That sort of control has enormous appeal for children. But all bets are off in high school. Some teens can't see the long-term threat of mismanagement. If they can test for blood sugar and inject insulin between class periods without attracting attention, fine. But since school is not an ideal setting for testing or injection, many self-conscious teens simply abandon their maintenance programs.
Teens can also use their diabetes as the tinderbox in igniting the fires of adolescent rebellion.
This tactic may succeed in redrawing the conflict area away from critical blood sugar management. Kids are especially savvy when it comes to pressing their parents' buttons and they quickly determine where the chances of real fireworks are most likely to explode. Extra credit Despite this host of challenges, treatment is getting better for children with diabetes. Increasing access to insulin pumps will further improve care. Integrated units that contain a continuous blood sugar monitor that automatically controls insulin pumps will relieve the need for both constant pin-pricking and injections.