Type 1

Sorry to hear that, Stuart. What age was she diagnosed at, and what have her HBa1c results been like?

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12 m

Stuart Ringo said:

It was just before she turned 18.
As far as I know, the HBa1c is not getting done as often as it should be done. I don't know..? What is the frequency?

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12 monthly is the norm but more frequent when diabetes isn't controlled well, I would have a word with her diabetes team and see if they can help.

So the HBa1c is the best guide to whether she is at risk of harm. As for the other issues - depression, drinking and lies - diabetes has no monopoly on those I'm afraid. I was diagnosed late, but I understand it's common for T1 teenagers and young adults to get rebellious and/or depressed and go off the rails with their diabetes care. :-(

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I agree with the others. Try to get her to have an HBa1C done. Poorly controlled usually have 3 or 6 monthly. Even I have 6-monthly and am well-controlled. Drinking fortunately doesn't have big impact on diabetes blood sugar other than not countering hypos if they happen

Hi I agree with what the other members have said, so she's about 6 years now with diabetes. It must be so hard for the younger age group, they want to be like their friends, workmates and just to be 'normal' again and do 'normal' things again without diabetes always rearing it's ugly head. Hopefully she will one day soon sit up and realise that she must look after her self and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Good luck to you all, we never stop worrying about our children even when they are all grown up and some have flown the nest. Take care.

Hi Stuart

I'm sorry to hear that you are so worried about your daughter.

Sadly long term badly controlled diabetes causes havoc, I thought I would buck the trend and get away with it but I have learnt the very hard way that it isn't possible. I behaved like your daughter at a similar age carrying on for about 6 years, not drinking and depression but just general disregard for treating my diabetes. I often wish high blood sugar had the same instant effect as low blood sugar as I may have prevented serious complications for myself. I was able to get up and go to work etc feeling pretty dreadful but functioning, paving the way for complications that kicked in during my 30's and are ongoing into my 40's.

Does your daughter attend a diabetes clinic for help? You aren't judged as a failure if you ask for help, it's a life long condition, nobody can do it without support. I used to take any medical or family help as criticism, it was a light bulb moment when I realised it was actually people caring. If your daughter is neglecting her diabetes please encourage her as best you can to take back control before any damage starts to set in. Life is a whole lot better with normal blood sugar and getting stable blood sugars certainly helps with your mood and the way you deal with problems. Some diabetes clinics have psychologists linked to them who do a great job. Perhaps you or she could find out what is available locally.

It is possible to get a good grip of diabetes with help and fit normal life around it. I wish you good luck encouraging her to seek some help.

Stuart Ringo said:

I've got a 24 yr old daughter who is type 1. We are having a terrible and stressful time with her regarding her drinking, depression and lies. We done all we can to make her happy but every now and again she falls of the rails. My biggest concern is, what damage is being done regarding her diabetes????

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Hello Stuart,

I confirm that the worry about our children never ends. My son was diagnosed when he was in his teens. In the first few years he made serious mistakes during his diabetic journey. He is now married with his own children and I still worry about him but he doesn't know that I worry. At least, I hope he doesn't know!

However, I do know that his control of diabetes is very good. The early mistakes he made resulted in hospitalisation and were lessons in what not to do. After 20 years of managing diabetes he has not suffered complications. He eats well, has the occasional drink and keeps fit with long distance cycling.

Hi Stuart, I'm sorry that both you and your daughter are having s and time of it

It's unclear from your post if she is or isn't managing her diabetes, but sounds as if you suspect she isn't? It also sounds as if she's not living at home, and has other issues in her life as she is depressed , though depression can be related to living with diabetes .

Though it's obvious you love, care and worry about her, it's sometimes not taken well by a young person when parents express concern. Is there a close relative or family friend she gets on well with and can communicate and listen to ?

Signy