Caring for a Teen

Diabetes can make the traditional rites of passage – like learning how to drive and dating – challenging for teens, but you can help them through it. As a parent of a teen with diabetes, guiding them through adolescence means keeping both of you informed and educated. Together with the support of your teen’s school and healthcare team, you can help your teen stay healthy.

Supporting your teen starts with educating yourself about diabetes. For simple tips you can use each day, check out our Guide for Parents series, powered by the motivational coaches at Fit4D.

Support
After being diagnosed with diabetes, it’s common to experience a wide range of emotions, from anger, to denial, to a feeling of hopelessness. These feelings are normal and are a part of your teen’s ability to cope. If your teen feels that he/she cannot work out the feelings or they get in the way of being able to manage diabetes, it is important to get some help. Many people with diabetes may experience depression, which can be treated so that it does not prevent them from managing their diabetes effectively.

Your Teen’s Friends & Family
Friends and family are an important part of your teen’s support team. It’s a good idea to have you and other family members attend diabetes-education classes with your teen. This will not only give your teen a second set of eyes and ears, but your teen will have someone to rely on who understands all the aspects of a diabetes management plan.

Your Teen’s Healthcare Team
Remember, your teen is the most important person on his/her diabetes care team, but they are not alone. There are a variety of healthcare professionals who can help your teen manage diabetes. To learn about key members of your teen’s healthcare team, go to our resources section.

Sources: WebMD  ADA