tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4310765395863592182.post4459523802528123516..comments2024-02-16T09:17:42.210-03:30Comments on Diabetes Advocacy: Diabetes Nazi Mom.Barb Wagstaffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00411795733538192893noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4310765395863592182.post-83502053671002583992010-10-10T18:21:25.906-02:302010-10-10T18:21:25.906-02:30Thank you Tim for your insight.
My son did not re...Thank you Tim for your insight. <br />My son did not receive the reaction posted in my blog. The blog was where I vented my frustration before speaking with my son. I wanted to be able to have a calm and serious discussion with him but I also know that many other parents experience the same feelings. <br />Reasons for my son lying have been looked at by myself and those who know us. I think there were a few reasons but a tirade from me was not on the list. <br />Blood glucose results in this house have always been used as a source of information only and my child realizes this. They are never reason for punishment or "you did this wrong!". They are looked at and together we seek out a solution. It may be an "I forgot to bolus" situation or it may be "well I guess we got those carbs wrong. Next time we will do this.". <br />I nag him about testing and bolusing in the same manner that he is reminded to brush his teeth, shower and do his homework. After consultation with a very well known and well respected psychologist who also has diabetes, we have worked out a disciplinary approach which in this case means the loss of dumb bells. He still has other fitness equipment and is encouraged to use it. <br />While I am very public about diabetes, I respect his right to be private (that is in part why his name is very rarely used in my blog or website any longer). He has been told however, that for his own safety, he needs to tell a few people so that he is not thrown out of places because he is a drunk teen but has a friend who can say "he is low and needs sugar now!". <br /><br />Again, when looking at readings, we do look at the "why" and I never say that it is his fault. We know that diabetes does its own thing and will mess us up. It is the job of my son and myself to work as a team to keep him healthy. I can only do that with data. He can only provide me with data if he tests. <br /><br />Thank you for your suggestions.Barb Wagstaffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00411795733538192893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4310765395863592182.post-3530095341963182422010-10-10T02:42:59.593-02:302010-10-10T02:42:59.593-02:30Hey Mom!
Take a step back, a few deep breaths an...Hey Mom!<br /> Take a step back, a few deep breaths and then count to 10. Look at your post - then ask yourself your question again "Why does my son lie to me?" Because he is trying to avoid this very reaction.<br /> I agree that he should be reporting the true results of his testing, but until you can look at them without prejudice or blame and accept them for what they are - records of his blood sugars at a specific point in time - he will continue to keep them from you. Nagging him via text messages and demanding his logs when he gets home is doing nothing to teach him how to accept his disease and the correct things he has to do to manage it. Remember - HE is the one that will have to live with this for the rest of his life. YOU will never be able to step into his shoes. Regardless of how much you love him and want to keep him safe.<br /> In regards to his low before going to bed - a hypo reaction exhibits the same symptoms as one who is under the influence. We all know that someone who is under the influence does not make the best choices - including going to sleep without treating a low blood sugar. Be thankful that you got up and leave it at that. One of the most difficult things for a diabetic to do (if they are not already inclined to this behavior) is to start exercising. Why on earth would you deprive him of the one thing that is helping to manage his diabetes - even if the down side is more frequent hypos??!!?? If your son is really intent on lifting weights and eating right then it would do him well to 1)meet with a certified trainer who is familiar with athletes with diabetes and 2)meet with a nutritionist who is also a CDE to teach him (and you) how to adjust his food intake to optimize his blood sugars and his lifting. Finally, if your son's diabetes is managed by an Endo, make an appointment for your son to meet with the Endo and discuss his new interests.<br /> You can be the mom and disciplinarian when it comes to the usual teenager angst and rebellion but when it comes to diabetes you need to be an advisor and team player. Do not ever use his diabetes and its management as a reason to lash out and/or reprimand nor make his testing and management more public than he wishes it to be. I know many adults who still do not reveal that they are diabetic to their "friends" or co-workers. I myself only reveal it if I need to test or inject or need assistance because my bs is dropping.<br /> Teenage years are hard enough without diabetes. Just the normal influx of hormones will wreak havoc with a child whose blood sugars have been controlled up 'til then. Then with no input from them to cause a low or high they are getting grief from a parent because they are no longer in control. It is life and it is something that will continue to occur until the day diabetes is cured. Instead of chastising your son you need to use every "incident" as a learning opportunity to figure out 1) why the result is not within the expected range, 2)what needs to be done to get it there and 3) what can be done (if anything) in the future to get it within the range or as close as possible.<br />Good luck to the both of you.<br />Peace+<br />Tim<br />Registered Nurse 22 years<br />Former Diabetes Educator for 10 years<br />Type 1 diabetic 32 yearsUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05670615503866555210noreply@blogger.com