by Katie Souris
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition in which the body eventually produces no insulin. This serious condition is fatal if left untreated. There is effective treatment, but no cure.
A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is life changing for a person of any age, but for children and their families it can be particularly hard. Managing diabetes every day is essential for a person’s survival and well-being. Taking a day off from finger pricks and insulin injections isn’t an option, and prioritizing healthy eating and physical activity is important for blood sugar control.
Annahi’s Perspective
In the following story Annahi, a young woman in foster care, shows amazing strength and self-awareness as she describes her diabetes journey from diagnosis, through denial, and ultimately, to positivity.
In her story, you’ll see that Annahi blamed herself for not managing her diabetes as a young child. This isn’t really fair. Children can’t reasonably be expected to be in charge of managing their diabetes. Managing T1D can be complicated and requires education, dedication, and a network of support. These elements must be maintained and promoted by caregivers as the child grows into maturity and self-management.
Lori Church Whitmire, a Certified Diabetes Educator, offers a helpful way of thinking for caregivers: “Until the child is ready to take care of their own basic needs,” she says, “he or she should not be assuming the responsibility for diabetes care.”
“There are things they can learn to do along the way and should learn to do along the way,” Whitmire says. “For example, I have seen children as young as three and four already learning how to test their own blood sugar. But sometimes, the child does not have the dexterity to perform the task. And even though the child may be able to perform the task, they may not understand the impact of the results. That is where the parent [caregiver] needs to step in and guide and teach.”
Caregivers Are Crucial!
Like other young children, those with T1D deserve the chance to play, explore, and learn with the guidance of loving caregivers. True, their lives will be complicated by the condition and all the energy, consideration, and adaptation it takes. Yet with support they can live happy, healthy lives.
Annahi recognizes how her current caregiver, Mary, prioritizes her well-being. Caregivers of children with Type 1 diabetes have the difficult task of being an empathetic support person while also ensuring the child completes what can be uncomfortable management tasks. What’s more, children’s management methods and routines differ, with some using injections while others wear an insulin pump. Children and caregivers must work together as new challenges arise.
Challenges and Opportunities
Caring for a child with Type 1 can be daunting because a regular schedule and frequent check-ins are so essential for these children. Yet, the experience of relating over the shared goal of blood sugar management can improve communication between caregiver and child.
Living with T1D can also help children learn to set and achieve goals and prioritize wellness from an early age. In fact, children growing up with diabetes may develop a greater appreciation for health and become more mature and independent as a result.
Helpful Resources
Caregivers of children with Type 1 diabetes can benefit from finding a support network for their children and themselves. Here are some resources you may find useful if you are caring for a child with this condition:
- TypeOneNation, a vibrant social network for people with T1D, their families, and friends. https://typeonenation.org/
- American Diabetes Association
https://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/ - TuDiabetes.org
https://www.tudiabetes.org/
Katie Souris is completing her MPH in health behavior at UNC-Chapel Hill. She’s been living with T1D for 11 years and writes about her experiences at https://thesweetadventurer.wordpress.com/
