Q&A

“My son is about to enter Year 12. How can I ensure he stays well (and happy!) during this stressful year?”

Elissa says: Encouragement is the key with regards to a positive outlook on his diabetes. Also important is to be aware of diabetes burnout. Try not to nag. Accept he may not test his BGLs as much as you’d like. Just be grateful he is testing when he does.

It helps to have healthy snacks prepared and ready to grab on the run – teenagers always complain there’s nothing to eat even though the cupboard and fridge are full of food! Sometimes they’re just too tired, stressed or lazy to prepare anything, let alone even think about what they want to eat.

You can also speak with school staff regarding exams and managing his diabetes. Students with diabetes qualify for special conditions during exams, such as extra time to allow for testing or treatment of hypos.

Elissa Renouf, owner of Diabete-ezy and mum of four kids with type 1. Her range of convenient diabetes products is available at diabete-ezy.com

Email your questions to: diabeticliving@pacificmags.com.au

Post: Diabetic Living, Q&A: Health, GPO Box 7805, Sydney, NSW 2001.