Your Role as a
Parent
When
you discover that your child has diabetes, you will probably be very upset. Being a parent is hard work in
the best of circumstances, and your child’s diabetes will add a whole other dimension to being a parent. You
will need to learn everything you can about diabetes in addition to all your other parenting duties. This
may be overwhelming, but with patience and perseverance and the support of your child’s diabetes care team,
you will be able to help your child manage the disease so that he or she can have the disease but still do
all a child needs to do. Your child’s diabetes care team (ideally a pediatric endocrinologist, diabetes
educator, nutritionist, and psychologist) will help you, your child, and your family learn the following
survival skills for managing the diabetes:
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How to monitor the glucose
levels.
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How to recognize and treat low and
high glucose levels.
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How to adjust insulin and/or oral
medications for foods and exercise.
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How to treat the diabetes when your
child is ill.
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How to involve other family members,
other caregivers, and the staff at your child’s school.
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How to transfer responsibilities as
your child grows up.
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