HAPPY&HEALTHY In partnership with Abbott TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL A child with Type 1 diabetes needs to monitor their glucose levels regularly. Thankfully, Abbo ’s FreeStyle Libre 2 system makes monitoring glucose easyπ—even for kids as young as four. CREATED FOR ABBOTT
trend arrows so users can see where their glucose level has been, where it is now and where it’s going.
Diabetes and mental health Here’s how to manage the stress of your kid’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. MELISSA ZIMMERMANN will never forget the day her 15-month-old son, Carter, was airlifted by ambulance—unresponsive and not breathing well—from a regional hospital in Red Deer to Alberta Children’s Hospital. In the intensive care unit, surrounded by IV lines and monitors, “the doctor told us it was Type 1 diabetes, and from that moment, our lives changed completely,” she recalls. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, 33,000 children ages five to 18 have Type 1 diabetes, and it’s a diagnosis that can create a lot of worry and anxiety, not only for the child, but for the whole family. In a 2020 global study conducted by Abbott, the maker of the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system, 93 percent of parents said they were distressed by the diagnosis, while almost half of the children said they perceive their illness as being a burden on their family. Experts say that a child’s anxiety about the condition often increases in school and public places. So how do you manage the stress of a diabetes diagnosis? Here are six ways to experience some peace of mind.
LEARN MORE ABOUT IT After the initial diagnosis, the Zimmermanns went through a massive crash course in the
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management and treatment of diabetes, provided both by their son’s diabetes team and through the JDRF. “As you learn how to manage it, you see that diabetes doesn’t have to be a child’s entire life.” And remember to be gentle with yourself and your kid while you’re still learning.
No finger pricks¥: This flash glucose monitoring system± removes the need for the painful finger-pricking¥ that comes along with traditional glucose monitoring. Easy to use: With a one-second scan, users can see their current glucose reading, an eighthour history and
Glucose level alarms: Optional real-time alarmsØ can signal when glucose levels go above or below the target range, so the user can take appropriate action. To learn more about the FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system, speak to your prescribing physician or pharmacist, or visit myfreestyle.ca.
±The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert. ¥Finger pricks are required if readings do not match symptoms or expectations. ØThe FreeStyle Libre 2 system has optional glucose alarms. Alarms need to be turned on in order to receive low and high glucose alarms. πData on file, Abbo Diabetes Care Inc.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS If you have any friends who have kids with diabetes, reach out to them. When Canadian actress Jenna Warren was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 16, the first thing her dad did was text the father of one of her friends who also had diabetes. “Within 20 minutes, they were at the hospital reassuring me that I was going to be OK.” Other people with kids who are living with the condition can help you feel less lonely and overwhelmed. Search Facebook for groups of parents of kids with diabetes, or ask your child’s diabetes healthcare provider about support groups.
TALK ABOUT IT Ruth Slater, a psychologist who has worked with SickKids hospital in Toronto, encourages ongoing communication and open discussion within the family and diabetes team. “Younger kids will be more apt to outwardly display their stress, while teens tend to become self-conscious and more private.” Talking openly about issues you’re facing will help solve problems and get things off your chest. Address concerns as they arise, make a list of them for the professionals and consider scheduling weekly family meetings to make sure communication happens.
FIND THE RIGHT TOOLS Many parents hear a diabetes diagnosis and instantly think of painful daily finger pricks. But new technology is making glucose monitoring easier, and pain-free. Talk to your doctor about what will work for your child.
ENJOY LIFE “Remember, diabetes is just one of your things,” says Zimmermann. “It shouldn’t become allencompassing for a family.” Keep encouraging hobbies, sports, fun activities and enjoyable, healthy eating. –Ylva Van Buuren
PHOTO: STOCKSY TEXT: This article was paid for by Abbo , a manufacturer of diabetes care products in Canada. These are actual testimonials from patients/ caregivers who use the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, and Abbo has consent to use their stories. Consent is on file with Abbo . ADC-39760
THE FREESTYLE LIBRE 2 FEATURES INCLUDE:
