
Older adolescents and teenagers who get their diagnosis later may have trouble sticking to a plan or understanding the importance of a routine. Work with your child to help them understand why these tasks are critical to their overall health.
Focus on food together
When you work with your child’s doctor and a dietitian, you’ll know exactly the amount of carbs your child needs daily. Carb counting is a popular way for families to ensure their child’s blood sugar levels remain steady.
Like all of us, children with diabetes can benefit from complex carbs, such as whole grains and vegetables, while limiting simple carbs, such as processed foods and white bread. Processed foods often have added fats, salts, sugars, and preservatives.
Foods to limit include anything high in salt, saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar. Your child doesn’t have to avoid snack foods altogether, but you must factor cookies, chips, sodas, and greasy, fatty foods into their daily carb count.
Become a role model
Because juvenile diabetes focuses on eating certain foods, show your child you care by following the same meal plans and fitness goals yourself. Working on lifestyle changes together can make it that much easier for everyone. Plus, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise plan is good for the whole family.
Know the symptoms and when to get help
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are both serious conditions that require immediate treatment. Knowing the signs and symptoms of each and sharing this information with any trusted adult who’s caring for your child are essential.
The symptoms of hyperglycemia include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Frequent urination.
- Increased thirst.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weakness or tiredness.
The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Anger or sadness.
- Blurred vision.
- Dizziness.
- Hunger.
- Irritability.
- Nausea.
- Shakiness or anxiety.
- Sweating or chills.
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate help from a health care provider or call 911 for emergency help.