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Supporting a Diabetic Teenager: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know

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Diabetes (Type I or II) is a health condition that modern society is all too familiar with. It is a chronic metabolic disease in which the patient’s blood glucose is too high. This condition is caused due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.

In some cases, the patient’s body may not be using up the insulin effectively. Generally, diabetes is considered to be a disease of the aged. Older and middle-aged adults are at most risk of developing this disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes affects nearly 422 million people worldwide. 

This disease leads to millions of deaths every year. What’s even worse is that it is no longer an age-related condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the youth (aged 20 years and younger) are developing diabetes.

This is a growing problem (which needs to be addressed at the earliest). Do you have a teenager/adolescent who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes? If yes, we understand how stressful and overwhelming the whole thing can be.

As a caregiver, your teen will lean on you for support. In this article, we will discuss four ways parents/caregivers can help their diabetic teen to successfully manage the condition.

Dramatic Surge in Diabetes among the Youth

The most important question is whether young people can develop a condition as serious as diabetes. It is predominantly a lifestyle disease, which means it is most likely to affect people with a highly sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and lack of regular exercise.

This may not always be the case, as some genetic factors can also contribute to the onset. Largely, it is difficult to box diabetes into a certain age barrier. Though considered to be a disease of aging, this condition has affected the youth significantly.

The CDC reveals a study conducted to observe the increasing rate of diabetes among young people (aged 20 and under). Besides the current status, the study helped predict the possible trend for 2060 based on mathematical models.

It was found that at the current rate, Type I cases would remain the same in the upcoming years, but Type II cases would rise by 70%. However, if new diabetes cases among the youth continue to rise (as they have in recent years), Type I cases would increase by 65% and Type II by 700%. This is shocking, to say the least.

In the overall analysis, it is believed that we may see more and more young people developing this condition in the next 40 years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis among the youth is found to be 13 years. One can only imagine the scenario if this trend remains, or worse yet, continues to rise.

How Parents/Caregivers Can Extend Support for Disease Management

If your teen has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is natural to feel helpless and overwhelmed. Let’s start by clarifying that medical science does not deem diabetes to be curable. However, it can be managed well with a good prognosis through dietary and lifestyle changes, weight management, etc.

Now, we will look at four effective ways in which you can support your teen’s disease management journey.

Avoid the Blame + Shame Route

It cannot be stressed enough that the first step in the road to diabetes management begins with creating a safe and non-judgmental space for your teen. Being as young as they are, such a diagnosis can carry with it a lot of shame (especially if poor lifestyle choices are the cause).

Refrain from treating their blood sugar number as a constant grade system. As much as you want to fix their problem, choose the route of empathy and compassion first. Let them vent and acknowledge the fact that this disease takes a toll on one’s mood.

Simply asking them what you can do to support them better will go a long way. Keep in mind that what feels like support to one person may not be so to another. So, let your teen steer the ship and listen to their needs closely.

Seek Professional Help

As the primary caregiver and supporter, you need to educate yourself about the disease. However, this happens best with the help of a professional healthcare team. The best part is that you do not need a physician to monitor progress at all times.

Nurse practitioners with a post-master’s FNP certificate online or offline are exclusively trained in chronic lifestyle disease management. Two key areas of focus for these healthcare professionals are patient education and preventative care.

In the case of your teen, they will educate you on the necessary steps to take for optimal health. According to Carson-Newman University, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are skilled at holistic advanced nursing and will assess any lifestyle behaviors or genetic factors that may contribute to this illness.

They will keep track of progress, glycemic control, meal planning, and exercise to keep blood glucose levels under check, prevent complications, and manage weight effectively.

Become Healthier Together as a Family

In many cases, it is found that a young person’s poor lifestyle choices are simply an extension of their family. This means you must take a long hard look at everyone’s dietary choices (not just your teen).

An example would be the refrigerator being stocked with soda cans and other sugary drinks. If your adolescent watches you consume all that junk regularly, it is less likely that they will want to eat or drink healthier for disease management.

It’s time to make a healthy lifestyle a team effort. Whether at home or dining outside, make it a practice to choose nutritious food options. Also, look up some delicious diabetic-friendly recipes online and prepare them together as a family. Throw out all food items that have a high amount of sugar (and artificial ingredients).

Also, plan a fun outing that involves a lot of jogging, running, and playing. When your teenager sees that all family members are participating in a healthier lifestyle (albeit in a fun way), they will feel encouraged to join in.

Celebrate the Wins (Big + Small)

We understand that supporting a teenager in diabetes management can be stressful and exhausting, to say the least. This only goes on to show how much more overwhelming it will be for the one suffering from it.

Your teen needs the constant reassurance that every little effort they make towards recovery matters. So, waste no time and celebrate all their milestones (no matter how big or small). Perhaps they were able to go a week without consuming their favorite sports beverage – give them a high-five for it!

Nothing will motivate them to keep pressing forward than knowing that you’re their biggest cheerleader. Speaking to them with optimism and respect will build their self-esteem and encourage them to make more positive changes.

Finally, there will be times when mere listening will not yield the desired results. For instance – you may observe some atypical changes in your teen’s weight, appetite, energy levels, or mood. When that’s the case, express your concerns in a non-judgmental way.

An example would be asking them to join in any enjoyable activity when you find them isolating themselves or becoming depressed. Something as fun as hiking or a family movie should help lift their spirits.

Finally, it is vital for you as the caregiver to manage stress, eat well, and take plenty of rest. Do not hesitate to ask for family or professional help if the going gets rough. Parents and their teens aren’t perfect, and that’s perfectly alright. Do your best, celebrate the victories, and keep moving forward. It’s all about taking it one day at a time.

The post Supporting a Diabetic Teenager: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know appeared first on United Patients Group.



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This State’s Cannabis Revenue Keeps Pouring In

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States are starting to scramble with looming budget deficients, but marijuana is a boon to some – especially one state.

The new federal administration is revamping how the government operates. With Doge, they are changing agencies and reducing services and support of states, which has left budget deficients in many. But some states have legal marijana and it has been a boon, for like alcohol…people are still consuming. States who are fully legal are making more money on weed than booze and this state’s cannabis revenue keeps pouring in. Missouri, the show me state, is being shown unexpected revenue.

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“Due to a strong cannabis market and effective, efficient regulation of that market,” Amy Moore, director of the Missouri Division of Cannabis Regulation, told The Independent this week, “the funds available for the ultimate beneficiaries of the cannabis regulatory program continue to outpace expectations.”

Funds will help veterans and other key projects. The other benefit is as seen in data from legal states, teen use is down so it frees up some other funds.  Legal states are seeing benefits from legal cannabis including lower teen use and crime reduction.

States with legal cannabis are experiencing a significant boost in tax revenue, surpassing those generated by alcohol sales. This trend highlights the economic benefits of marijuana legalization, as cannabis markets expand and mature.

In California, cannabis excise taxes have consistently outperformed alcohol-related taxes, bringing in over double the revenue. Colorado has seen even more striking results, with marijuana tax revenues totaling seven times those of alcohol. Similarly, Massachusetts has collected more tax revenue from marijuana than alcohol since fiscal year 2021, marking a notable shift in state finances.

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Nationally, legal cannabis states generated nearly $3 billion in excise taxes on marijuana in 2021—20% more than alcohol taxes. By 2024, total adult-use cannabis tax revenue exceeded $20 billion, with states like Illinois and Washington reporting record-breaking contributions. Illinois alone collected $451.9 million from cannabis taxes in fiscal year 2022—one-and-a-half times the revenue from alcohol.

The funds are being put to good use. States like Illinois are channeling marijuana tax dollars into mental health services and community programs, while Colorado has invested nearly $500 million into public education. California has allocated millions to nonprofits addressing the impacts of the war on drugs.

This growing revenue stream underscores the potential of cannabis legalization to support vital public services and bolster state economies. As more states embrace regulated marijuana markets, the financial benefits are expected to continue flourishing.



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How Hemp Helps You Sleep

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Not everyone has access to marijuana to help them sleep – good news, hemp is available.

it’s estimated 50 to 70 million Canadian and American adults experience sleep disorders or disturbances, and about one-third of adults don’t regularly get the recommended amount. Hemp has emerged as a promising natural remedy for those seeking better sleep. With its calming properties and potential to address various sleep-related issues, hemp-derived products are gaining popularity among individuals looking to improve their rest. Here is how hemp helps you sleep.

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Hemp contains several compounds contributing to better sleep quality. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of hemp, has shown potential in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can often interfere with a good night’s rest. Studies suggest that CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night.

When formulated and used properly, preliminary research and user reports suggest that hemp gummies improve subjective sleep quality. Users of quality hemp sleep gummies report feeling more rested, a better quality of sleep and fewer awakenings in the night. However, clinical research has shown that over consumption of THC negatively impacts the quality of sleep, especially with long term use.

Wana Brands has launched a hemp sleeping product nationally, Mike Hennesy, Vice President of Innovation shared the following about how it works. Naturally hemp-derived sleep gummies contain the same cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and THC as cannabis or marijuana.  These ingredients interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and sleep-wake cycles. For example, CBD may promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, CBN can relieve discomfort and reduce awakenings, while THC can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, especially at low doses. Together, they may help ease the mind and body into a sleep-ready state.

The best sleep products don’t rely on just one cannabinoid like CBN but instead use a combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other sleep-supporting ingredients such as melatonin. This is because the reasons for sleeplessness are multifaceted, and include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, chronic, pain and anxiety. Each ingredient targets different root causes as well as synergizes with the other cannabinoids and terpenes for the best night sleep.

Longer lasting formulations can actually help reduce awakenings in the night. CBN has been shown in recent research to reduce the number of times you wake up in the night. Combined with other cannabinoids they can synergize to reduce discomfort and anxiety helping consumers stay asleep.

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If you do wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep products including CBD and CBG to reduce middle of the night anxiety and racing thoughts that can keep us awake, and they have only 1mg of THC so you wake up refreshed and not high in the morning.

For most people, hemp-derived cannabinoids are considered safe and non-intoxicating, with a low risk of dependence. When THC is included in small amounts, it can produce mild effects and can help us fall asleep faster. It generally poses a minimal risk when used in moderation, but there is a potential for dependence if overused, just like with any sleep aid. Adverse events are far more prevalent in pharmaceutical and even over the counter sleep aids than with hemp-derived cannabinoids.

The key is responsible use, including starting with a low dose and taking breaks when needed. If you rely on it every night at high doses, your body may adjust, and it can be habitual. But when used in moderation and with a well-balanced formula, cannabis can be a sustainable part of a healthy sleep routine.



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Could Medical Marijuana Help Pope Francis

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The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?

He is one of the most globally well known figures and now he has health issue. The Pope resides in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and given its unique status , there is no healthcare system, medical centers, or hospitals. All patients must access clinics and hospitals in Rome for care. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has a robust healthcare system. It includes the renowned Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, which is considered one of the largest private university hospitals in Europe and the best in Italy. But it isn’t global known like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Toronto General. Thinking outside the box, could medical marijuana help Pope Francis?

As the Pope continues his recovery from pneumonia and mild kidney issues, medical experts are exploring innovative treatments that could potentially aid in his healing process. One such treatment gaining attention is medical marijuana, which has shown promise in addressing various health conditions.

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Medical marijuana might offer relief for Pope Francis’s respiratory challenges. Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. While smoking cannabis is not recommended for respiratory conditions, alternative delivery methods such as vaporization or edibles could potentially provide therapeutic benefits without irritating the lungs

gold and multicolored cathedral interior

As the Pope recovers, pain management is likely a key concern. Medical marijuana has shown potential as a pain adjuvant, potentially reducing the need for opioids in patients with chronic conditions. This could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients like Pope Francis, who may be more susceptible to the side effects of traditional pain medications.

Recent studies have explored the relationship between cannabis and kidney function. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that cannabis does not negatively affect kidney function in healthy individuals. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), careful monitoring and dosage adjustment may be necessary to ensure safe use.

Medical marijuana has been associated with improvements in various symptoms that could enhance the Pope’s quality of life during recovery. These include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. Such benefits could contribute to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.

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While the potential benefits of medical marijuana are intriguing, it’s important to approach any treatment the same caution as any elderly patient. A personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with medical professionals, would be essential to ensure safety and efficacy. As the world watches the Pope’s recovery, the consideration of medical marijuana as a complementary treatment option offers a ray of hope. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on specific conditions, the potential benefits for pain management, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being make it an intriguing possibility.



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