Special Occasions
You don't have to give up parties or birthday cake just because you have diabetes. But you do need to plan for those extra treats, and you can't go overboard.
Before you can plan, you need to know what will happen at the party. What kind of snacks will be served? When will you eat? What other activities are planned? Is it a swim party, a cookout, or a nighttime food & music party?
You can ask these questions, or a parent can talk to your friend's parents. Either way, get the answers so you can make plans.
You have many options as you and your parents plan what you will do at the party. Make a plan for how much you will eat at the party (and what). Are you going to stay in your usual daily plan, keeping a careful eye on what you eat and how much exercise you get?
If the party includes exercise (like roller-skating, dancing, or laser tag), you may be able to eat a little more without taking extra insulin. Or will you plan to splurge a little and maybe adjust your insulin dose slightly that day.
Or you could exercise a little more than usual. Try to make a general plan for how much (and what) you'll eat, what your activity will be like, and decide what to do with your insulin dose for the day.
Find out if your parents plan to be home while you're at the party. Or maybe they'll be out for the day. Either way, you need to have the phone number where they'll be or their cell phone number.
Write it down, even if it's a number you know by heart. In case of an emergency, it probably won't be you making the call. Make sure there will be a phone at the party that you can use or bring a cell phone with you.
Figure out what you're going to do with your diabetes care kit. You'll need to have that with you at all times. For example, if you're going to a water park or other outdoor place, you'll need a place to keep your bag or backpack where it will be safe. If you're not sure how much or what kind of food will be offered at the party, bring your own. If it's a party at someone's house, ask ahead of time what you can bring. Not only is it a nice thing to offer, but it ensures there will be food at the party you can eat. Bring enough for everyone to share.
It's a good idea to check your blood glucose before your leave for the party, and maybe even sometime during the party. You and your parents can decide ahead of time how many treats you should have depending on your blood glucose level.
A note about your parents: The first time you go to a party by yourself, your parents are probably going to be nervous. Cut them a little slack -- they're worried. It's not that they don't trust you, it's diabetes they don't trust. They've seen what it can do each time you've had hypoglycemia.
They have read all about complications, and heard the stories about kids who ended up in the emergency room after a party. They're worried that one of these things could happen to you.
So, what can you do? First, try to understand. They're used to spending almost every waking moment (and a lot of the sleeping ones, too!) keeping an eye on your diabetes. And you're about to take yourself away, even if it's just for the afternoon. They don't know what diabetes could do during this time. So, particularly if you're new to diabetes, cut them some slack.
Next, work through the pre-party diabetes plan with them. This makes them more comfortable because they know all the bases are covered. And it lets them know that you're on top of it. That helps them to breathe a sigh of relief.
Finally, humor them a little. Maybe they want you to call them during the party. You know, just to let them know that everything's okay. That might bother you. You could feel like they don't trust you or that they're checking up on you. (After all, how many other kids are going to be calling home during the party?) Remember that it's not YOU they're checking up on. It's diabetes. And try to understand a little. Then go ahead and give them a call. It'll make it that much easier for them (and you!) the next time you want to go to a party.
When you're done planning, the most important thing of all: Have a great time!
Learn more about dealing with your parents
