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Constantly terrified. Any advice?

B

bella_c

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8 months ago my partners child was diagnosed type 1 diabetic. A couple of months later I was shown how to do her insulin injections and how to test her blood sugar levels, told rougly what to do when she was low and high and then asked to babysit alone the next day. I now look after her 2 days a week and am constantly terrified! I don't understand diabetes, I mean I know the pancreas stops producing inslulin and all that but in many situations I don't knows what to do. I try asking my partner for help and telling him how scared I am but he gets annoyed, thinks I'm totally stupid and It starts an argument.

I've started to go to a childrens diabetes club with her with the hope of learning more and possibly try find someone there to help me but they all treat me as if I'm stupid and have been cast out by them. They have long conversations about different types of insulin, about pumps and carbs and I have no idea what they're talking about. While they were having one such conversation about carbs and I mentioned that I never knew about carb counting and that my partner doesn't do it, their jaws practically hit the floor.

My partners child constantly has high blood sugar levels but is always hungry, I've been told not to give her food if she is high and to get her to exercise but she often cries saying she starving hungry and I feel terrible. In so many situations I have no clue what to do and I'm terrified one day something will go wrong but noone will help me and everyone expects me to just shut up and get on with it.
 
Sorry, I can't say anything helpful. BUt i did want to say how much i admire you for what you are doing- she's lucky to have you! Hope someone more knowledgeable comes along soon and good luck.
 
Dippy3103 said:
Sorry, I can't say anything helpful. BUt i did want to say how much i admire you for what you are doing- she's lucky to have you! Hope someone more knowledgeable comes along soon and good luck.
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Want to second that and shame on your partner and those people at the group for not being more understanding. Its a big enough responsibility looking after a child but add type 1 diabetes onto that and its enough to make anyone scared. Learning more might help but also as time goes by you will be more used to it and hopefully that will calm you down.
 
Thanks for replying! I know how to do her injections and test her blood and everything but as I have no understanding of the way her body works and the reasons behind everything I feel like I can't ever learn what to do unless I understand diabetes. Like what to do when she is hungry but is high or bordering high, what to do when she does lots of exercise to stop her going low ect... I understand how to deal with highs and lows but not how to prevent them, actually I don't know how to deal with highs, other than being told to get her to run around or give her an extra Insulin unit with her meals but outside of her meals I'm clueless. There's a million other situations I'm completely clueless in and I feel terrible, like I'm putting her in danger for allowing her to be in my care. Does anyone know if there's any organizations, Healthcare professionals or courses I can do to learn more?
 
bella_c said:
Thanks for replying! I know how to do her injections and test her blood and everything but as I have no understanding of the way her body works and the reasons behind everything I feel like I can't ever learn what to do unless I understand diabetes. Like what to do when she is hungry but is high or bordering high, what to do when she does lots of exercise to stop her going low ect... I understand how to deal with highs and lows but not how to prevent them, actually I don't know how to deal with highs, other than being told to get her to run around or give her an extra Insulin unit with her meals but outside of her meals I'm clueless. There's a million other situations I'm completely clueless in and I feel terrible, like I'm putting her in danger for allowing her to be in my care. Does anyone know if there's any organizations, Healthcare professionals or courses I can do to learn more?
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This book in particular may answer many of your questions and help and guide you. It has excellent reviews. Type 1 Diabetes in children, adolescents and young adults.
http://www.class.co.uk/books-diabetes/t ... adults-203
 
I suggest you phone the careline at Diabetes UK. They will listen, advise & send helpful booklets.

How old is she? Is she skinny or overweight? Is her general health OK.

Her Dr & nurse should be able to give you the specific advice you need.

Surely the others at the children's club will see your need for help. They were in exactly the same position as you when their children were diagnosed. Try to pal up with a Mum whose child your girl pals up with.

I'm T2 & 70, but my own diabetes & this forum has given me the knowledge to help other diabetics.

I would suggest that when she is hungry & high, you provide food that is bulky but low in sugar & other carbs. Scrambled egg, sausage, No Added Sugar jellies or plain yoghurt sweetened with Splenda or NAS squash. Crunchy carrots are good. If she is OK with nuts, you can add e.g. ground almonds to a lot of mixes. Avoid biscuits, bread, potatoes, pasta & rice.

She will of course need sugar when she is low.

I suggest you PM Katharine as she is a Dr & has a diabetic son.
 
Bella
It in't fair of your partner to leave you in charge of this child. Is this someone to whom you are married? or is it an informal relationship, because there are legal implications if this child is not officially a member of your family.
It sounds like her condition isn't all that well controlled anyway.
IanD's suggestions are excellent. I would add one more. children sometimes confuse hunger with thirst, so a sugar free drink may help. start with plain water.
Hana
 
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