Living with Diabetes
No matter how old you are, or at what age you were diagnosed, you're going to have challenges with your diabetes along the way. Maybe you've just been diagnosed and you're facing those first days back at school. Or you've had diabetes for years and are moving out on your own for the first time. Going on your first date with diabetes. Driving. Getting your first job. Diabetes can get in the way of all of these situations. But don't worry. We're here to help.
Age-Related Issues
The often-difficult teen years can be complicated even more by diabetes. The rapid growth and development -- physically, mentally, and emotionally -- of teenagers can bring additional challenges to diabetes control.
Away from Home
Don't deprive your child of sleepovers, school trips, or family vacations because of diabetes. Caring for diabetes when away from home -- whether it's at a sleepover or on a family vacation or at a diabetes camp -- takes preparation and planning.
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 Further Reading . . .
The Healthy Lunchbox is the perfect solution to your lunchtime woes. This one-of-a-kind guide is filled with tips, tricks, and techniques for organizing and preparing quick and easy meals with a little more zing and a lot more nutrition than those boring old sandwiches, chips, and sodas.
For more books on treatment and self-care, click here.
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Dealing with Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabetes can send shock waves through your entire family. It will take some time for your family to work through all of the emotions engendered by the diagnosis, but it will happen.
Friends & Family
Any adult who will be caring for your child when you’re not around must be educated about diabetes. That includes teachers, school nurses, babysitters/day-care providers, coaches, leaders of extracurricular activities, grandparents, and others. How much information you give depends on several factors, particularly how long and often your child is in their care and how much interest they display in learning more.
Parenting & Family Life
Diabetes affects the whole family-parents and siblings as well as the child with diabetes. It may also have some impact on your parenting choices and on the relationships between family members.
Special Occasions
Having diabetes should not get in the way of enjoying special occasions, like parties and vacations. With a little bit of planning, your child can care for his or her diabetes wherever they go.
