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Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which a human body does not produce or properly uses insulin, a hormone required to convert sugar, starch and other foods into energy. It is characterized by constant high levels of blood sugar. Human body has to maintain the blood sugar level at a very narrow range which is done with insulin and glucagon.
It can be really scary to find out your child is diagnosed with diabetes and it mite not be easy dealing with a diabetic kid. As parents, you might have to go through a rigorous learning experience to help your child deal with his/her diabetes. Please don’t panic that kids can’t have a normal childhood if diagnosed with diabetes. It is very much possible if you make them understand and help them deal with it normally.
Don’t dominate, you just need to protect and encourage the child to self care according to his/her age.
One needs to understand that total diabetic control from an early age can be slightly impossible but as the child grows he/she will be matured to understand the importance of eating properly, injecting insulin, testing blood sugar levels and exercising.
Make sure you don’t go overboard about ‘cheating’. You don’t want to make the child feel guilty and they might start having a low esteem because of that.
A diabetic child is children first so don’t start dealing with him/her as an adult. As he/she grows they will gain self control, learn self care and self esteem.
Here are some tips on how to deal with kids at different age:
0-7 years:
This is an early childhood period and parents should take full responsibility of the child’s diabetic care. One should ask the child to choose a spot to inject or finger to test. Try using more subtle words like high, low instead of good and bad to describe the blood tests results.
7-12 years:
Your responsibility as a parent is still a major part of a child’s care, but at this age level a child can take over glucose testing and blood sugar tests some of the time. By age 12, most children can handle their injections, but make sure you keep a check on that and remind them if they forget to take it. Ensure that the child takes utmost care of what he/she eats when outside. Speak to your child about how to deal with eating at parties or special occasions. Ask your doctor about how to cover extra food with a few units of insulin, if he approves.
12-17 years:
As adolescents they will resent dependence on their parents. At this age a child should be involved with treatment decisions. Some adolescents may rebel that they don’t have diabetes by ignoring their treatments and misrepresenting the blood sugar level tests. Depression is also common during this age. It is your responsibility to make them understand that diabetes can be controlled and that the treatment level has tremendously improved. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional counsellor if needed.
Make sure your child’s school teachers, school nurses and close family members know about your child’s diabetic condition. It requires a team effort by you, your physician and diabetic care staff to take care of your child.
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