Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

CHANGES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN| 4-17

Teens may require the support and guidance of their DHC (diabetes health-care) team, including their parents, in the following areas (38,50): • Ensuring they have the knowledge required to make informed choices. • Making sure that they are informed of the benefits of good health choices beyond reducing the risks of long-term complications. For example: o Increased energy. o Improved focus and concentration. o Less nagging by parents. o Reaching their growth potential. o Fewer hassles obtaining a driver’s license. • Gradual assumption of more responsibility for optimal self-management. • Being open about their diabetes with friends, teachers, employers, etc. (38). • Making a successful transition to adult diabetes health care.

Some other topics that must be discussed during these years are: • Sexuality (including pregnancy and family planning). • Maintaining a healthy weight. • Healthy eating habits. • Smoking. • Use of alcohol. • Drug use. These topics need to be discussed openly and directly and in the context of diabetes. Teens and their parents need to be prepared for the insulin resistance that occurs during this stage of development and the striking need for more insulin. This may be related to certain biological factors, such as declining peripheral insulin action and changes in counterregulatory hormonal response (50). Teens and parents who are prepared for this change have the ability to use BG results to keep up with the insulin demands during this time. • • •

High-risk adolescents (50) • Mid–adolescence • Comorbid disorders •

Low socioeconomic status Parental health problems

Single-parent families

Poor family communication