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We have a 15 y/o son that is having a lot of highs (300-500)and a few lows. He is on the pump and was diagnosed 2 years ago. He started out really good and responsible but is now not checking himself on a regular basis and has to be told repeatedly to check himself, dose, change his pod, etc. He also has open lunch at school and eats a lot of snacks after school. He refuses to eat most healthy food. We are stumped on how to handle this especially since he will only get more independent from here on out and we will have less monitoring. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Responses
Laura Plunkett says
I have a few different strategies to recommend:
1. The carrot - Remind your son he will feel much better if he tests and boluses regularly. In order to motivate him to develop better habits, you can agree on something he really wants - new clothes, a videogame - and then decide what schedule of testing and taking insulin he needs to earn it. My son is seventeen and we did this with him successfully when he was younger. Once the new behavior becomes habit (and your son remembers what it feels like to have good blood sugar control) then you no longer need the system.
2. The stick - Your son is nearing driving age and most boys will do anything to drive. You might want to remind him that it isn't safe to drive or pursue getting a license until his blood sugars are within a good range. You could offer a meeting with a good nutritionist as a way to start moving toward the driving goal.
3. Teenagers often listen to other adults more clearly than their parents. Your son's coach, school nurse and endocrinologist might be willing to speak to him and encourage him to take good care of himself. My son checks in with his school nurse every day at lunch, which gives her a chance to monitor his self-care.
4. Avoid buying any snacks for the house that you don't consider healthy.That way, he can eat whatever is available without restriction before and after school. I have a lot of tips for helping kids eat healthier foods on my web site, www.challengeofdiabetes.com.
All my best,
Laura
Gary Scheiner says
Sounds like your teenager is like just about every other when it comes to "taking responsibility" for the diabetes. It is not usually realistic to expect a teenager to take sole responsibility for his/her diabetes; they need structured supervision until the point at which they are living independently. That said, I would recommend that you establish a set of policies that he must follow in terms of checking BG, bolusing, etc... When policy is not followed, there should be ramifications that are enforced strictly. Performing diabetes self-management tasks is not unlike his other responsibilities (chores, schoolwork, etc...). There should be consequences for his actions. The harder job is yours -- overseeing him and enforcing the rules in a matter-of-fact, non-judgmental way is not easy!
