The physiological and psycho social changes that emerge in adolescence hinder the control of diabetes.

-that are shared by the two members of the couple follow-up of diabetes of the son, normalize life with diabetes or share experiences daily with others in the same circumstances, here are some tips to improve coexistence with diabetes in adolescents

-hide transgressions in the control of diabetes, how to eat to eavesdrop, etc. is one of the most important signs that parents must raise search help psicolómagical

-the decline in adherence to treatment, play with the settings of insulin and food, and night-time departures are some of the aspects of the control of diabetes which are most affected during this period

-the debut of the disease, a complication or simply a number of years of evolution of the same are the moments where the need is the psychological support

Vitoria, 2011-December during the child age and, above all in adolescence, one of the aspects of diabetes that needs special attention is psychological. So, the adaptation to the treatment of diabetes and the changes that occur during adolescence makes, sometimes arising doubts and concerns in the family environment. Psychological support to adolescents and their parents contributes to improving coexistence with diabetes at this stage. According to Iñaki Lorente, clinical psychologist of the Navarre Association of Diabetes, between 13 and 18 the control of diabetes worsens, as are changes both physiological – in relation to all the hormones are contrarreguladoras-as psycho-social (rebellion) that make it difficult for good control of the disease. It is important that parents understand the position of his son, and vice versa, as well as that they learn to differentiate what aspects of your attitude is due to adolescence and what diabetes so that each is addressed as ”.

With the objective that parents learn to handle potential difficulties and strategies, on the other hand, children meet other young people with your same interests, the Foundation for Diabetes, in collaboration with the diabetic Association of Alava and the Guipuzcoana Diabetes AssociationHe has been held the past weekend in the Palace of congresses Europe (Vitoria) the 8th seminar practical psychology and Diabetes for parents and adolescents. The programme has included theoretical session – practices addressing aspects related to each age group in which the participants are divided.

Fathers and mothers of children with diabetes of 0 to 11 years of age, parents of youth with diabetes aged 12 to 17 years and boys and girls with diabetes from 12 to 17 years have participated in the seminar.

When seeking help psychological

Among the signs before that parents must raise seek psychological help, Iñaki Lorente highlights hide transgressions in the control of diabetes, as eating secretly, etc. ”. In this sense, the decline in adherence to treatment, play with the settings of insulin and food, and night-time departures are some of the aspects of the control of diabetes which are most affected during this period. In any case, this expert stresses that is always necessary to distinguish which of these problems are due to adolescence and what acceptance of diabetes by adolescent ”.

The debut of the disease, a complication or simply a number of years of evolution of the same are other times where the need is psychological support. Approximately 5 years of disease evolution might appear a decrease in motivation ”, indicates. To resolve this situation, this expert recommended to deal with the disease in a positive way, considering the possibility of the existence of a future without diabetes and valuing each of scientific and technological advances that occur for the treatment and facilitate control and improve the quality of life ”.

Living with diabetes in adolescents

In addition to these advances, psychologists gathered during the workshop suggest carrying out some steps to living with diabetes as the two members of the couple share the monitoring of child diabetes, avoiding that responsibility rests only on one of them; normalize life with diabetes or share experiences of everyday life with others in the same circumstances.

Also – stresses Lorente – is essential to bear in mind that we are moving towards accountability during the stage of adolescence, and for this reason, parents must spend be pilots to co-drivers in the lives of our children ”.

Foundation for Diabetes

The Diabetes Foundation is a charitable non-profit and of general interest which is intended to contribute to the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications, as well as to the improvement of the quality of life for people with diabetes. This develops educational, training, research and activities social awareness throughout the territory of the Spanish State.