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The Question
08/26/09 04:31 PM

"Have a 17 yr old son w/type I diabetes, diagnosed at 6yr. Depression has set in, he tried to odose on insulin, advise..very worried..please help"
Asked By: magila1980  
Category: Coping And Emotional Issues

Background Info Hide
No insurance for mental health. Endo. claims denial is big in teens.Poor diet, high numbers..constantly checking. 6'2 230 lbs. Last fall he quit taking his insulin and ended up in the hospital w/pancreatitis, last week when he came downstairs his blood sugar was 27. He is my star, please advise. Thank you

Expert Answers (1)

09/25/09 08:56 PM

The situation you describe is very concerning. Depression and diabetes go hand in hand. I would recommend that you have your son see a counselor/psychologist so he can talk through his feelings. It also sounds as if he needs to see a psychiatrist to assess need for antidepressants. It is hard for someone who is depressed to have the motivation to take care of diabetes which as you know is a lot of hard work and a constant 24/7 job. Because your son already tried to overdose on insulin I think he needs to be assessed to see if he has any current plan to harm himself. Sometimes if possible residential treatment can be helpful in these situations. See what resources your son's endocrinologist/nurse recommend as you state that you have no insurance for mental health coverage. Good luck!
Answered By: Shannon Lyles
Accreditations: BSN, RN, CDE
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Community Answers (1)

10/05/09 12:04 AM

In most respects he sounds like a perfectly normal kid. Unfortunately his diabetes will not suffer his current indifference happily. Highs/lows are very normal, if they were not there would be no need for boards like this one, all be easy/simple....... The trick not letting them be a regular habit. Many of us screw-up and OD on insulin at sometime. IF he did it on purpose he requires medical help at some level? Consider though the "intent" is the same, there is a meaningful difference between 2,3,4 extra units and using the entire vial of insulin. Sometimes the approach is just that a request to get help.... sometimes its just crappy math on our part plus a side order of exhaustion, some seethng frustration for a topping............... Hard road for him to walk, far harder for you to be forced to watch his path & not take the wheel from him. Don't panic it will not help him. Talk to the doctor make absolutely certain they understand what's happening........ Have you tried giving him a diabetic vaccation? You, his girlfriend, somebody taking the tests and doing them FOR him, as a gift of your love? Just like you once did for him when he was little boy...? Do his shots for him because you know he needs a break and will gladly give him one for a couple days. Do not take no for an answer...... It should buy you some time to help find the next step. Might help you/someone to be able to talk with him "... ok I/she/they did something for you, because "I" can... whomever loved doing it for you... no strings attached. You want this again, just say the word???....." Don't know if it'll help enough but its certainly a start... post to the forum too magila I'd bet there are some good ideas there too. Out of characters now but have a story that might help you, give a perspective at least.
Answered By: diabetic1966
FLAG
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