If the child rejects one food, offer something else, or offer juice or milk instead. School-age children want to be like their peers. Talk with your health care team about how to help your child. Some children are comfortable openly talking about their diabetes care while others prefer to keep it private. For the teenager with diabetes, having to take insulin, check blood sugar, and use a meal plan is bothersome.
Diabetes often adds to the normal difficulties of growing up.
A relationship with an adult outside the family, such as a teacher, coach or health professional may provide the teenager with the extra support he or she needs. Staff at your child's school need to know about your child's diabetes. At the beginning of the school year, ask for a conference with your child's teachers, coaches, the school nurse, the principal, and other school staff. This way, everyone hears the same information at the same time and questions can be answered. Work with your child's school to prepare a written plan.