How do I handle feelings when a teenager is diagnosed with diabetes?

Question

I was diagnosed in January 2007 with type one and I'm almost 15.

Answer 1

Im sorry to hear that. DIabites runs in my family too, i have a high chance of gettting it. well keep a journal, and have a stress ball. thats what some people in my family do.

Answer 2

WOW, you and my son have a lot in common. He was dx last January ('06) and he will be 15 in May, so he's had type 1 for just over a year now.

He's had a tough time. Diabetes (D) changes your whole life. And life is not easy right now...you've got school, sports, friends, parents, etc. to deal with and D complicates all that. You can't do anything until you take care of your D first and it can get very annoying. Plus I'm sure you want to just pig out like a normal teenager, but those days are pretty much over. And D is such a balancing act. You have to think of how the insulin, diet and exercise all work together. The high readings tend to make you feel bad and the low readings mean you DO feel bad. My son has had a few readings under 40 and that's scary.

All you can do is read, read, read about D and take one day at a time. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, many diabetics know just how you feel and are more than happy to give you advice and encouragement.

Also, I commend you on reaching out...my son isn't ready to really discuss his condition and I feel badly for him because no one in our family has D and none of his friends do. He has felt isolated and angry and is just now coming to terms with the disease and he manages it 100% now. I'm very proud of him.

And remember, being diabetic is just a part of who you are. It does not define you. If there is any "beauty" in the disease, it is that you can control it, it doesn't have to control you. You can do whatever you want, just take care of D first.

God bless.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I wish I could tell you. Last fall they tested my daughter and thought that she had type 2 diabetes and she will be 15 next week. At first it is really hard and over whelming and scary and I know we both were very upset & cried alot. We have been lucky so far, they did more blood work and they told us she is pre-diabetic. We have done alot with diet (no more than 2-3 carbs per meal) smaller portions, more excersize, and she is taking medicine for now to help stablize her sugar through out the day. It seems to be higher in the morning...

I access the ADA website, talk to a health coach through our insurance, and talk alot with a friend that is diabetic. All these things help. Learning and getting active and doing something about it helped the most though. Good luck...although being diabetic is hard and means that you really have to pay attention to your body it isn't the end of the world...you can live a long healthy nomal life with diabetes. Best wishes...

Answer 5

I have blood sugar issues (insulin resistance and hypoglycemia), though I luckily don't have diabetes. I'm sorry to hear you have to deal with Type I--that sucks, dude.

I guess, just think about life as what you CAN do, rather than what you can't do. Sounds cheezy, but there's no sense in focusing on all the things you can't eat or do or whatever. It's not like, if you think really hard, you can change reality about having diabetes.

And stand up for yourself, with others or yourself. When you want to do something harmful, remember that there can be serious consequences to straying from what you need to do. Mind your testing, your shots, your diet, your alcohol (hey, I'm telling you for later, NOT NOW!!!), your stress level. A lot of people won't pay attention to what's best for you, so you always have to look out for your own needs.

Try to channel your anger and frustration into something helpful. Asking and answering questions on Yahoo Answers or other sites can be a good way to spread and receive information and support. You're not alone--see if you can find some good support in person or online. When you get tempted, try to do ANYTHING else but give in--scream, call somebody, rant online, think of a way to support diabetes research.

It wasn't long ago that people with diabetes just died. There was no insulin, no meds, no way to help them deal with their hormonal needs. Science has come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. Maybe you can get motivated about moving diabetes treatment forward--since you have it, you have a personal stake in making lives better for those who have diabetes.

I used to be super-pessimistic about life in general. But it's no way to be. I know it may sound sappy or hokey or whatever, but when you run up against problems, assume that you'll fix it or learn to live with it and it'll be OK. Don't just assume that diabetes will destroy your life--it doesn't have to! This is a pretty good time for diabetics, and you have help for your condition.

Good luck and keep moving forward.

Answer 6

I was 14 when I was diagnosed with diabetes back in 2005. It was hard for me at first to get used to not being able to eat and drink the things I was used to, and having to be on strict guidelines as far as testing and getting insulin.

One thing to remember is that you can still live a normal life, and the diabetes is manageable. Your friends and family will support you with it too.

Email me if you would like to discuss it more. I have lots of experience to share.

Answer 7

Hi,
You were indeed dxed at a difficult time in your life.
The best thing you can do is meet up with other teens who also have diabetes.
Ask your parents to help you look for groups on line for teens and ask your doctor if he/she knows any support groups for teens.
It is overwhelming to be dxed with diabetes at any age.It takes time to get used to.
Diabetes is a self care disease. You are in charge of your care under the advisement of doctors , dietitians and diabetes educators.
Once you get a handle on things, you will feel less helpless .
Take your time.It is hard and you have every right to be mad.
Be Well.

Answer 8

i know personally that diabetes is very hard to deal with and very stressful at the beginning. just hang in there, it will become easier once you have more experience, and soon it will become a normal part of your life. i recommend that you dont hide it from your friends because they can be a big help, even if they dont have diabetes themselves, they can help you count carbs and things and just listen to your problems. also, i would definitely recommend getting a pump. it makes life soooo much easier and gives you so much more freedom. im 16, have had type one for 6 years and been a pumper for five, and the pump really changed my life.

Answer 9

diabetes run in my family too, so i know how it feel my dad was it and one of my aunt's die from it