Teens and Diabetes

Teenagers and young adults are in the process of taking full responsibility for their own health care. As adults, they will have to practice diabetes self-management and make more decisions about their own health care needs. Parents, and the rest of the family, can help make the transition to adult health care a smooth one.

Feelings and stress

Everyone has a bad day once in a while, and having diabetes may make bad days seem worse. There are many teens dealing with diabetes every day. Most of the time, they're no problem to deal with. But sometimes they may feel sad, angry, or afraid.

Diabetes may make teens feel alone and different. They may be teased at school for being overweight, or for having to use insulin during school hours. They may blame themselves or their family for their diabetes. Almost everyone with diabetes has felt this way at some point in life.

Communication

Keep the lines of communication open. Simply speaking to someone makes it easier to know when something is wrong. Communication is a two-way street. It is the best way to help and to be helped. Teens should be able to talk to family members, friends in the neighborhood or at school, a teacher or guidance counselor, or a doctor or diabetes educator.

Friends

As teenagers grow more independent, they will need to make choices when it comes to friendship. It may be difficult for teens when friends do not understand diabetes. Teens should be able to explain diabetes to their friends without fear of teasing. Choosing friends who offer understanding and support is important. It may be helpful to meet new friends who also have diabetes. Clinics and hospitals often have support groups for teens with diabetes. There are also summer camps for teens that need to lose weight or have diabetes.

Family support

Support from the rest of the family is important. It is helpful for the family to choose to eat healthy foods. It may also be helpful for the whole family to be active together. This can help everyone get exercise, relax, and lower stress. Remember, things that are healthy for people with diabetes are also healthy for everyone in the family.

Goals

It is a good idea for teens to get involved in decisions about diabetes care. Setting a goal is a good way to start. Goals may start small, such as the decision to drink fewer regular sodas. After the first goal is reached, the next goal may be a little harder. Whenever a goal is accomplished, there could be a small reward.

For more support

For more support, sign up for Cornerstones4Care.com. You'll get ongoing support, tips, and tools for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and their caregivers. Sign up now.