Problems with 10 year old diabetic daughter

Ange - posted on 10/08/2011

My daughter is eight years old, diagnosed as a Type 1 at 2 years of age, and she goes through periods of not wanting to eat, self-sabotaging her blood sugars by sneaking food and not telling her health aide at school or me at home, and reporting the wrong numbers to her health aide. When I called our doctor for help, they said this behavior is called Diabetic Burnout - when a child realizes that they're not "normal" and they're tired of the extra work, schedules, and not being able to eat what they want, when they want it. Although I understand how she feels, how do you explain long term health ramifications to an eight year old who says "mum will fix it"?

Since I'm in the same boat, I can only tell you what we're doing. We're currently seeing the social worker at our doctor's office to try to work through her frustration and anger at being a diabetic, and to get her to trully understand the ramifications of diabetes left unchecked. Her school and I have also set her up with a diabetic mentor (a senior from high school) to have recess and lunch with her once a week at school so she feels special, and so they can talk.

Good luck and I hope things have improved!

Angela

Connie - posted on 04/03/2011

Hi moms, I hope everything goes in control, don't forget to still share through here when we need support. God Bless You moms.....

Sarah - posted on 12/08/2010

My duaghter MciInley (age11) is same way. I have to remind her all the time to test. We find her sneaking food all the time. She drives me crazy with all the things she does. We try to explain to her that it is just hurting and making it more difficult for herself. It just does not seem to get through to her. I am sure my daughter would love to chat with your daughter. I know my daughter thinks she is the only one out there, even though there are other 7 diabetics at her school. I think that we as families of diabetics need to stick together. Let me know if you would like another freind for you daughter.

RicaMarie - posted on 10/07/2010

i have an 11 yr old son who we just found out was type 1 in april. i know here in tx they have childrens in dallas which help us alot and we went to classes and hope to send him to the diabetic camp next summer. i know in my sons school they closely monitor him. my issues with my son is that he sneaks into foods and makes his sugars so high. but your daughter is more then welcome to talk to my son. he has a gmail email and they could talk on google messanger. let me know ... i know its hard and we all just gotta stick together to help our kids.

Melissa - posted on 08/17/2010

oh yes...my daughter is the exact same way! she will be 13 next month and what a pain in the rear end! i am losing my mind! then i remember i am not the person with the condition so i try to be understanding but they sure do make it difficult. i am sure brianna would be a good companion for your daugher too...

Ashleigh - posted on 07/27/2010

Hi Connie,

Thank you kindly for your note, at least now I know that I am not the only mother going through a hard time. It would wonderful if they could chat to each other - thank so much much Ash

Connie - posted on 07/27/2010

Hi, my son who is almost 10 years old, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,and let me tell you he is like your daugther, is very hard, they think nobody understand. Yes she needs to talk with somebody with the same problem, let my talk with my son and then I can send you his e-mail address.
Connie