Teens

Adolescence is a tough time for all kids and their parents. Teenagers with diabetes carry extra burdens. As the parent of a teenager with diabetes, expect some change. That child who was always so good about diabetes management may suddenly rebel against the routine. He or she may refuse to monitor blood sugar levels, go on food binges, and be evasive about test results. Your teenager may be grumpy, angry, and distant. Sexual identity and independence are challenges for many teens and their parents. For teenagers with diabetes, they present some special issues. The demands of self-care also can create unique pressures. To develop a sexual identity, a person has to accept his or her own body. While this is difficult for all teenagers, diabetes makes it even harder. After all, successful people in movies and on TV are shown as young, beautiful, and physically perfect. Teenagers with diabetes know they’re not perfect. They wonder if they’ll be accepted by the opposite sex and by their peers.

It is important for parents to be aware of their teenager’s behavior patterns, to watch for signs of depression or eating disorders, and to seek appropriate treatment. We encourage all parents to talk with their teens about avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, this is particularly important for teenagers with diabetes. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart disease and circulatory problems in people/teens with diabetes. It is important to warn your teen that excessive drinking can increase his/her risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and that symptoms of hypoglycemia can sometimes be mistaken for those of intoxication and not properly treated.

Peer Groups and Influences

Sometimes, fear of rejection will cause teen’s with diabetes to isolate themselves from their peer group. But isolation is even worse for self-esteem. If this happens to your child, you should try to break this potentially damaging cycle. To achieve independence, teenagers often form bonds with their friends. But, peer groups require conformity, and conformity creates conflict for teenagers with diabetes. How can they act just like their friends (for instance, stopping for pizza after school) and still keep control of their diabetes? Helping your child feel comfortable with the boundaries of his or her diabetes management program can be a positive step in dealing with peer pressure.

It’s Time to Drive

Finally, the day that you’ve been waiting for has arrived! You are legal to drive and as exciting as this may be it also poses a few concerns for both teens with diabetes and their parents. Remember, SAFETY for you and other individuals on the highway is of utmost importance. We encourage individuals with diabetes to advise the Mississippi Highway Patrol personnel of their condition when applying for a Driver’s License, this enables you to receive a special license that includes your diabetic condition on it which helps law officials distinguish the difference in an individual being intoxicated versus hypoglycemic. The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi also offers a special car tag for individuals with diabetes through the Mississippi State Tax Commission. To learn more about the special car tag contact your local Tax Collector or click on the link above. This is just another way to make law officials aware of your condition, thus, ensuring improved safety for all!

You never know when a car accident, road construction, or traffic jam may extend your drive that is why a person with diabetes must ALWAYS keep a snack in the vehicle. Listed below are safety tips for individuals with diabetes:

Test your blood sugar before driving.
Always wear your seat belt.
Always wear your medical ID.
Test your blood sugar about every 2 hours while driving.
Drive with a friend or family member whenever possible.
If you start to feel that your blood sugar is low, pull off the road immediately and test or eat!
Carry extra food for long trips.
Never drink and drive!
Don’t leave your insulin, strips, or meter in the vehicle for long periods of time. They are very sensitive to cold and heat.
Always carry a fast-acting sugar source (glucose tablets, jolly ranchers, etc…) in the glove compartment or console.