Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Childhood","Childhood diabetes is when the pancreas in a child does not produce enough insulin on its own. In order to survive, insulin injections need to be incorporated as well as diet regulation. If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, find support and share your experiences here. Caring for a child with diabetes is challenging. We're here for you."

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justmetx 10/30/2015

My son was diagnosed 5 years ago with type1 diabetes. Our challenge right now with him is that he has been hiding snacks and eating during the night, or day when he goes to his room to do his school work. Also, found 2 bottles of insulin that he has taken at some point (his dad an I not together, lives between us two). He admitted to self medicating when he eats these snacks. We were concerned because his blood sugars have been low prior to his dad finding the empty wrappers and medicine.
The advice I am needing is what can I do to help my son before he hurts himself?

Thanks for any replies...unfortunately, I see this isn't an active group. But I am in desperate need here...please.

rennybee 11/08/2015

Ugggg teens... I myself have a two year old with diabetes.. I have different issues. Talking with the Doctor I am told that all sorts of new issues come up with teens and diabetes. I have heard that girls will lower insulin to lose weight. After hearing this story I am seeing the pattern that teens start to explore the control they have. I would suggest finding support groups of other parents who have teen diabetics too. Could ask your diabetes team where they are. I'm sure even Facebook has a group. There might be a handful of tips and coping skills they will have to offer from experience.

cap3991 11/20/2015

I'm 22 now and had diabetes for 10 years now. I can't speak for your son obviously, but I lived through the whole puberty/teenage boy with diabetes thing so I might be able to offer some insight.
I did a very similar thing when I was going through high school, and in retrospect, it was all because I wanted some control over myself. I'd sneak snacks before my parents got home from work and when they went to bed. I knew I could hurt myself with this, but I felt like I knew my body and diabetes well enough to know that I wouldn't actually get hurt. Of course, even though I thought I knew what I was doing, that's probably where my mom got all of her grey hair.
My best advice is to talk to your son about a couple of things. Like how well does he know his diabetes? There's a chance that he just feels comfortable with himself, despite the low blood sugars. If that's the case, you can work from there to try and mediate a solution, such as him at least telling or texting you when he does self-medicate. Does your son use an insulin pump, or shots?

petefromstralia 11/22/2015

I sympathise with what you are going through. I have had type 1 diabetes since 1973. I've had many close calls with low blood sugar levels after snacking and then taking insulin. It is very dangerous. Looking back in hindesight, this activity ruined much of my life. It ruined my education, my career choices and nearly killed me. I can only suggest that your son snacks on very low carbohydrate foods if anything.

setheaspidell13 01/29/2016

I've been through this personally. The best thing that you can do for your son is tell him its okay. At that age, the worst fear we have is our parents being disappointed in us. If he wants to have a snack, let him but just make sure that he checks his glucose before he eats a snack and that he takes medication to adjust for the snack. If you are worried about low sugars, have him check his sugar about 15 to 30 minutes after he had taken the medication.

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