Just when you think you've nailed down a solid blood sugar management routine, a growth spurt or adolescence can shake everything up. Teens, in particular, may have a hard time dealing with the demands of type 1 diabetes. They can be embarrassed or rebellious because they just want to fit in.
Serious issues like eating disorders or alcohol experimentation can be even more life threatening for a child with diabetes. So, before your child even thinks about skipping a blood sugar test or insulin shot, help them understand why it's crucial to stay on course.
What are the risks of uncontrolled blood sugar?
Getting a little off track with insulin shots or blood sugar tests every once in a while is understandable. But, if your child's blood sugar is continually out-of-control, the risks can be significant. Here are a few you should know about:
- Ketoacidosis:Persistent high blood sugar means a greater risk of ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially fatal buildup of ketones in the blood. It can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, coma, or death
- Complications: Your child's risk of developing nerve damage or other complications in early adulthood increases as blood sugar levels increase. The risk also goes up the longer those levels remain high.
- Eye damage: Retinopathy is the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.
- Poor Academic Performance: One study showed that diabetes itself didn't seem to cause an increased risk of learning issues or poor school performance. But, children with poor blood sugar control tended to show poor academic performance.
Plan to keep blood sugar--and your kids--in line
Helping your child or teen understand the importance of blood sugar control and empowering them to make the right decisions with their type 1 diabetes management can help keep them on track.
- Talk to them about problem solving
- Help them work out an emergency plan
- Be there to listen when they feel frustrated or overwhelmed by their insulin routine
You can also reach out for support from your doctor or other type 1 diabetes specialists. Many parents enlist a psychologist or social worker to include in their child's diabetes care team. Helping your child meet other kids who are going through the same thing can also make a big difference. But most of all, everyone needs to remember that, with the right care and support, your child can live a happy, healthy life.
