Fillable Toc Diabetes Book Parent Eng (Superior HealthPlan)

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Toc Diabetes Book Parent Eng (Superior HealthPlan)

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

Diabetes is no picnic. If you’ve had to deal with it
yourself, this shouldn’t come as news to you. Having a
teen with diabetes can be challenging as well. But with
the right treatment and care, your son or daughter
can lead a normal life. We created the book TEENS
ON COURSE™: It’s All about Diabetes to speak in a
straightforward way to the teen that may be facing the
condition for the first time.
This Parents/Guardians Guide to that book will direct
you in helping your child learn how to handle the daily
challenges of having diabetes. Diabetes is not a curse.
It’s just a condition that takes some understanding,
patience and courage. And that’s where you come in.
DISCLAIMER. This book provides general information about diabetes and related
issues. The information does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be
used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting
with a licensed health professional. Consult with a qualified physician or health care
practitioner to discuss specific individual issues or health needs and to professionally
address personal medical concerns.
Table of ConTenTs
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
2)
DIABETES BY THE NUMBERS
5)
RISKS AND HAZARDS
6)
WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?: Diabetes Self-Care
8)
THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING
10)
BLOOD SUGAR LOG
11)
OTHER TESTS
13)
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BLOOD SUGAR
15)
THE INJECTION CONNECTION
17)
GOOD FOOD FOR GOOD HEALTH
18)
GET MOVING: DIABETES AND EXERCISE
20)
DANGER X 3: Diabetes and Smoking, Drinking and Drugs
22)
THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF DIABETES
24)
Resources
1
UNDERSTANDING DIABETES
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
You’re a parent or guardian of a child with diabetes. There’s going to
be a lot you both will have to learn and know. That’s where TEENS ON
COURSE™: It’s All About Diabetes and this book come in. The first rule
of order is to learn what diabetes is and what it isn’t.
WHAT IT IS
Simply put, diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar. The
pancreas can’t make any or enough insulin, which causes high levels of
glucose in the blood.
PANCREAS
INSIDE VIEW
OF PANCREAS
SPLEEN
DUODENUM OR
SMALL INTESTINE
Blood glucose: also called blood sugar, it’s the sugar found in the blood
and the body’s main source of energy.
Insulin: a hormone made by cells in the pancreas that helps the body use
glucose for energy.
2
When blood sugar gets out of balance you can feel sick. For a teen,
controlling blood sugar and diabetes now could mean not having to deal
with these conditions later:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Damaged heart and blood supply
Kidney failure
Eye damage and blindness
Nerve damage
Heart disease
Stroke
THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF DIABETES:
Type 1 (juvenile onset) usually develops in children or young adults.
Requires: injections of insulin every day to control the blood glucose levels.
If people with type 1 diabetes don’t get insulin, they will die.
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent or adult-onset) accounts for at least 90
percent of all diabetes cases. It can occur at any age. It may be associated
with obesity or being overweight, which can lead to high blood glucose
levels. Teens with type 2 diabetes can often manage their condition through
exercise and diet at first, but over time most people will need oral drugs
and/or insulin.
Gestational diabetes consists of high blood glucose levels a woman can
have during pregnancy.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious.
There’s no such thing as mild diabetes.
3
WHAT IT ISN’T
A lot of people think diabetes is caused from eating too much sugar. It’s
actually a product of genetics and lifestyle factors.
Diabetes doesn’t mean your teen can never again have sweets. Most
people with type 2 diabetes can have sweets in moderation. A small
amount can still be in the mix, as long as a healthy eating and exercise
plan is the main focus.
Being overweight doesn’t cause diabetes either. A body mass index (BMI)
over 25 is just one of many risk factors, but there are a lot of overweight
people who don’t ever get type 2 diabetes.
But being obese—with a BMI of 30 or higher—is a major risk factor. That’s
why a careful diet is so important in both preventing the disease and
helping to treat it.
American Diabetes Association®:
Diabetes Myths:
diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/myths
4
DIABETES BY THE NUMBERS
9.3
Percentage of the U.S. population with diabetes.
That equals 29 million children and adults.

Year in which physiologist Sir Edward Albert Sharpey discovered insulin.

Annual health care cost in dollars for each person with diabetes in the
U.S.

Number of people in the U.S. under the age of 20 with diabetes.

Number of people with diabetes that has gone undiagnosed.

Total cost in dollars of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. in 2012.

Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of
blindness in 20–74 year old adults.
5
American Diabetes Association®:
Statistics about Diabetes:
diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/
statistics
RISKS AND HAZARDS
GET SERIOUS
Because diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, leg and foot amputation,
new cases of blindness, heart disease and stroke, it’s a disease that has to be taken
seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rank diabetes seventh in its
Top 10 Causes of Death in the U.S., behind heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases,
stroke, accidents and Alzheimer’s disease.
RISK FACTORS
While there is no one cause of type 2 diabetes, many risk factors can play a part in its
development:
WEIGHT
Being overweight is a main risk factor. The
more fatty tissue, the more resistant cells
become to insulin.
FAT
DISTRIBUTION
Storing fat mainly in the abdomen raises
the risk of type 2 diabetes more so than if
stored elsewhere, such as hips and thighs.
INACTIVITY
Less activity = greater risk. Physical activity
helps control weight, uses up glucose as
energy and makes cells more sensitive to
insulin.
FAMILY HISTORY
The risk increases if a parent, brother or
sister has type 2 diabetes.
RACE
It’s not known for sure why people of
certain races are more likely to develop
type 2 diabetes than whites are.
6
AGE
The risk increases as one gets older,
especially after age 45. This is most likely
because people tend to exercise less, lose
muscle mass and gain weight as they age.
PREDIABETES
Blood sugar levels are higher than normal
with this condition, though not high enough
to be classified as diabetes.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Having gestational diabetes while pregnant
can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
later in life. Giving birth to a baby weighing
more than nine pounds also raises the risk.
OTHER
CONDITIONS
High blood pressure, high cholesterol,
a family history of the disease and
other conditions can make the odds of
developing type 2 diabetes greater.

African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans and
American Indians are at higher risk of diabetes than are Caucasians.
GET MORE SERIOUS
If your teen is now dealing with the reality of diabetes, it’s time t
o get really serious.
Heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and the loss of feet and legs are very real
complications, courtesy of type 2 diabetes. Learning how to self-manage the disease
will be a must for your teen. Your help will be invaluable.
WebMD: Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors:
webmd.com/diabetes/guide/risk-diabetes
7
WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?
DIABETES SELFCARE
TEAM CAPTAIN
Your teen is in charge of his or her own diabetes care. That’s the bottom line,
black and white, plain truth of the matter. The sooner he learns that no one can
help him through this disease better than himself, the sooner a routine can be
established and relief can begin.
There’s a lot you can do to help. But making sure your teen understands the
importance of taking control should be at the top of your list.
TEENS ON COURSE™: It’s All About Diabetes will introduce your teen to the
self-care concepts of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Getting to know his/her health care team
Blood sugar testing
Blood pressure testing
Healthy eating
Insulin injections
Exercise and activity
Emotional care and stress relief
The impact of smoking, drinking and doing drugs
We’ll touch on these subjects in the following pages so you can get your teen on
the road to effective diabetes self-care.
8
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
9
The book TEENS ON COURSE™: It’s All About
Diabetes contains a self-care checklist that your
teen can use to take charge of his or her own
diabetes care. You can help by making sure your
teen uses this checklist daily.

Check your blood glucose (blood sugar) one or more times every day. Check
more often if you are type 1. Write down your numbers. There’s a chart in this
book you can use. Be sure to take this record and your meter to your doctor
when you visit.
Use your diabetes meal plan. Don’t have one yet? Ask your doctor or nurse to
introduce you to a registered dietitian or health coach to help you.
Make healthy food choices like fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken
or turkey with no skin, dry peas or beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim
milk and cheese.
Bake, broil or grill your fish and lean meat and poultry. Keep portion sizes to
about 3 ounces (or about the size of a deck of cards).
Eat foods that have less fat and salt.
Eat foods with more fiber, like whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or
pasta.
Stay physically active for 30 to 60 minutes on most days. Brisk walking is a
great way to move more.
Stay at a healthy weight.
Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, friend
or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.
Figure out how to cope with stress. Stress can raise your blood sugar. It’s hard
to get rid of all stress from your life. Sometimes it’s enough to just learn to
handle it.
Stop smoking. Get help if you need it.
Take your medicine even when you feel fine.
Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots and swelling. If you find
any sores that don’t go away, call your doctor.
Brush your teeth and floss every day. This will help keep your mouth, teeth
and gums free from problems.
Check your blood pressure if your doctor says to.
Let your doctor know about any changes in your eyesight.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING
DO IT DAILY
If the reality of type 2 diabetes is something
your teen is now dealing with, you’ll need
to stress the importance of blood sugar
testing every day.
Make sure your son or daughter knows that
a blood glucose meter is a medical device
that reads the amount of glucose in the
blood. It’s a key part of home monitoring.
Glucose test strips are used with the blood
glucose meter. Your teen will place a
small drop of blood on the strip, read the
results and then throw it away. The health
care team will show you how to find these
necessary items and figure out which ones
are best for your teen, as well as how to
use them.

10
You can help by making sure there is always
a good supply of test strips on hand. Order
more when the supply starts to get low.
YOUR TEEN’S TARGET BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Before meals: 70 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter)
Two hours after the start of your teen’s meal: Less than 180 mg/dl
(milligrams per deciliter)

TEENS ON COURSE™: It’s All About Diabetes contains a blood sugar log that your
teen can use to track levels. Here is a sample of that log. Have your teen test his or her
blood sugar levels as the doctor prescribes and write down the results every day. You
can help by providing copies of this log and making sure you bring the completed logs
with you to the doctor. Ask the health staff if they can download the meter. This makes
tracking even easier.
11
DATE
BEFORE
BREAKFAST
#
AFTER
BREAKFAST
#
BEFORE
LUNCH #
AFTER
LUNCH #
BEFORE
DINNER #
AFTER
DINNER #
BEDTIME #
Example:
3/27
The American Diabetes Association® provides a printable version of this blood glucose
log. They came up with this chart and these target levels of blood glucose (milligrams
per deciliter) for your teen to use.
ADA TARGETS FOR
BLOOD GLUCOSE
MY USUAL RESULTS MY TARGETS
Before meals:
70 to 130 mg/dl
______ to _______ ______ to _______
2 hours after start of a
meal: below 180 mg/dl
Below ______ Below ______

Order a medical alert ID bracelet, necklace
or anklet for your teen. These contain a
person’s important information. Diabetes
IDs are often worn to alert rescuers, first-
aid staff and medical staff of the right
action to take during an emergency.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
The American Diabetes Association®
diabetes.org
12
OTHER TESTS
There are other tests that will help your teen keep his or her condition in check.
THE A1C TEST
This test shows blood sugar levels for the last three or four months. Where daily blood
sugar testing only shows levels at that given time, the A1C test gives an overall view of
blood sugar levels over an extended period. The goal for most teens with diabetes:
•
•
Type 1 = A1C below 7.5 percent
Type 2 = A1C below 7 percent

Encourage your teen to have his or her
doctor regularly do the A1C test and track
the results.
THE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK
A blood pressure check measures the force of blood against artery walls. High blood
pressure makes the he
art work too hard. That can harm the heart, kidneys, eyes and
blood vessels. It can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and blindness. Teens
with diabetes should keep their blood pressure at 130/80 mmHg or less. This is said
as “130 over 80.”

Make sure your teen knows that there
are ways to combat high blood pressure.
Regular exercise and eating less salt helps
many people with diabetes keep their
blood pressure below 130/80. There are
medicines that can help to lower it, if your
teen’s doctor recommends.
13
THE CHOLESTEROL TEST
Your teen’s doctor can do a simple blood test to find out the levels of certain fats in the
blood. This is a cholesterol test. It measures…
• LDL cholesterol: A type of fat found in the blood. Sometimes called “bad”
cholesterol. It can build up in artery walls and clog arteries that carry blood
through the body. Think of it as “L” means “lousy.”
• HDL cholesterol: Known as “good” cholesterol, it keeps the arteries from getting
clogged. Think of it as “H” means “helper.”
• Triglycerides: Another type of fat found in blood. They too can clog arteries.
High cholesterol can clog arteries and lead to serious health problems like heart disease
and heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and stroke.
LDL cholesterol should be below 100.
HDL cholesterol should be above 35.
Triglycerides should be below 150.
Total blood cholesterol should be below 170.
•
•
•
•
•
•

Have your teen write down his or her cholesterol
test numbers and keep track of them.
______________
______________
______________
______________
OTHER TESTS
Tests, shots and exams are a necessary part of your teen’s treatment. Make these a
regular part of his or her treatment plan.
Dental exam
Eye exam
Foot check
Urine and blood tests
Flu vaccine
Pneumonia shot
National Diabetes Education Program:
Know Your Diabetes ABCS:
ndep.nih.gov/i-have-diabetes/
KnowYourABCs.aspx
14
THE UpS
AND DOWNS
OF BLOOD
SUGAR
It’s important to know and understand
the symptoms of high and low blood
sugar for both your teen and your family.
Recognizing these symptoms can help you
figure out what course of action to take in an
emergency.
HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
High blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia.
This can be caused by a lack of insulin, eating more than planned, stress from an illness
like the cold or flu, stress from family or school conflicts, or from a surge of hormones
the body makes in the early morning before dawn.

•
•
•
•
•
Need for frequent urination
Drowsiness
Nausea
Extreme hunger and/or thirst
Blurred vision
•
•
•
•
•
•

If your teen’s blood sugar is high a lot of the time, or if he or she has the symptoms
of high blood sugar, call the doctor. The doctor may need to change the diabetes
medicines or meal plan.

HAS A BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL ABOVE
240 FOR LONGER THAN A DAY
FEELS SLEEPIER THAN NORMAL
HAS TROUBLE BREATHING
CAN’T THINK CLEARLY
THROWS UP MORE THAN ONCE
HAS HAD DIARRHEA FOR MORE
THAN SIX HOURS
15
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia.
This can happen when a person with diabetes hasn’t eaten enough food, or has too
much insulin in his or her system. Too much exercise can also lead to low blood sugar
levels.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Shaking
Fast heartbeat
Sweating
Anxiety
Dizziness
Extreme hunger
Weakness and tiredness
Irritability

If your teen’s blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, have him or her drink or eat one of
these:
3 or 4 glucose tablets
A serving of glucose gel (the amount equal to 15 grams of carbs)
½ cup (4 ounces) of any fruit juice
½ cup (4 ounces) of a regular (not diet) soft drink
1 cup (8 ounces) of milk
5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
TeensHealth: When Blood Sugar is Too High:
kidshealth.org/teen/diabetes_center/basics/high_
blood_sugar.html
Teen’sHeath: When Blood Sugar is Too Low:
kidshealth.org/teen/diabetes_center/treatment/blood_
sugar_low.html
16
THE INJECTION CONNECTION
INSULIN TO THE RESCUE
Because people with diabetes suffer from a
condition of not enough insulin produced in the
pancreas, sometimes it’s important to take insulin
injections. Getting insulin shots doesn’t have to
and shouldn’t hurt. Your teen can learn good
injection methods from the doctor and it will be
just about painless.
You can help your teen learn the right way to do it:
1. Choose and clean the injection area
2. Firmly—but not too tightly—pinch an area
two to 3 inches wide
3. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle while
still pinching the skin
4. Keep the needle in while relaxing the pinch
5. Slowly count to five
6. Remove the needle
7. Don’t rub the area after the injection
Some people like to use injection pens instead of
syringes. These consist of an insulin cartridge and
a dial to measure the dose. Pen needles deliver the
dose and are then thrown away.

In the year 2025, the number of adults with diabetes
in the world is expected to be 300 million.
17
Drugs.com: Giving an Insulin Injection:
drugs.com/cg/giving-an-insulin-injection.html
EATING HEALTHY
This is a big one. A healthy meal plan is essential to managing diabetes. If your
teen makes poor food choices and has an unhealthy diet, caring for his or her
diabetes is going to be more of a challenge.
Smart food choices can help your teen…
•
•
•
•
Feel better
Lose weight, if needed
Control blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
Lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems
There is a lot of good information in TEENS ON COURSE™: It’s All About Diabetes
you and your teen can use to create a healthy meal plan. Here are a few brief
tips:
•
•
•
•
•
Work with your teen’s health care team to create a healthy meal plan that
works best for him or her.
Eating a good mix of carbs, protein and fat every day helps keep blood
glucose at an even level.
Eating too many carbs at once can cause blood sugar to spike. Eat the right
amount at snack times and meals, and choose carbs high in fiber.
Protein helps build strong bones and muscles, and makes you feel less
hungry. Good sources of protein are white-meat chicken and turkey, fish,
low-fat cheese, eggs, natural peanut butter, tofu, lean beef, veal, pork and
wild game without the fat.
Fats are good sources for fuel, but eating too much fat can quickly add
unhealthy weight.
18
HEALTHY FOOD GUIDE
Use this Healthy Food Guide to help your teen construct a meal plan.
These portions are fitting for girls 11 to 17 and boys age 11 to 14 who
get 30 to 60 minutes of physical
activity each day.
VEGETABLES
Choose orange and dark green
veggies as much as you can.
Target: 2 1/2 to 3 cups a day. These choices
equal 1 cup:
•
•
•
1 cup cut up raw or cooked vegetables
2 cups leafy salad greens
1 cup vegetable juice
MILK, YOGURT, CHEESE Target: 3 cups a day. These choices equal 1
cup:
•
•
1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk or yogurt
1 1/2 ounces cheese
fruits
Choose fresh whole fruit
whenever you can.
Target: 1 1/2 to 2 cups a day. These choices
equal 1 cup:
•
•
•
1 cup cut up raw or cooked fruit
1 cup fruit juice
1/2 cup dried fruit
BREADS, CEREALS, RICE, PASTA
Choose whole grain foods for
at least 3 of your 6 choices.
Target: 6 to 7 ounces a day. These choices
equal 1 ounce:
•
•
•
•
•
1/2 cup of cooked cereal
1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta
1 cup ready-to-eat cereal
1 slice of whole grain bread
1/2 small bagel or 1 small muffin
MEAT, POULTRY, FISH, DRY
BEANS, EGGS, NUTS
Target: 5 to 6 ounces a day. These choices
equal 1 ounce:
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 ounce lean meat, fish or chicken
1 egg
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 ounce nuts
1/4 cup cooked dry peas or beans such
as kidney, white, split or blackeye
1/4 cup tofu
HEART-HEALTHY FATS
You get most of the fat you need from
other foods you eat. Choose only a
few extra servings of these each day.
One serving is equal to:
• 1 teaspoon vegetable, olive or canola oil
1 teaspoon tub margarine
5 large olives or 1/8 avocado
1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
•
•
•
•
REGULAR SODA, CANDY,
COOKIES, DESSERTS
Target: Only a very small amount and not
every day.
American Diabetes Association®:
Making Healthy Food Choices:
diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-
can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices
19
GET M
vING
DIABETES AND EXERCISE
GET MOVING
Everyone needs physical activity to function and stay fit. For people with diabetes,
it’s an absolute must. Make sure your teen knows how important this component of
diabetes management is.
Being active will help your teen:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lose weight
Have more energy
Relax
Sleep better
Lower blood glucose
Make their insulin work better
Be more alert
Build stronger bones and muscles
Feel better
NOT SO FAST, CAPTAIN FITNESS!
There are a few things t
o make sure your teen does before rushing out the door to run
his or her first marathon.
1. Talk to the doctor to help figure out which physical activities would be best suited
for your teen.
2. Have your teen monitor blood glucose before the start of an activity. Do it again
afterward.
3. Make sure your teen is wearing his or her medical ID bracelet.
4. If he or she takes insulin, make sure blood glucose levels don’t go too low after the
activity.
5. In case of low blood sugar, make sure your son or daughter has fruit juice, glucose
tablets or a light snack after the activity.

20
Create an exercise log for your teen or use
the one included in TEENS ON COURSE™:
It’s All About Diabetes. Make sure he or
she records all daily exercise activity.
HOW ACTIVE?
If your teen is not used to physical activity, have him or her start out
with just a few minutes each day. It may be tough at first, but gradually
he or she should work up to at least 60 minutes every day. A pedometer
can count steps. Have him or her keep track of laps or reps on a chart
and clipboard. Make it fun and make your teen keep moving.
BODIES IN MOTION
Exercise doesn’t have to mean running five miles or spending a couple
of hours in a gym. Let your teen know that these activities can be just
as effective.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Walking
Ice skating
Softball
Bowling
Hiking
Dancing
Golf
Martial arts
Skateboarding
Basketball
•
Tennis
Swimming
Rollerblading
Baseball
Volleyball
Biking
TIPS FOR THE LESS ACTIVE
If your teen is less active
or easily winded, have him or her try these
ideas to spark movement:
Do situps, pushups, lift weights or jump rope while watching TV
Jog around the block
Walk quickly around the mall a few times
Do yard work or other chores
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Walk the dog
Ride a bike instead of getting a car ride
TeensHealth: Sports, Exercise and Diabetes:
kidshealth.org/teen/diabetes_center/treatment/
sports_diabetes.html
21
DANGER X 3
DIABETES AND SMOKING,
DRINKING AND DRUGS
AS IF DIABETES WEREN’T ENOUGH!
If your teen smokes, drinks alcohol or does
drugs, or if you suspect him or her of these
habits, it’s time to go into superhero mode
and save the day, as well as your teen’s
health! People with diabetes face far
more dangers from smoking, drinking or
doing drugs than those who don’t have
the disease.
Here’s a breakdown of what these high-risk habits do when combined with diabetes:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lower blood glucose
Higher blood glucose
Stimulated appetite that can lead
to overeating
Interfering with oral diabetes
meds or insulin
Increased blood pressure
Faster heart rate
Nausea
Slurred speech
If not used to the effects of alcohol, a teen may be unable to recognize the symptoms
of low or high blood sugar.

• Heart disease
Lung cancer
Other cancers
•
•
• Kidney damage
Blindness
Nerve damage
•
•
The nicotine in cigarettes is largely to blame for these risks.

Smoking can cause type 2 diabetes to develop. For women smokers,
body fat and fluctuating weight can make the disease more likely.
Once diagnosed, it can be tougher to manage.
22

•
•
•
•
•
Lower blood glucose
Higher blood glucose
Impaired judgment
Increased appetite
Altered reality
If your teen has diabetes, it’s extra important for you to discuss the dangers of smoking,
drinking and doing drugs.
•
•
•
•
•

Ask your teen’s diabetes health team
to talk to him or her about the dangers
of these substances.
Talk to your teen about peer pressure
and its damaging effects.
Remind your teen to always wear a
medical ID bracelet or necklace.
Stress that drinking, smoking and
doing drugs is illegal for his/her age
group, and that treating their condition
could be even tougher from behind
bars.
Always listen closely and let your son
or daughter know you’re there to help.
JUST SAY WHOA!
Teach your teen these responses when offer
ed alcohol, smokes or drugs:
•
•
•
•
•
“No thanks. I’m cool.”
“Nope. I’ll be the designated driver.”
“Sorry. I have diabetes and that stuff can really mess me up.”
“No way, man. I’m trying to keep myself alive as long as possible.”
“Whoa. That stuff and my diabetes don’t play nice together.”
American Diabetes Association®: Teens & Parties:
diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/
everyday-life/teens-parties.html
23
THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF DIABETES
FEELINGS MATTER
When dealing with all the physical challenges of diabetes, like injections,
meal plans and blood sugar levels, it’s easy to forget there’s an emotional
side too. Make sure that your teen knows he or she isn’t alone in this. The
support and education from you and other loved ones, a professional health
team, friends and support groups will help your son or daughter adjust to the
emotional stress that the disease can cause.
The key is to have your teen take charge and self-manage the diabetes. Doing
so will mean feeling better, fewer health tests and treatments, and being able
to participate in more events with everyone else.

Watch for these warning signs in your son or daughter:
•
•
•
•
•
Sleeping a lot
Not sleeping enough
Eating a lot
Eating too little/no appetite
Feeling sad or mad for long
stretches of time

Let your son or daughter know you’re always
there to listen. In your absence, trusted
doctors, relatives, teachers and counselors
can help guide your teen out of depression
and teach him or her how to deal with the
emotions.
REMEMBER THIS
You’re a good parent or guardian. Your teen knows this and appreciates it,
even if he or she can’t always tell you. The bond y
ou share is stronger than
anything diabetes can do to try to tear it apart. Be strong. You can make it.
WebMD: How to Stop Diabetes from
Stealing Your Happiness
webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes_emotions
24
rEsOuRcEs
American Diabetes
Association
diabetes.org
Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics
e
atr
ight.org
CDC: Diabetes
cdc.gov/diabetes
Diabetes Health Hotline
1-800-
342
-2383
MedicineNet: Diabetes
Supplies: What Medicare
Covers
medicinenet.com/script/
main/art
.asp?articlekey=21534
USDA
ChooseMyPlate.gov
President’s Council on Fitness,
Sports & Nutrition
fitness.go
v
Smoke Free
smokefree.gov
t
een.smokefree.g
ov

BG Monitor
BlueLoop®
Calorie Counter PRO
Diabetes in Check
Diabetes Pilot Pro
Diabetes Tracker
Diabetic Connect
Glooko
Glucagon
Glucose Buddy
MySugr Diabetes
Logbook
OnTrack Diabetes
Weight L
oss Coach
by Food
ucate
© 2017 Centene Corporation. All rights reserved. All materials are exclusively owned by
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law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Centene
Corporation. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice.
WhOa!
This could change everything.
If you’re the parent or guardian
of a teen new to dealing with
diabetes, this little book could
hold the answers to questions you
didn’t even know you had yet.
Don’t stress.
Teens on Course™
has you covered
with info on blood sugar testing,
insulin, meal plans, exercise and
a lot more.
MADE IN
THE USA
Because Where’s It @? Media cares
about the envir
onment, this book
was printed on recycled paper.
CREATED BY MICHELLE BAIN
DESIGN BY DMITRI JACKSON
ISBN: 9780997856934
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