Although the data pushes for keepings blood sugars as low possible there has to be a trade off between living life and minimising the risks of complications. The majority of hypos are not nice and get in the way of actually living life. I'm not saying that it is not important to keep blood sugars as good as possible but just that it is just as important to enjoy life whilst you are well as it is to do your best to keep the sugars good to minimise the long term risks. I think that we sometimes focus upon the effects that sugars can have almost as if it keeps us immune from other things that could happen..........................and it took a major car accident plus other bad things in my life to get some of the balance more even
-
Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
how involved?
- Thread starter bev
- Start date
- Status
Last week we dropped half a unit of levemir to stop hypos. It worked well until 5 days ago - when his levels started creeping up and now every meal time are 12 or 13! So we correct - but how 'safe' is it to use correcting as a method of control? If he is high for a few hours after a meal - what impact does that have on his body - until we correct it later? Bev
Hi Northerner
But teachers have responsibility for a large number of pupils at the same time and as much as they try to do there best they can't be there to meet the individual needs of each and every child on a daily basis. There has to be a trade off between providing support and actually doing the teaching and I don't envy any teacher trying to get that balance right
But teachers have responsibility for a large number of pupils at the same time and as much as they try to do there best they can't be there to meet the individual needs of each and every child on a daily basis. There has to be a trade off between providing support and actually doing the teaching and I don't envy any teacher trying to get that balance right
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
There are some great schools out there and yes of course it is hard for the teachers to totally care for a child with diabetes in their class but this is where the schools are failing. They need to provide something and someone be it a TA or LSA, they need to do something. Every Child Matters etc, even type 1 diabetic children. Some schools beggar belief, believe me. I know some horrendous stories. There has to be so much more intervention these days than before, purely due to the different regimes around these days ie MDI and pumping. The problem is funding of course, as is always the case. One family has just won their SENDIST case against their son's old school. He was totally discriminated against, bullied by kids and teachers because of his diabetes. He is now home ed and SENDIST ruled in the families behaviour. I have about four other families also having to go through SENDIST.
I agree there needs to be a balance between living and diabetes. But when your local fishmonger is now lying in a hospital bed with blisters on his feet as his feet (and fingers) were numb and he didn't feel them and has been there for two weeks and it is because of diabetes, it makes you wonder doens't it. Yes diabetes shouldn't stop you doing anything but you also need to have as good as control as is possible and these days that involves pumps, MDI, carb counting, loads of tests etc etc. This can be fitted in around normal life, but is so very very important. I miss our fishmonger, he did fab fish but I doubt he'll be back and I imagine he will be at the amputee clinic soon as well as the diabetic clinic. Makes you stop and think.
Sorry to be so harsh but is just sooo frightening.
I agree there needs to be a balance between living and diabetes. But when your local fishmonger is now lying in a hospital bed with blisters on his feet as his feet (and fingers) were numb and he didn't feel them and has been there for two weeks and it is because of diabetes, it makes you wonder doens't it. Yes diabetes shouldn't stop you doing anything but you also need to have as good as control as is possible and these days that involves pumps, MDI, carb counting, loads of tests etc etc. This can be fitted in around normal life, but is so very very important. I miss our fishmonger, he did fab fish but I doubt he'll be back and I imagine he will be at the amputee clinic soon as well as the diabetic clinic. Makes you stop and think.
Sorry to be so harsh but is just sooo frightening.
Adrienne
I know that it is frightening - I spent my childhood growing up with frequently being given the message that I would almost certainly, because I have diabetes, become blind, have my kidneys fail, lose a leg etc and probably before I was 30 and yes there are lots of incidents where people with diabetes have had this happen to them but if you live with this worrying all of the time as a diabetic then you can be in the situation that you aren't living your life to the most. It has only been very recently that I've actually started planning for 20 years from now because again there has alway been the comments about shortened life span etc I know how difficult it is and the diabetes itself can make you feel suffocated - I've carbohydrate counted for virtually all of my life, I do between 5 and 7 injections a day and up to 10 blood tests each day. I have never had a day in my life that I can remember without it being there (and the risk of complications) and it is this experience that has taught me the importance of a having a balance and having supportive people in the background but not there intevening on your behalf all of the time. I've not done things because I have worried about it affecting the diabetes and vice versa and I regret not doing those things. But I also know that because my mum was there in the way that I've already described that I've done things that I would never have done if I had been protected too much...................things that have included going to Beirut, co-writing a book, gaining a PhD, spending great times in my teens, 20s and 30s in nightclubs, buying my first home at 19 etc etc (and I achieved these things despite not gaining any post compulsory qualifications until I was in my mid 20s) By having a certain amount of independence with how I dealt with the diabetes during my childhood it taught me how to get on with life and to explore things and make things happen and knowing the limits that I have to put on myself because I've learnt what the limits are for myself. I also count myself very fortunate that I haven't had serious complications but on a daily basis know that they could happen in the future..............and that's what makes it important to get the balance right - independent person first, diabetic second. Just on one other note as I've said before I've done both the one a day injections, the twice a day and then the multiple injection regime (which has changed various times as the insulin has changed over the past few years) and, in my personal opinion they are all difficult to manage - I really don't think that any is particularly easier than the other - they just each provide different challenges and opportunities
I appreciate that this may be difficult to understand
I know that it is frightening - I spent my childhood growing up with frequently being given the message that I would almost certainly, because I have diabetes, become blind, have my kidneys fail, lose a leg etc and probably before I was 30 and yes there are lots of incidents where people with diabetes have had this happen to them but if you live with this worrying all of the time as a diabetic then you can be in the situation that you aren't living your life to the most. It has only been very recently that I've actually started planning for 20 years from now because again there has alway been the comments about shortened life span etc I know how difficult it is and the diabetes itself can make you feel suffocated - I've carbohydrate counted for virtually all of my life, I do between 5 and 7 injections a day and up to 10 blood tests each day. I have never had a day in my life that I can remember without it being there (and the risk of complications) and it is this experience that has taught me the importance of a having a balance and having supportive people in the background but not there intevening on your behalf all of the time. I've not done things because I have worried about it affecting the diabetes and vice versa and I regret not doing those things. But I also know that because my mum was there in the way that I've already described that I've done things that I would never have done if I had been protected too much...................things that have included going to Beirut, co-writing a book, gaining a PhD, spending great times in my teens, 20s and 30s in nightclubs, buying my first home at 19 etc etc (and I achieved these things despite not gaining any post compulsory qualifications until I was in my mid 20s) By having a certain amount of independence with how I dealt with the diabetes during my childhood it taught me how to get on with life and to explore things and make things happen and knowing the limits that I have to put on myself because I've learnt what the limits are for myself. I also count myself very fortunate that I haven't had serious complications but on a daily basis know that they could happen in the future..............and that's what makes it important to get the balance right - independent person first, diabetic second. Just on one other note as I've said before I've done both the one a day injections, the twice a day and then the multiple injection regime (which has changed various times as the insulin has changed over the past few years) and, in my personal opinion they are all difficult to manage - I really don't think that any is particularly easier than the other - they just each provide different challenges and opportunities
I appreciate that this may be difficult to understand
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
Hi
I appreciate and understand all you have said. I don't have diabetes, so essentially I am looking at it from a different point of view. Up until a few years ago all children, without fail, at school were on two injections a day. There was no need for an injection at school and sometimes no need to test during the day. Now though because of modern medical advances there has to be more intervention at school and at home by parents and the children themselves. You can still lead a normal life but they are trying to get this life expectancy thing to a minimum and the horrible consequences down to a minimum and the only way to do that is much much tighter control. Tighter control means more intervention. There are no two ways about. Having diabetes does not stop my daughter from doing anything at all in her life, except sleepovers, that's a problem but we are solving it slowly.
Thats all I was saying. We're off bowling now with the Brownies!!
I appreciate and understand all you have said. I don't have diabetes, so essentially I am looking at it from a different point of view. Up until a few years ago all children, without fail, at school were on two injections a day. There was no need for an injection at school and sometimes no need to test during the day. Now though because of modern medical advances there has to be more intervention at school and at home by parents and the children themselves. You can still lead a normal life but they are trying to get this life expectancy thing to a minimum and the horrible consequences down to a minimum and the only way to do that is much much tighter control. Tighter control means more intervention. There are no two ways about. Having diabetes does not stop my daughter from doing anything at all in her life, except sleepovers, that's a problem but we are solving it slowly.
Thats all I was saying. We're off bowling now with the Brownies!!
I think its all down to personal preference - we are all individuals and need to live our lives the way we see fit - what might be ok for one person wont be for another. And whilst obviously dealing with the medical side of diabetes should be done to the best ability - it should not (in my view) override everything else because at the end of the day you can be the healthiest diabetic on the planet - but if your life has been made a misery by people around you supporting you in a way that interferes/controls your life to such an extent that you are being overwhelmed by it - then there is something seriously wrong with such 'care'.
Adrienne, i do take your point about being 'involved' with the school - you have to otherwise your child could be in danger - but i do worry that some people may be over zealous in their behaviour towards a school and therefore are actually creating some of the problems - rather than solving them. So far, my experience with school has been great (touch wood it stays like that) and they are always open to dealing with new situations -but i have to remember that it is totally new to them aswell - and they will be panicking about every aspect of dealing with diabetes - so i prefer to work 'with' the school rather than continuously telling them they are doing something wrong.
It is very scary being responsible for a child with diabetes even when your the parent - so it must be 10 times worse for someone who 'has' to monitor their care - whether they want to or not! I am grateful that Alex's school have been 'positive' about his care. And i know i am probably one of the lucky ones - so i am not in any way saying that people shouldnt 'complain' if a childs school is failing them. Bev🙂
Adrienne, i do take your point about being 'involved' with the school - you have to otherwise your child could be in danger - but i do worry that some people may be over zealous in their behaviour towards a school and therefore are actually creating some of the problems - rather than solving them. So far, my experience with school has been great (touch wood it stays like that) and they are always open to dealing with new situations -but i have to remember that it is totally new to them aswell - and they will be panicking about every aspect of dealing with diabetes - so i prefer to work 'with' the school rather than continuously telling them they are doing something wrong.
It is very scary being responsible for a child with diabetes even when your the parent - so it must be 10 times worse for someone who 'has' to monitor their care - whether they want to or not! I am grateful that Alex's school have been 'positive' about his care. And i know i am probably one of the lucky ones - so i am not in any way saying that people shouldnt 'complain' if a childs school is failing them. Bev🙂
Last edited:
I forgot to say that Alex has had 10 and a half years of being non-diabetic and therefore has built up his personality etc with his school friends - and this is probably the most important thing to him - he doesnt want to appear anything other than the Alex they all knew pre-diabetes - and i want to work hard for that to be the case. So i am reluctant to be the only parent they all see at school for one reason or another to do with his diabetes. I would prefer to be more low key -but remember that this is only 4 months in - i may change my mind when i have had more time of it! lol . 🙂 Bev
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
I totally agree with everything you have said, you need to find the right balance. I've not met many over zealous parents though. The ones that have gone to SENDIST are the schools who refuse to even listen to the parent and refuse to help with anything ie finger tests included. That is just a disgrace. Unfortunately the law says they don't have to help but they do have to make reasonable adjustment. How can a 5 year old interpret their glucometer reading, let alone test themselves ! (I know some might be able to but the majority can't) So the parent has to decide what to do. Do they withdraw the child from the school even though it means taking them away from their friends. Do they go to the school every test time and do the test themselves but what happens when the child goes hypo and no-one will test or help.
You have obviously got a great school, so have we but there are not so good ones out there. It is just luck as to whether you get a pro active head or an unhelpful head.
You have obviously got a great school, so have we but there are not so good ones out there. It is just luck as to whether you get a pro active head or an unhelpful head.
I do realise that schools dont have to do this by law - but what about the 'duty of care' that should cover every child within the school environment? Monitoring the use of blood glucose meters surely is covered by this 'duty of care'?
I think you may have missunderstood me Adrienne, I am not saying that parents shouldnt fight for the best care for their children in school - of course they should! I just want to get the 'balance' right - i dont want to become a 'pushy parent' type thats all. As long as Alex's care whilst at school is within the guidelines set by his team - then i will be satisfied. Bev
I think you may have missunderstood me Adrienne, I am not saying that parents shouldnt fight for the best care for their children in school - of course they should! I just want to get the 'balance' right - i dont want to become a 'pushy parent' type thats all. As long as Alex's care whilst at school is within the guidelines set by his team - then i will be satisfied. Bev
Adrienne
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Parent of person with diabetes
Hi Bev
Yep totally agree with you again - duty of care and all that. I didn't misunderstand you at all, I agreed with you totally. That's the trouble sometimes with emails and messages, sometimes it doesn't come over as you meant it too, I know mine don't sometimes and I end up in heated discussions I never meant to end up in!!! There is nothing quite like a face to face conversation and so I am looking forward to meeting you and Alex finally in May.
Yep totally agree with you again - duty of care and all that. I didn't misunderstand you at all, I agreed with you totally. That's the trouble sometimes with emails and messages, sometimes it doesn't come over as you meant it too, I know mine don't sometimes and I end up in heated discussions I never meant to end up in!!! There is nothing quite like a face to face conversation and so I am looking forward to meeting you and Alex finally in May.
Yes me too! In fact i cant wait - it will feel wonderful to be able to talk to another parent who actually understands what your talking about - and not feel like i am talking a different language! I am wary of 'boring' friends with diabetes news etc.. and i know they mostly just dont understand! Alex is beside himself with excitement! But i must warn you - i am obsessed with babies and young children - i just love them - one day i think i will be accused of being a baby stalker!🙂Bev
- Status