Managing Diabetes in Your Child

Because young children often struggle to recognize the symptoms of their diabetes it is crucial that you, as a parent, help them to understand their condition and that you conduct frequent blood glucose checks.

But management does not end there as your child’s emotional and physical well being is particularly at risk if they are diabetic. School life has been touched upon elsewhere in this blog, so here we will concentrate on your child’s life outside of the education system.

Often the families of children with diabetes worry that they will be excluded from activities or made to feel awkward and embarrassed by their condition. However, an open attitude and frank discussion with their friends will frequently result in exactly the opposite. Indeed, research shows that peer groups will often value your child and readily accept them just the way they are, if they are honest about the disease, while a secretive attitude can lead to resentment and exclusion.

Talk with your doctor and other health professionals, they will often be able to counsel your child on managing their diabetes, and advise them on how best to cope with their feelings of being different. A healthy social life is important to your child, not just for their psychological well being but also for them to lead a physically active and rewarding life.

Remember, exercise is a vital part of managing their condition and there is no reason why your child should not participate in sports and other social activities such as hiking and camping. They will help him or her to maintain a healthy insulin balance and lower blood sugar levels.

There is absolutely no reason for diabetes to impact on your child’s potential for success in both social integration and sporting achievement. Provided with the correct knowledge and tools to participate your child will develop the self-esteem, confidence and other positive effects of a normal physical life.