If a child has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, parents may have a lot of questions and concerns. The rest of life may be filled with blood glucose tests, hemoglobin A1c level checks, insulin injections, and pricking the finger to collect blood, among other things.
Bonita Franklin, a pediatric endocrinologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, said, “It takes a lot of education to learn to manage your diabetes, but it’s important to believe you can do it.”
Bonita Franklin summed up the key things parents need to know.
It’s not your fault many parents feel guilty and think, “I’m giving my child the wrong food,” or “I’m giving my child type 1 diabetes because someone in my family has it. .
Genes play a role, but it’s a complicated process. Doctors also don’t know much about the impact of environmental factors on diabetes.
If even scientists don’t know how to prevent the disease, so do parents. Tell your child that it’s not the parents’ fault, nor is it his fault.
Children with type 1 diabetes can lead normal lives. Going to school, playing sports, working, and meeting parental expectations are not a problem.
The condition is manageable. Parents, children, and other family members will understand what needs to be done, and the medical center’s diabetes care team will provide support.
In addition to the diabetes care team, a “family team” needs to be formed. This includes important family members, friends, teachers, school nurses, babysitters, coaches, and camp counselors.
Anyone closely involved in the child’s life needs to be educated about diabetes and the needs of the child. Parents can educate others in their child’s life about diabetes once they are confident in dealing with the situation.
Coping with diabetes together. Nutritional access for children with type 1 diabetes requires a great deal of knowledge and self-control. Families that do this best tend to have everyone follow the same diet.
Consult your doctor
- How will the diabetes care team work?
- What professionals will come to care for the child?
- What are some ways to manage diabetes that will benefit the child?
- What are the goals of treating the disease?
- What are the goals for treating the disease?
- When do I need to seek immediate medical attention? When should I take my child to the emergency room?
- How should I contact a professional for advice? Can I still contact them after work?