Showing Support

[noel32]

What is the best way to show support to your family when they have a child diagnosed with diabetes? We live far away and feel very helpless.

[OkWithStemCellResearch]

The best thing you can do is offer a break.   It's a 24/7 watch and us parents don't often get to take one.  Probably the most appreciated gift you could offer is to go to their house and give them a weekend away.  It would mean understanding carb counting and finger sticks and what insulin to give and when.  I can only speak from experience that unless we are comfortable with who is with our child (usually a family member or close friend who cares about our kid as much as we do) you just can't relax.

So if it is in your power to go to your family for a weekend to just say "Hey, give your mind a rest, I've got the watch for the next 48 hours".  Make them go to a local B&B and not call home.

Hope that helps.

[OrangeCrush]

If you take the time to learn as much as you can about the Disease itself and show a genuine interest - that can be very supportive. Too often many of us feel that our family members do not invest the time they should in learning more about Type 1 and become sort of dismissive about it. This can go a long way in being a support person, no matter where you live.

[llbfan]

Bunny steps...start by learning the basics of type 1 diabetes. Read a book or visit a website such as the JDRF and Amer Diabetes Assn (ADA) sites. Since you don't live in the area, show your support with phone calls or emails, and ask questions using the newly acquired knowledge you have.

If your families vacation or holiday together, offer to watch the child for a few hours...to give the parents an opportunity to get away for a bit. When you are together, spend time observing meal preps and giving insulin (boli for pumps/shots for...shots). Be more observant of the child: have them explain some diabetes "things" to you.

Before you know it, you'll blurt out an offer to "do an overnight" the next time your families get together...and it'll be fine! Just as parents need your support, they'll gladly give theirs to a family member willing to help them out.

[Allison]

By listening to them when they explain the disease to you and not assume you know what they are talking about because maybe you or someone you know had gestational diabetes, or your father has diabetes (which often turns out they mean Type 2).  I get frustrated when this happens and shouldn't because they mean well. But when they give say a gift of "sugar free" candy to my diabetic child, and regular candy to my other kids, how many times do I have to say: it makes no difference if it is sugar free!  He still has to count the carbs, and there are plenty of them in sugar free products! 

[basketballnut]

There are numerous ways you can support your family or friends depending on how close you are in distance or relationship.  Ask yourself, "What are my strengths and what do I enjoy doing?" You will have more confidence and interest in helping the people that mean so much to you, than if you do little to nothing and feel guilty about it; possibly strain your relationship.

A Child In Your Care Has: Diabetes is a book that has a  collection of information designed for family members, school nurses, 504 coordinators, teachers, caretakers, and babysitters.  Costs $27.95  The book is by Elisa B. Hendel, M Ed.  It is written in both English and Spanish.  A great way to educate those around your child.

[fanlynne]

Good luck.............

[Belleoftheball]

Just be there to listen. Let them vent to you and try your best to learn about the disease. Do not offer advice especially if you are not well versed in type 1 diabetes.