Diabetes is undoubtedly a family affair. When those closest to the person with diabetes learn how to adapt to the unique needs of their loved one, everyone benefits. Here you will learn about specific issues that commonly arise for couples, parents and siblings when living in close proximity to someone with diabetes.
Fortunately, disability laws protect children with type 1 diabetes from discrimination in the classroom and in day care. It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of a disability. Though some people might not consider diabetes to be a “disability” in the same category as someone with a spinal cord injury, diabetes, the same laws apply.
Having a diabetes school plan ensures that your child gets appropriate medical care at school. To do this, you'll need two important documents. The first is a Section 504 Plan, which should specifically state what is expected of each school staff member who interacts with your child. The other is a diabetes management plan, which specifies the orders from your health care provider regarding your …
To ensure that your child gets appropriate diabetes medical care at school, you’ll need two important documents. First, you’ll need a Section 504 Plan, which should state specifically what is expected of each school staff member who interacts with your child.The second document that is needed is called a diabetes management plan which specifies the orders from your health care provider regarding your child’s diabetes management needs.
Preventing diabetes discrimination at school or day care is something every parent of a child with type 1 diabetes should be involved in. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes discrimination against a child with disabilities illegal if that public or private school or day care receives federal funds. Though section 504 does not exclusively pertain to diabetes, children with type 1 diabetes are protected under this Act.
There are federal laws that protect your child from discrimination as it relates to type 1 diabetes. Though some people might not consider diabetes to be a “disability” in the same category as someone with a spinal cord injury who has lost use of their legs, the same laws apply to both.
Preventing Diabetes Discrimination at School should be a priority for parents. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination due to disability, including type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes discrimination at school is more common than you might think. There are certain laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that can help parents prevent discrimination against their child and themselves on the job.
When a teen has diabetes he or she is two to three times more likely to experience depression than adolescents who do not have diabetes. Learn what the primary symptoms are and how you can get your teen the help they need.
Sometimes it is difficult to accurately assess whether your teen is experiencing depression or the common fluctuating moods that go with hormonal changes in adolescence. Here is a brief questionnaire that can help you make that call.
Treating depression in teens with diabetes follows a similar path as that applied to adults. But there are some special considerations. Learn the best treatment approaches for teens struggling with both depression and diabetes.
Teens go through many changes both physically and emotionally as they grow. Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between the normal hormonal fluctuations of adolescence and real depression. You know your child better than anyone. What specific behaviors have you noticed in your teen that cause you to suspect or confirm the presence of a depressive mood?
Adolescence can be a difficult time for both parent and child. Add diabetes to the mix and it can at times seem overwhelming. Depression often makes diabetes more difficult for teens to manage than it needs to be. As a parent, what strategies or treatments have you tried and recommend to help combat depressive symptoms that are common among teens living with diabetes?
Coping with a Child's Low Blood Sugar Reaction. If you are the parent of a child with diabetes, you know the anxiety and panic that goes along with sudden low blood sugar reactions. So much attention is focused on preventing these and getting your child's glucose balanced. But, what about you, the parent. How do these reactions affect you both physically and emotionally? Tell us your stories.
Fear of needles for children with type 1 diabetes is serious business. But there are devices specifically designed to help children and teens who are fearful of needles. Find out what they are and how they might be able to help your child.
Fear of needles would be a concern to any parent of a child with type 1 diabetes. You know that blood sugar checks and insulin shots are not negotiable. So, how do you cope with your child's fear and also practice ongoing management. Learn five sound tips to help with these fears.
Prescription Assistance Programs may be able to help pay for diabetes-related supplies, such as glucose meters, test strips, insulin or other medications. Learn more and gain access to a list of companies that provide prescription assistance programs for diabetes supplies.
You should not try to manage your child's diabetes alone. Fortunately, we live in a time when there are many specially trained diabetes professionals who can help us. Learn who these team members are and how you can use them to your advantage.
As a parent of a child or teen with type 1 diabetes, it's one thing to learn the physical tasks associated with diabetes management but quite another to manage the emotional and social aspects that inevitably need attending to. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation has a good introduction to some of these important issues and how you can begin to approach them.
Learning the basic skills required to effectively manage type 1 diabetes in your child is no small challenge. But with a clear understanding of the task ahead, it can be done well and consistently. Learn the five most basic skills for effective management in this article.
You assume and hope that your child's school personnel will know how to respond to your child's diabetes-related needs. Instead of leaving it to chance, read this excellent guide by the National Diabetes Education Program that is designed to educated school personnel about children with diabetes. Then, give it to your child's school.
Sometimes just knowing others are facing the same challenges you are can be great encouragement. Children with Diabetes offers a number of parent forums to ask questions, learn about diabetes and find support.
