For some parents, on hearing that their child has diabetes their first thought is of someone they know who has the condition and now has devastating health problems. They are consequently terrified that their child will suffer a similar fate.
It’s true that diabetes carries a risk of potential complications in the long term, such as heart disease or damage to the kidneys, eyes or nerves. However, medical research has shown that these potential complications are much less likely in people who keep their blood glucose levels as close to their target as possible.
This doesn’t mean that you should get anxious or feel guilty if your child’s blood glucose levels aren’t perfect all the time. Nobody with diabetes can manage this. Even without diabetes, as a parent you will already be encouraging your child to follow a healthy lifestyle to ensure they get the best start in life and stay as healthy as possible. Managing their diabetes will be another part of this.