by Cyndi Li

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 14, 2008

A child diagnosed with diabetes finds their whole life unwillingly, but most necessarily, changed. While it's hard to have their life altered in a fashion that restricts them from certain foods, and causes them to adhere to constant daily monitoring of glucose levels and subsequent injections, it can be just as difficult for the parents as they search for ways to deal with these issues, and retain as much normalcy to their child's life, and that of their family. Here are a few ways to help your entire family effectively manage living with a diabetic child.

Your child's reaction to diabetes will reflect yours
Although the changes to your lives are prominent, it's important to not become overwhelmed. There are thousands of families who successfully live with diabetes. Many lead normal lives in spite of the lifestyle changes associated with this illness. As difficult as it may be initially, with time and patience, these changes will become the norm, and won't impact your family so significantly. Reassure your child, their diabetes is manageable, and believe it yourself.

Work as a team
This includes parents, the afflicted child, and other children. Managing diabetes can take a toll on anyone. Elicit the help of everyone in the home (If they're old enough) with the daily diabetes rituals to lessen the load on yourselves and avoid burnout.

Reserve one-on-one time for your other children
Because your diabetic child needs so much monitoring and care, it's common for other children to feel left out. Make a point to spend some alone time with each of your children; even if it's just a quick game of hoop or reading a book.

Involve your child with the everyday rituals of their diabetic care
If they're old enough, allow your child to take a hands-on approach to managing their diabetes. Let them decide the best spot for testing. Let them operate the plunger on the syringe. They could also log their daily test result into a journal as well as keep their own food journal. Involving your child will give him/her a sense of control over their illness.

Incorporate some new and improved foods into your diet
While the families diet doesn't need to change as a whole, substituting a few food choices to match that of your child's will reduce their feelings of being different because of their illness.

Explain what diabetes is to others
Other children, especially, will probably be confused by all the changes surrounding your child. Explain what diabetes is. Why their friend can't eat certain foods, and all that goes into managing the illness. Children are much better at accepting things when they understand them.

Talk with others
Not necessarily parents of diabetic children, although that would probably bring the most relief, but talk with someone you're close to about the stresses you are experiencing.

Get some time away from it all
Parents need time to themselves even when there are no ailments present. Be sure to set aside time for yourselves, either together or separately.

Train others to care for your child
You're more apt to relax when you do get that away time if you are confident your child's needs are being met in your absence. Spend time training a few different people to care for your child properly.

Educate yourself
Understanding diabetes and the treatments for it will give you more confidence when dealing with your child's diabetes. Diabetes affects the whole family, and so it's important to care for everyone in the process.

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