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Growing Up


That's a tough one - I was diagnosed in 1966 and my parents basically gave me the same amount of freedom as my non diabetic brother and sister. I was never home, usually on a bicycle exploring, or on a lake fishing (by myself) or involved in very physically demanding competitive sports. I guess that was their decision and it didn't kill me. I knew I was lucky because there were quite a few diabetic kids whose parents did not give them the same amount of freedom as mine.

It's too bad there wasn't more attention paid on the parent psychology of children with diabetes. That's extremely important in my opinion. I also went to diabetic kids camp for 1 month intervals - it basically taught me about being as active as anyone can be without running a high risk of low blood sugars etc.

I'm much older now - 55 - still living life to its fullest like it's one big adventure. My daughter doesn't have diabetes - but she has a dangerous job in the Navy and is often in very risky situations - I used to worry my fool head off but have learned not too anymore because it wasn't doing me any good. I suspect your parents worry about you too much. So having said that, I would suggest you try to engage them in conversation and ask them how they feel about you having diabetes - a good starting point for discussing your need for greater independence.

Good luck - I think it's tough for parents too
 
I am 17 and have been diagnosed 5 months. However, this was a week before moving away to college. It has been hard for me and my parents, but we are getting used to it. There are wardens on site 24/7 so if there was an issue i just ring them. I also had a roommate until yesterday, but am getting another soon. Therefore i am not often on my own. There is also a registering card machine you have to swipe before 11pm and before 9:30am. If you dont they will come check you are alive in your room or ring you
 
What about physical sports? My parents say that I cant do a lot of sport in long period of time because "you never know whats gonna happen then". I know that my body isnt well trained. I missed some stages of physical development and now I must train more. Its like studying in school- you dont learn, you dont get good grades and you have problems with understanding the subjects.
Sometimes I think that my parents consider me as physically weak person that I cant do lots of sport. The only explanation is "what if you collapse, what will happen then?". I have proved that I can control myself, my diabetes is well controlled and there hasng been any problem with it yet. But its better to stay in this " comfort zone" for them
 
Maybe try some kind of outdoor activity where you will be with other people. The team sports I was involved in as a kid - the coaches always knew I had diabetes. Some sports I was good at and some I was not. Another thought, maybe get your parents involved with you in say hiking, swimming something you can do together.
I don't know anything about your situation so these are just ideas. But one thing you said about your "parents consider me a physically weak person that I can't do lots of sports" - I felt the same way as a kid because I had diabetes - and I ended up using that to prove people wrong (the funny thing is no one may have actually thought that but I thought they did).
 

I think that is due to your diabetes and not independence.
 
Well, for diabetic persons and children to do sport is very good and keeps you healthy. It lowes your glycemi and it is again, very good for persons with diabet!!!
 
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