Type 1 diabetes is a serious illness which usually appears during childhood. If in childhood when the child is little and unaware of his/her condition, as a teenager things tend to change and become difficult in many cases. It is important to say that parents with diabetic children should teach them since they are small the basics things, such as checking their blood sugar, take their insulin regularly, special diets in order to get used with their affection and the new lifestyle.



In addition to this, adolescence is a difficult period for both, parents and teens. Teenagers become more aware of their condition, claim much independence and in many cases they refuse their parents help. Even though, teenagers become responsible for their own acts and the way they deal with diabetes, parents should always keep and eye on them and support them from the shadow. In this way, parents should encourage their teens and implement in their mind self-confidence and the thought that their condition doesn t make them less than other young people. Much more adolescents may become rebellious due to the age and refuse their parents advice and support. For instance they visit their doctor alone or don t check their blood glucose regularly.

Furthermore, teenagers with diabetes have the chance to share their condition and experiences with other young people like them. There are a lot of hospitals and diabetes centeres which provide to teenagers with diabetes assistance and support and much more they promote educational camps for teens in order to learn more about their diabetes management skills.

It is important to mention that during the adolescence, young people with diabetes face difficult problems due to their hormonal changes. So, it has been discovered that the growth hormone and adrenaline have certain effects such as fighting against insulin or stimulating the release of stored glucose in the body. Adolescence is a period of major changes in young people behaviour, they start to relate more with people of their age and in this case a illness like diabetes might make them feel different than the others. However, teens with diabetes should know that they can have a normal life like all the other kids of their age, go out, join parties have a free social life but this can only be achieved by being careful regarding their diabetes. Parents should also encourage their teens to not be embarassed of their condition and moreover to share their experiences with their close friends by teaching them everything that diabetes involves.

In conclusion, parents who face difficulties in their relationship with their diabetic teens can ask for help by appealing to certain organzations. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is one of these organizations which help parents by offering them advice and help in order to cope more with their kids and keep control of their condition.