Embarrassing Illnesses

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher. Although living with type 1 diabetes means coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting to grips with treatment and making adjustments to daily life, the normal and healthy life you wanted for your child is still possible.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes.

• Get the knowledge. Make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you want of your healthcare team. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your healthcare team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills. Make sure you're confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels.
• Know what care to expect. Your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team (and not just in a general paediatric clinic). You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers for your healthcare team in case of emergencies.
• Get emotional support and start talking. Feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. Ask your healthcare team about local support groups or if they can put you in touch with another parent. Diabetes UK has trained counsellors who can give support. Call the Careline on 0845 120 2960, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Work with your child’s school and teachers. Agree on a healthcare plan for your child, with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when, and whether a private area is available if your child isn't comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider are: sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure that the head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved.
• Make sure life goes on. Let your child and yourself experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can't be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they’re getting your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely: diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.