When their child is diagnosed with diabetes, parents can feel confused, angry, and anxious about the future. The following guidelines can help you deal with the challenges ahead.
The majority of children develop type 1 diabetes, where the body cannot produce insulin. That is, the child needs regular insulin injections.
It is completely normal for parents to feel distressed when their child is diagnosed with diabetes, but this condition does not deprive their child of their freedom, nor does it end normal family life. Rather, it means that the child''s condition must be carefully managed as part of daily life.
What should parents expect? This is explained by Peter Hindmark, a professor at University College Hospital in London.
The first days
Children with type 2 diabetes
Although it is less common than type 1, there are children who develop type 2 diabetes and they are usually obese older teenagers. Diabetes UK estimates that there are around 500 children and young people with type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. As the condition progresses, drug treatment is required to control blood sugar levels.
Once the disease is diagnosed, the child should be seen by a specialist diabetes care team.
The child will receive care from this team either within the hospital as an inpatient or at home, depending on the wishes of the parents and the needs of the child.
If the child is admitted to the hospital, the necessary facilities will be provided for the parents to stay with him in the hospital.
“The first few days with your care team are the starting point for diabetes education,” says Professor Hindmarsh.
“Where parents learn everything related to the condition, from testing blood sugar, giving insulin to the child, to food and exercise.”
The care team should include
Consultant pediatrician specializing in diabetes.
A nurse specialized in caring for diabetic children.
A nutritionist familiar with the needs of children.
Child psychiatrist.
Professor Hindmarsh says: “Our goal is to get parents to the level required to take their child home safely. This typically takes about five days, but this period may vary, depending on how quickly the parents learn.”
Parents undergo detailed practical sessions on when and how to test the child’s blood sugar level using a finger-prick method, and on how to give insulin injections.
The dietitian evaluates the child''s diet and discusses with the parents how the family''s diet can be modified according to the case.
If appropriate, the care team will also talk to the parents about how to manage their child''s diabetes at school or nursery. The care team should contact the school or nursery, and a member of the team will usually visit the school to discuss the type of care required.
Professor Hindmarsh says: “It is important to know the psychological impact of the diagnosis of diabetes on the child, as he initially goes through a period of shock, then anger, then rejection of the idea, followed by gradual acceptance. Parents should talk about their feelings and the feelings of their child with a psychiatrist.”
In the first months
After several days, parents become confident enough to take the first steps in managing their child''s diabetes. That is, taking him home after completing his first treatment in the hospital.
You must stay in regular contact with your diabetes care team. Professor Hind Mark says: “At this stage, the parents and child should see the team at the hospital about every two weeks. The care team will discuss how the parents and child are doing and answer any questions they have.”
Parents and children may initially find it difficult to adapt to life with diabetes, for example:
Parents may have to change the family''s diet
The child may be worried about being different from his friends
The child and his family must get used to a new routine of blood sugar tests and insulin injections.
But the above things become easier over time. Don''t hesitate to contact your care team with any questions or concerns.
After the condition stabilizes
Parents eventually feel confident that they can manage their child''s diabetes without the need for regular support from the care team. At this time, parents gain sufficient knowledge about the effects of food and exercise on blood sugar levels, and thus how to manage the condition with insulin. They will also understand hypoglycemia, when blood sugar s to very low levels and a child develops symptoms such as tremors, sweating, fatigue, headaches and behavioral changes. Parents should learn how to prevent and treat hypoglycemia and other conditions.
Professor Hindmarsh says: “Once the parents and child are fully fit, we only visit once every three months.” Visits must include a comprehensive medical examination at least once a year starting at the age of 12 years. The examination will check for signs of damage to the eyes, feet, circulatory system, and kidneys.
As the child becomes older, it is important for parents to work with the care team to teach him how to manage the condition on his own. Professor Hindmarsh says: “When the child becomes young, he must be accustomed to doing things himself, such as bringing the injection box, or pinching the skin when the parents give the injection. Participation grows from these things.”
The care team should let the child express his feelings and fears during visits, so he gradually gets used to becoming an adult with diabetes.
More in the Diabetes section
Diabetes in adolescents
It is not uncommon for teenagers to go to school or college to skip their recommended medication regimen, such as forgetting to take insulin injections and eating inappropriate food.
