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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.