my son is angry over diabetes, he's 12.?

Question

He is getting very angry and crys. He said he lays in bed at night and asks God what he did to deserve D. It breaks my heart. I've gotten him a book written by a 14yr old boy with D, and I see that he's been reading it.
When he goes to Univ of Md, I'm going to ask the Dr's there for some advice?
Also, no groups close to here, and I found a website, but he doesn't seem interested.
Any comments, suggestions?

Thanks so much everyone, all the answers were so nice.
*no, we live in MD not Romania.

Answer 1

He's being and acting his age. Nobody likes being diabetic. Because of his youth, one of the things you may use is the insulin pump. It's easy to hide and provides very good blood sugar control. Check it out since there are many such devices.

Answer 2

Angry is good at this point it means that he understands that this is serious, now he just needs to get to the point that he realizes that his life is not over. My husband developed childhood onset (type 1) when he was 22. Talk about angry! Now he is getting even by keeping everything as closely under control as possible so that he can live a good long time.

He can't drive a semi (which he doesn't want to do) scuba dive (but he loves to snorkel) or get a pilots license (but he can still learn to fly). There are tons of famous people who have diabetes, seeing how little this is actually going to limit him could help. Asking the doctors for advice is great, they should be able to put this in a whole new light for him.

If you Google "famous people with diabetes" you can come up with some pretty amazing stuff.

We do need better support groups for diabetics and their families, because most people just can't relate to the perfectly natural fears that your son is having.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I really don't have any suggestions, I just really sympothize! I got diabetes when I was 4 and went through the whole denial phase as an adolescent. I was eating and drinking anything I wanted, whenever I wanted and not worrying about my bloodsugar levels or insulin intake. My family situation didn't help at all either. There are several camps you might look into sending him to that can help, the one I went to was Texas Lions Camp in Kerville. But I don't know where you live. Fortunately today I'm 27, living in a much better enviroment and taking better care of myself, amd hoping to get on the pump soon. You can e-mail me if you wish or have any questions at [e-mail].

Answer 5

I agree with mrkcoac2002. Getting diabetes is nobodys fault. I've been suffering from type 1 diabetes since i was 7 1/2. Try putting him in conseling or therapy, they will help him understand he should not be angry from getting diabetes and let him know he's not suffering alone though this.

Answer 6

That is hard for him, but what about people who have a problem that nobody acknowledges, like reactive hypoglycemia? People just blame me all the time for having a bad attitude and I have to hide my racing heart, closing eyes, nausea, sweating and panic.

Then if I let it show by accident, I am blamed. But the others with diabetes can openly say they have diabetes and are not feeling well. Nobody faults them. My problem is unknown, undocumented and unproven, and for many people, it is the same.

Diabetes is managable w/ medication and understood by the general public. My condition is not. He doesn't know how lucky he is. He has a mother to care for him. My parents don't believe me at all and they blame me, too.

Try to get him to see what he does have in life and how much God has blessed him. Maybe that will help.

Answer 7

I understand his feelings completely......I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 9. I was angry confused and mad at the world & God. How could he do this to me? It took some time but gradually I came to accept my condition. I have had diabetes for 28 years now. It is going to take some hard work for your family and for him to maintain his blood sugar levels.....The good news is that there have been so many wonderful advances in treating diabetes and in helping to control glucose levels. He can live a full wonderful life. Try to help him understand that God makes mountains so we can learn how to climb. I have learned to not only accecpt my diabetes but make it a positive part of my life......it makes me appreciate every day....I like to help other people with diabetes and their families by sharing my experiences......it has really helped shape the person I am today in a positive way. I am also confidant that with all the research that has been done that a cure is just around the corner........Good luck I will pray for him and your family to find the path to a happy and healthy life!

Answer 8

When my boyfriend was diagnosed at 13 he was also very depressed. He found out Halle Berry is a Type 1 diabetic, and he realized that anyone can get it. He STILL thinks they are "diabetic soul mates"!! And he's 21.

I will also recommend talking to a doctor about getting your son an insulin pump. If his sugars are under control and he is otherwise healthy, he may be able to get one. They make a diabetics life so much easier, and it also makes them feel more "normal".

Good luck.... I will be praying for you both!

Answer 9

I don't know if there's any of these where you live, but here in texas there's camps for teens with Diabetes. It's an AWESOME way of meeting ppl and knowing you're not alone. I'd advise you to check in on that. My bf has dibetes too, and it's just something you have to learn to live with. It doesn't make you a freak of any sort. Make sure he KNOWS that.

Answer 10

my husband has it since he was 9. he didnt look after it 4 years but he does now but even on days when he feels fine he still gets angry about it any1 would. just do as much as you can to help make sure he looks after it. i think everything happens 4 a reason and you might not no what the reason is but for my husband i no that he is better of with diabetes then without it i no thats a strange thing 2 say but its the truth. your son will come around when it starts becoming a routine it will just be part of his life and if he looks after it theres no reason he cant do things he always did. but you prob shouldnt get on his case about eating the right things yet he'll realise on his own that he'll feel worse not eating right.