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Further information for parents
Further information for parents

Growing up

Moving up to secondary school is an exciting and unpredictable time - a new routine, new subjects, new friends - and you may not want everyone to know about your diabetes. You will need to take more responsibility for your diabetes as one teacher will not be responsible for you in the same way as before.

It may be helpful to tell a few people - such as your form teacher, PE teachers and the school nurse - about your diabetes. It can also help if close friends and classmates know, in case you feel unwell, or have to eat a snack during lessons. Try not to feel self-conscious about your diabetes- it’s worth remembering that other children may have things they don’t want broadcasting either.

Puberty and Beyond

Growth spurts and hormonal changes can have quite an effect on your blood glucose control - and your attitude to diabetes. It is genuinely harder to control diabetes through puberty, and added to this, you may begin to feel resentful about eating healthily and testing regularly. Sleeping in late and changes in diet can also disrupt a previously well-controlled regime.

There are things you can do to give yourself (and your parents) more peace of mind, so that you can join in everyday activities with your friends. For example, make sure your friends know about diabetes and if you can, carry a mobile phone (and keep it on!). Don’t forget about your diabetes while you are out enjoying yourself. As you grow up, you naturally want to become more independent and less restricted by your parents’ rules. You may be allowed more flexibility if you can demonstrate a mature and responsible attitude to your diabetes. You can’t just forget about good diabetes control (even if there are times when you would like to) – it’s just as important as ever. After all, the better you can look after yourself now, the better equipped you’ll be when you are ready to leave home later on.

Both boys and girls with diabetes will develop normally and there is no reason why you should not look forward to getting married and starting your own family one day.

For Parents

For Parents

Helpful information for parents who have children with diabetes Find out how and where you can get support, click here

Around the World with Diabetes

Around the World with Diabetes

Maëlle Bocher from France is an extraordinary twelve-year-old with diabetes. Maëlle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged five. In January 2006, Maëlle and her family embarked on an exciting sailing journey around the world.

OsKar the hypo dog

OsKar the hypo dog

Elly Graham is the proud owner of OsKar, who can take credit for being the UK’s first Hypo Awareness Dog. Elly has had diabetes for 26 years, having been diagnosed as Type 1 when she was 13 years old.

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