Just being a kid and having diabetes, well those are two things that do not mix too well. You can't just be a kid, and indulge in candy, treats, and goodies without giving yourself insulin.
I write this post because we are going through a stage with my oldest son, Clifford where he is sneaking into Candy and 'goodies' and not bolusing for these.
He's never been restricted on what he can eat, I've never told him no, unless a good reason (like candy for breakfast), but yet he still feels the need to sneak and indulge to the extreme. But when you think about it, how can we tell them they are 'still just a kid' and turn around and punish them for 'just being a kid'?
I ask this question, because I am curious as to what others are doing, or have done previously. His sneaking has led to some deep talks about
- mortality,
- complications,
- and consequences.
He heard the story of his diagnosis, and how heart wrenching it was on his family, and myself. He was told that while his diagnosis of diabetes wasn't his fault and he couldn't control it, he could however control the food he is putting in his mouth. And with each bite of food unbolused (no insulin given), he is putting himself a step closer to being back in that hospital bed unconscious, or worse.
I’d like to say this sneaking phase is a new thing but it’s not, we’ve been going through it on and off for almost three years now with my son. It’s a shame that it even has to be an issue, because it truly is something that every kid does at one point or another, but unfortunately for those with diabetes you have to give yourself insulin or any food that you eat, and when you don’t, you suffer.
You suffer from the effects initially from feeling bad from a high blood sugar, but you can also suffer down the road from complications of diabetes as well. It’s a game of chance when you don’t give yourself insulin. And this is something we still struggle with getting through to my son.
I’m 33 years old and still haven't fully accepted my own mortality, so how am I supposed to accept that of my child, and worse how is a 12-year-old supposed to do it?
This is another post for another time, especially if you are new to the world of Diabetes and haven’t yet had to have the ‘mortality talk’ with a child, or loved one. I will definitely write a post on how I had that same talk with my child when he was a young boy and how we handled it.
The Downside of Diabetes
Unfortunately, it all comes with the territory when you are in the D game. I'd love to post an upbeat, fun and friendly, laughs and giggles post about D today, but sadly I cannot. All I can do is post what we are going through in hopes that it reaches someone that might be going through the same, to let them know they are not alone. I cannot provide you with the right advice on what to do. I can only tell you these 'talks' you will have with your child will be difficult (to say the least), they will tug, and almost rip out your heart strings, but they are so very important.
Additional information:
Just being a kid is a wonderful concept, and while we strive to keep that happening every day, sadly it's not always possible. You cannot just be a kid, and go through the painful daily ordeal that kids with diabetes go through. Kids with diabetes are forced to grow up way too soon. All we can do as their parents or family members is support them. Let them know we are hear, that we love them, and do our best to teach them the responsibility that comes along with this disease.
And that my friends are just another day in the life of diabetes.....................
TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Christine Traxler MD on May 30, 2020
