How to support a child with type 1 diabetes

Fear

Having type 1 diabetes can be scary, especially when you start hearing about all the potential long-term complications, such as blindness and a shorter life span. How can you ease their worries while being realistic? Consider getting a mental health expert on board as early in the process as possible.

"A lot of families find this can be helpful at diagnosis to discuss how their lives have changed,” says Debbie Butler, associate director of pediatric programs at the Joslin Diabetes Center. Counseling can also helpful when the child or teen seems burned out or overwhelmed, or if there’s diabetes-related conflict going on in the family.

Peer support is important, too. You can help your child find new friends with type 1 by seeking out diabetes camps and local events in your area. Check with your diabetes clinic or agencies such as JDRF.

If your child worries about what might happen to his body in the future, remind him that a lot of the statistics are outdated and based on old medicine.

Try not to use fear as a motivating tactic, says Wendy Satin Rapaport, PsyD, adjunct professor of medicine at the Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Medical School. Telling a child that he could die or end up blind if he is lax about his treatment regimen could backfire.