The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia
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The NDSS is administered by Diabetes Australia
While a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be challenging for your child, you and your family or friends. You are not expected to do it all on your own.
These five short videos take you through the initial steps you can take with your child to set out on your diabetes journey and to support them in returning to their usual activities.
Navigating the transition to adulthood is crucial for the ongoing wellness of young adults managing a chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes.Â
This transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care often coincides with other significant milestones in their lives, such as leaving home or starting university or vocational training. It’s just one part of their broader journey into adulthood.
The teenage years are full of new experiences for both parents and young people living with diabetes. Parents play a crucial role in the journey to become confident self-managers of diabetes. Teenagers with type 1 diabetes will eventually move into the adult healthcare system.
This process, known as transition, isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process that takes time and careful planning. Everyone is different and moves through the transition phase at their own pace. As a parent, you can encourage and support them. This will help them become confident, competent, and ready to manage their own healthcare as they grow and mature.
The shifting responsibility of management may seem daunting for you and your child. But understanding the transition journey can make the change feel less daunting. Let’s take a closer look at this journey that usually involves three key phases: introduction and planning, preparation, and transfer.
Ages 12-14
You’re doing a great job guiding your child towards managing their type 1 diabetes as they enter the teenage years. Your influence is vital as you encourage and help your child develop the necessary diabetes self-management skills. Here are some key things to consider for this age group.
Check in with your child about what they understand about their diabetes. Chances are, a lot of diabetes education has been directed towards you, their caregiver. Some of the critical information may also have been forgotten if they were diagnosed a while ago. Now is a good time for a refresher to become better informed. It’s also time to encourage them to start making more decisions about diabetes management.
To help with this, we’ve listened to what kids want when it comes to learning about diabetes, and created Diabetes Quest – an exciting fantasy adventure where kids aged 7-14 can join Warrior Sam to battle dragons and learn how to care for their diabetes.Â
Now might be a good time to consider tech options like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or Flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM).
This technology can support their decision-making by offering instant feedback on how their activities affect their glucose levels. Discuss with their healthcare team and visit ndss.com.au to learn more about these subsidised tools.
Encourage your child to dream big. Diabetes should not be a barrier to their ambitions.
As young people pass through puberty, stress, anxiety, and depression are more common. Look out for concerns about body image at this age as well. The NDSS have fact sheets to support your understanding of diabetes eating disorders and emotional wellbeing.
To find out more, go to ndss.com.au.Â
Puberty can impact diabetes management. It often accompanies rapid growth spurts, metabolic and hormonal changes, and emotional challenges. For young people living with type 1 diabetes, puberty can impact blood glucose levels and management, no matter what they do. Puberty can alter eating habits and levels of physical activity. Girls may find their blood glucose levels change depending on the menstrual cycle phase.
Work closely with diabetes health professionals to develop a tailored self-management plan.
Encourage them to make appointments and directly engage with their diabetes healthcare professionals. Help brainstorm questions to ask during their appointments. It’s okay if their questions differ from yours. The aim is to foster their independence.
Consider advanced technology like CGM and Flash GM to assist with diabetes management. Learn more about diabetes technology and NDSS subsidies for CGM and Flash GM or insulin pump consumables.Â
Open conversations about smoking, alcohol, drugs, body image, and sexual and mental health are crucial. Encourage your teen to speak to their diabetes healthcare professionals about these topics. For more information about how to talk to your teenager about drugs and alcohol, go to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.
Read or download these NDSS resources and share them with your teenager:
Navigating the teenage years can be tough, especially with type 1 diabetes. It’s a time when teens may become disengaged with diabetes self-care, experiment with risky behaviours, feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or have body image worries. Try to talk openly about these concerns, without giving lectures. Or reach out to their diabetes healthcare team for support and advice. The NDSS also have resources to support your understanding of diabetes and how it can affect emotional wellbeing in the Parent Library.
As your teenager steps into the world of work, they may need advice on their rights and how to handle their diabetes at work.
For more information, have a look at Moving up – managing your diabetes during study or at work.
To find out more, go to Diabetes Australia.Â
Ages 18 and beyond
Encourage your young adult to maintain regular check-ups and manage their diabetes independently.
This should include:
It’s vital for your young adult to recognise the signs of burnout, and know when and how to seek help. For more information, have a look at Recognising diabetes burnout.
A successful transition to adult care should result in the gradual development of skills and confidence to manage their diabetes at a pace that suits them. Your young person should be able to communicate effectively with their diabetes health professionals, make appointments, organise their diabetes supplies and medical information and make informed decisions about their health.
Throughout this process, remember to take care of your wellbeing. Your teenager’s transition to adult healthcare is a significant step for them and you as a parent. Throughout this transition and beyond, we’re here to support your and your young adult every step of the way. We’re just a phone call away.
Call the NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a diabetes health professional.
Transition readiness
This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional.
Transition readiness
Welcome to the Parent resource library — your comprehensive guide to support your as your child grows and transitions into adult care. Our informative range of fact sheets covers a wide-range of diabetes-related topics, including; diabetes and driving, alcohol, blood glucose monitoring and diabetes distress.
