News You Can Use
With diabetes, your child generates boatloads of data from insulin doses, to glucose results, carb-to-insulin ratios, A1Cs, and more. Do you have Diabetes Data Overload? Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the data? This article offers tips and strategies for you to use the data your child generates in ways that optimize their diabetes care while balancing everyone’s emotional wellbeing. Read more
Ahhhh college life! Independence. Flex schedules. New people. Parties. So much for a young adult to look forward to! And while your all-grown-up kid with diabetes might be beyond excited for this momentous time in his or her life, you might be struggling with the idea of independence, flex schedules, new people and parties. So much to worry about! Read more
Ketones (acid) are a result of fat breakdown. The body breaks down fat when it cannot access sugar (glucose). Ketones are usually an indicator that there is little to no insulin. But why do we need to be concerned? Learn when and how to test for ketones and other need-to-know info. Read more
If you have a child with type 1 diabetes, you’ve heard the litany of myths and misconceptions that the general public associates with the disease. Cringeworthy comments like, “He’ll outgrow it,” and “Did you feed her too much sugar?” can cause any diabetes parent to become unglued. Tired of all the diabetes myths out there? Read more
Feeling overwhelmed by the back-to-school season? We got you covered! Ace through the new year with a set of healthy routines, new relationships, and strong communication. Download the A1Cs of Going Back to School with Diabetes. Read more
Is your lunch menu stale? Freshen things up with some lunch-planning tips and a menu provided by the Diabetes Research Institute's Education and Nutrition Service. Download the School Lunch Guide. Read more
There are so many things to learn when a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and understanding how food affects blood sugar numbers is just one of them. Check out these nutrition tips and guidelines to follow from the DRI's Education Team and a video from our cooking crew featuring four healthy food substitutions. Read more
Are your kids looking for a fun, new activity? We've got the right recipe for you -- a diabetes-friendly snack that your kids will love to make...and eat! Check out this cooking demo, featuring Robyn Webb, an award-winning cookbook author and nutritionist, and her two young chef assistants, Annika and Chiara, who both have T1D. Read more
We check back in with Brooke Miller fresh off completing the Diabetes Research Institute's Mastering Your Diabetes: A Survival Guide to College and Beyond. Embarking on the transition to college, Brooke and her parents decided to enroll her for the two-day course to help her become more prepared to manage her diabetes on her own for the first time. Read more
As a health care community, leaders in the field of type 1 diabetes have long been concerned about the gap in diabetes care that often occurs as teens move from pediatric to adult care. This phase of development, often referred to as “emerging adulthood” (between the ages of 18 and 30), is an exciting time in life when individuals establish. Read more
Do you ever feel that your love and support go unnoticed? That no matter how hard you try to reach your child that your words fall on deaf ears? Will they ever realize that you push so hard beacuase you want them to live their healhiest and happiest life? As you well know, a diagnosis of any kind is not an easy feat and has an impact on every relationship involved. But so often, it's the people. Read more
Candy apples, candy corn, candy everything, oh my! No, you’re not dreaming, that time of year is quickly approaching and most of us are in desperate need of a plan! What's a parent to do when an entire holiday is centered around SUGAR? Is it possible to cancel it and quickly move full steam ahead? After catching just a glimpse of our children's excitement, they. Read more
Life with diabetes can feel heavy at times. At diagnosis, many of us felt like we might buckle under the gravity of our new reality. Even years after diagnosis, we still bear the burdensome demands of constant vigilance. We shoulder the emotional strain of coping with this chronic health condition’s countless intrusions. We lug around the weighty concerns about long-term complications. Read more
Parents of children with type 1 diabetes know that keeping your child healthy is a 24/7 job, so it can feel scary to drop your child off for school, and away from your watchful eye, for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. The best way to make sure things go smoothly is to communicate early and often with every teacher and faculty member possible. Read more
Calling all pajamas...You are cordially invited to attend the lamest party of the year. No need for gifts or even cheer, just draw the curtains closed and let's make some things clear! Life is a wave of emotions that can sail us to the top and have us quickly crashing down to the bottom. Sometimes on this journey called life, it seems like we are faced with hurdle after hurdle. Read more
When it comes to managing diabetes, the first things you think about are insulin, diet and exercise. Trailing closely behind are emotions and stress – both of which can have a huge impact on blood sugar numbers. Finding a way to cope isn’t just about “getting by;” it’s about achieving good mental health that will lead to better diabetes management. Read more
All parents face certain challenges when kids hit different ages. (Remember the Terrible Twos!!) But nothing really prepares you for the stage of puberty, and the trials and tribulations of the teen years. As clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Rapaport comments, “Adolescence is in a class by itself…” Read more
We’ve all read numerous stories – or have our own stories to tell – about people’s reactions to injecting or testing in public; and some have been horrifying! But does that mean you shouldn’t? Diabetes is not something to be ashamed of…so why should we relegate these necessary-for-life responsibilities to a dirty bathroom stall? Read more
In the years since my own child was diagnosed with diabetes, I have heard from many other T1D parents about their experiences. A friend once told me that shortly after receiving the bad news, he broke down while talking with the E.R. doctor. He recalled feeling like his child had just been given a “death sentence.” A profound sense of sorrow. Read more
It really is true that it takes a team to care for and support a kid (and a family) with type 1 diabetes. The responsibilities for some team members are relatively limited and are clearly attached to their titles, such as "endocrinologist,” “diabetes educator,” “dietician,” “school nurse,” “clergy member,” “therapist,” or even “pet.” This just does not apply to “moms” and “dads.” Read more
“People with diabetes need a couple of families – the one that they are born with, the one they create, and their medical team. It is the medical team that can keep you, your family, and each other from burning out. No one has to carry the burden of care alone, and everyone on the team should be interested. Read more
For parents who work, balancing your schedules and the needs of your child with diabetes can be both challenging and stressful. As many parents have lamented, you can be “only one sick child away from getting fired!” So, how can you make your work life less stressful? While some of the suggestions may sound easy, they are often difficult to implement. Read more
According to Clinical Psychologist Dr. Wendy Satin Rapaport, panic, resentment, guilt, worry, anger, dread, and disgust are all feelings that might arise at times when dealing with your child's diabetes. The good thing is that it's normal to feel all of these emotions...because we are all human (even though you play the role of Super Hero in your child's life). Read more
Ever wonder what your child with diabetes really wants to tell you? At a PEP Squad conference, family therapist Patti Sinkoe MS, LMFT, worked with a group of children and teens who are living with diabetes or who are the siblings of someone with diabetes. Read more
As a type 1 diabetic since 1968, and an individual, couples and family therapist, practicing for 37 years, I fully understand the emotional aspects of T1D. Coping with the fears, frustrations and everyday concerns of living with T1D can be overwhelming. For parents of children who have diabetes, a sense of helplessness is sometimes unavoidable. The big question is. Read more
Management of type 1 diabetes can be challenging. When you’re a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, the challenges become more complex and involved. There is a “yin and yang” of the spectrum in adapting to management demands. The trick is finding that balance and achieving good blood glucose control without inducing family stress. Read more
Have you ever heard your child without diabetes say “I wish I had diabetes" ? Surprisingly, it happens. But before you break out with finger sticks to give her/him a real dose of diabetes, think about why your child might be saying this. Most likely, it’s a case of DSS – “Diabetes Sibling Syndrome.” (Can we coin that term??). Read more
People with diabetes know very well that food plays a big part in their blood sugar control. Carbohydrates (CHOs) have the greatest effect on the blood sugars, and it is for that reason we pay close attention to these when managing diabetes. Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for our body, so it’s important not only to choose healthier alternatives. Read more
Healthy eating habits are a key component for healthy children -- with or without diabetes. The DRI's Education Team offers up some tips and guidelines for all families living with diabetes: Provide adequate nutrition to ensure normal growth and development; integrate insulin regimens. Read more
With the fear of nighttime reactions being a big concern, many parents -- if not the majority -- faithfully test their children every night. Scientific evidence shows that nighttime reactions do occur, and since we are asleep a third of the day, we really don’t know what happens with the blood sugar at night…unless you test. Read more
Nighttime testing is probably one of the most sensitive and emotional issues for parents of children with diabetes. Panic, resentment, guilt, worry, anger, dread and disgust are all very difficult feelings that might arise at times about this responsibility and the decision on how to handle it. But guess what? These feelings are in the normal range! And, they are important. Read more
Students experience a mix of emotions when starting a new school year. In order to succeed, they need to feel safe first and foremost. Achieving this requires collaboration and education. And like everything else you've already tackled as a diabetes parent, you can manage this challenge, too! Read more
Who better to give Tips for a Great T1D School Year than an experienced D-mom? That's why we asked PEP Squad member Jeanette Collier to offer up her best advice, just in time to alleviate the back-to-school madness. Her son, Cedric, 14, was diagnosed with type 1 at age 10, so Jeanette is well-versed in dealing with teachers, school nurses. Read more
Managing diabetes when your child is sick can be challenging. It is especially scary when it’s a stomach bug! Posts on the DRIF’s PEP Squad Facebook page emphasize the concern many parents are experiencing. They've asked whether other kids run high or low; what to do about insulin and food; and a number of other things. Read more
We’re calling this 15 Summer Travel Tips for “Families” because type 1 diabetes affects the whole family! And while you might have put several things in your life on hold after your child’s diagnosis, you should not let T1D discourage you from traveling and enjoying the bonding experience of a family vacation. Read more
Summer may seem far away, but it’s never too early to start making plans -- especially if your child has diabetes. Camps are great places where kids can meet new people, learn new things and, most importantly, have fun. So now you might be thinking…should I send my child to a regular sleepaway camp or a diabetes camp? Read more
School’s out. You have relatives and friends in town. There are three scheduled holiday parties, traveling to do, and your normal routines are being changed daily. The festivities of the season can often cause added stress! But you can still enjoy the magic of it all with some forward thinking and creative ideas! Read more
A newbie mom asked for tips from other PEP parents about how to handle Halloween, as this is her family's first since her child was diagnosed. Dozens replied with helpful tips and advice.One of our favorite responses came almost immediately from Jeanette..."Just like before plus insulin." Read more
As you know, type 1 diabetes requires lifelong replacement of insulin to provide what the body’s insulin-producing cells (beta cells) no longer make. Anyone living with type 1 diabetes can tell you how frustrating and difficult this can be. Read more
THE PUMP IS NOT AN ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS!!!! It does not know how much insulin you need and then automatically deliver it. You must program the pump (along with the help of your healthcare team), and YOU must learn to “think like a pancreas” in order to use the pump to its best advantage. The pump is only as effective as the person using it! Read more
Many parents of a child with diabetes, or a parent who has diabetes themselves, ask the same question: Should I screen my other children, or my children, for the possibility of them developing diabetes? The answer is complicated. Read more