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07/05/09 03:39 PM

"My son (13) was diagnosed in October 2008 with JD. Since then, has a terrible time making decisions, even simple ones. Normal or something wrong?"

Asked By: whayes66

Category: Coping And Emotional Issues

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Son diagnosed in October 2008 with Juvenile Diabetes. Since then has a terrible time making decisions, worrying if made right decision on everything. We are worried that there is something terribly wrong. Chemical imbalance? We have tried to talk to him. Even when he feels good and happy about his decision, he still then worries if it was the right choice. Need some answers.

Expert Answers (1)

07/07/09 08:42 PM

Being diagnosed with diabetes is a big life change and a big inconvenience. As you know it is a constant balancing act between diet, exercise, and insulin. Diabetes is 24/7, with no breaks! At a time when your son is trying to discover who he is, now he must also add to that daunting task how to take care of his diabetes and how the decisions he makes will affect his diabetes managment. It can be overwhelming. Additional education directed at your son may help to answer some of his questions and make him more confident in decisions regarding his diabetes. He may also need a diabetes break, where you all make decisions regarding his diabetes so he doesn't have to be responsible. If possible I think that it would be a benefit for your son to meet with a psychologist, preferably one that knows about diabetes so he can talk through some of his feelings and concerns. Talk to your son's doctor to see about a referral so you can also make sure nothing else is going on. If there is a diabetes camp near where you live I would recommend attendance for your son so he can see he isn't the only one dealing with this disease. Good luck! Take 1 day at a time...it will get easier!

Answered By: Shannon Lyles

Accreditations: BSN, RN, CDE

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Community Answers (3)

10/04/09 10:49 PM

Puberty is filled with massive uncertainty of every type and kind. Add to that doubt, that chaos the problem that every choice we make as diabetics, every single one... and a bunch that aren't directly but may play "some role"... and have some wicked teeth too. All of them can "take us out"? Gee too little food, hey too much exercise, wait too much insulin... it is a horrible whiplash of yes/no/maybe. You can ask any question, or scenerio from a bunch of directions and get a lot of different answers to various situations, right? Its enough to make an adult crazy, and though becoming one in time, he is still a kid. Perhaps some diabetic peers... might help? When you feel any decision can do BAD, bad things directly... is it truly hard to understand why he's second guessing himself. Peer pressure, girls... I understand his doubts (I think), and wouldn't trade places for the world. Have you asked him quietly, in a gentle way what's going on? Camp can't hurt, but its a long time away. Something a little more direct/sooner will be helpful. He IS allowed to make mistakes, and he'll learn from them, as all of us do. You'll keep and eye out for him, as will the doc, or anybody else. Encourage him to make the choices... take pride in his ability to do so.... "Confidence", true confidence is not the child of self-rightous certainty but the power of knowledge gained from many mistakes.

Answered By: diabetic1966

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07/10/09 07:00 PM

There are a lot of factors involved ... stress can cause this and all diabetics are under stress, especially when first diagnosed. A diabetes camp is a really helpful and sometimes you can find scholarships for them, if the insurance won't pay for it or not enough of it! Not only does the kid get information etc., but he finds friends with the same problems and can see he is not alone. 13 is a difficult age for a kid even if he is not diabetic, so it is understandable if he is having problems. I really strongly recommend a JD summer camp if it is possible and also look into a support group! Check with your local hospital and ask your Doctor, they will know of one near you I am sure. They are free and give lots of good information and also emotional support. The one I go to only meets once a month but it really does help. Also how is his BG doing? The brain runs on Glucose and if he is experiencing a lot of low BG events it can cause real problems with the ability of the brain to function. I know when I have a low BG event I can hardly think at all much less make decisions. It is important to keep the BG within range. You don't want it too high but you also don't want it too low!

Answered By: maryblushes

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07/10/09 06:59 PM

Answered By: maryblushes

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