How can I get my child more involved in managing his diabetes?

This is a hectic period in his life with rapid changes inside and out, and diabetes care may be low on his priority list. The onset of puberty can complicate diabetes care. He may have a dramatic increase in insulin requirements over a short period of time. Turn over the responsibility for diabetes care to your son gradually as he is ready to accept it. You will both need to be flexible to adjust to all the demands on him.

It is possible that your son may be more open to learning from his peers than from you during the coming years. Help him get together with other teenagers who have diabetes, so he can see the various ways they cope with diabetes. Diabetes summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for this. Your son will see both healthy and unhealthy behaviors at camp, but he'll be encouraged to manage his own diabetes with experience and knowledge. Most states have a diabetes summer camp with a full medical staff. The friendships that develop at camp are often strong and can last a lifetime. Contact the American Diabetes Association at (888) DIABETES (342-2383) for more information about a camp in your area.