Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Patti on September 11, 2011 at 11:14am

It's so hard to let go! When my kids started sleeping out, I always made sure the parents knew that they were diabetic. I would write everything down on a quick "cheat sheet". I asked that they remind them to test before eating, and to call if they were too high or too low (I would give them a range), and also to call before eating. I would leave all of my contact numbers and make it very clear that it was no problem to call at any time!

The deal I had with the kids was that if I didn't like their number before bedtime, they had to come home - no arguing or complaining.

Now that they are older and pretty self sufficient, it's not really an issue.

The greatest gift you can give them is this independence - it will serve them well.

Permalink Reply by Theresa on September 11, 2011 at 11:46am

I know just how you feel. My 13 year old son diagnosed May 3, 2008 is at this point as well. I am so nervous. My son has slept at a friend's house now two times. Both times it was the same friend's house. We are so blessed to know a wonderful family who is willing to get up and make sure that my son tests his blood sugar at 3 AM and at 6 AM. She then makes sure that my son sends me a text with his BS. This past time she could not get him to test at 6 AM. He would get up but not enough to actually test. She tried for about an hour.

Also, my son recently walked around an amusement park with his friend. He stayed in touch with me by cell phone text messages. I was concerned he would leave his medical bag at a ride, but at the end of the night he still had his medical bag. He has also gone to the movies recently with a group of his friends.

I think that all parents have a little nerves about letting their children have more freedom; however, I think a diabetic parent has to have such faith in order to give the smallest amount of freedom to their teens. I know that the cell phone for us is our connection. Do your kids have a cell that they could text you and you them?

I would recommend starting small. Also for sleep overs I have read that people let their child run a little high so as not to worry about a low.

The last sleepover my son went to he went low two times. Once at 2:48 AM and then again around 4 AM. He was still awake both times Thank God. He sent me a text the first low; however, the second low I didn't know about until I picked him up the next day. He did treat the low and his sugar was good the next morning so he did the right thing even though he didn't text me.

I know for me I get little to no sleep while he is sleeping at a friends house. It is our job as parents to raise independent, responsible adults so it is part of growing up but so hard for a diabetic parent. Good luck and God Bless!

Permalink Reply by Jan on September 12, 2011 at 10:31pm

Yes. First, host more sleepovers at your own house. Second, for those times you can't get out of it, have her call you on her cell phone every few hours with the numbers, food eaten, etc. When on sleepovers they generally stay up very late, often until 3am. Next, make sure the insulin to carb ratio is such that you are giving less insulin for food, and reduce basals slightly. When she calls with the numbers before bed, make sure her blood sugar is high enough so she cannot suffer a low blood sugar over night. I will bring her up to 150 plus more to cover any insulin on board, if there is any. This is in addition to the reduced basals. Then pick her up as soon as possible so you can get her back to her normal routine. Chances are she may be a bit high but sometimes it is necessary to let them just be kids.

Permalink Reply by Heidi Gilroy on September 16, 2011 at 6:53am

You're just going to have to get comfortable letting go. If they are going to be able to be normal teenagers doing normal activities like band or sports or whatever, they will have to be away from you for a period of time. It is important to make sure that they are confident in their ability to control their disease. It is also important that the people around them at least know basic things to do to help in case of low blood sugar or another problem. I was diagnosed at 3 and I did not learn to give myself shots until I was 12. That changed everything for me. I could finally do the things that other normal kids were doing. Your kids may make some mistakes with their diabetes, but it is better to practice now than wait until they are adults and the stakes are higher.

Permalink Reply by SJR on September 29, 2011 at 6:14pm

My 12 yr. old son's first overnight was at his cousin's house, which helped me feel a little bit better. His uncle agreed to get up at 2am and make sure John tested. He didn't know much about what to do if there was a problem, but at least John was awake. We gave him a cell phone to use for the night and we also allowed for him to go "high" for the night. We felt it was ok for one night and it was a little safer rather than risking a low.
John has had diabetes for 3 yrs. now and it's always a learning experience as he gets older. Hang in there and take advantage of all the technology you can! :)