The Diabetes Journey of Children
I had a friend during middle and high school who had diabetes. I never knew it. We rode the bus to school together every day, and not once did she ever let on she wore a monitor to keep track of her diabetic numbers.
It wasn’t until we were in our late fifties, while talking about health issues, that diabetes entered the conversation. She then shared with me she wore the device as a teen, and then showed me the device she still wears. I was wowed! She seemed so brave and accepting of ‘what just is.’
But diabetes can be scary. Statistics show that 5-10% of those who have diabetes fall into the Type 1 category and are usually children, teens and young adults. The symptoms occur rapidly and require daily insulin to manage. And, sadly, knowing how to prevent Type 1 diabetes is still a mystery.
Another friend shared her story. “Finding out I had diabetes, about scared me to death,” she explained. “I was only five, and already had been told I had some kind of seizure disorder and I was allergic to gluten and dairy. My Mom had diabetes, and I just remembered her struggling. It was awful.”
Eventually once a child (or family) gets used to the fact of the illness and learning what cam be eaten, —-or not, to keep blood sugar levels stable, makes life easier.
One of the hardest parts of it for children, is having to deal with it while in school. There are misunderstandings. It’s not a contagious condition, which some believe. But seeing someone use a glucose meter in the nurse’s office, what it is and why it’s used requires explanation. It becomes a very normal part of the daily routine.
Not being able to celebrate in the classroom when someone is celebrating a birthday or on Valentine’s Day or at Christmas when there is so much sweet stuff around, is another really tough thing for some children, who feel left out, when they can’t enjoy the treats, as well!
But managing diabetes must be the focus, once a person is diagnosed with the illness. When parents understand this fact with their child, coming to grips with their new ‘normal’ is a little easier. It’s a joint effort with caregivers, to maintain balance. It doesn’t have to be debilitating, but support can be a key element in a healthy lifestyle.
Every child (or person) is unique and each deals with illnesses differently. Some respond positively like my friend from middle/high school. Others aren’t so fortunate; and that can come from a variety of circumstances.
It’s what we do with the information we have, whether or not the journey we are on will become a ‘storm’ in life, or just a ‘wave’ in the water. Knowledge is helpful, but it’s up to us to use it to the best of our ability.
Sunday November 14, 2021 was World Diabetes Day. The theme this year is “access to diabetes care.” Even after a century of knowledge about insulin, many around the world still do not have the care they need. Ongoing care, support and understanding is vital to avoiding complications.
Let’s get on board to support those with this disease, to share the information which can be a benefit to a healthy lifestyle!
Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/diabetes/