The right ‘type’ of listener

When you interact with a parent whose child has type-1 diabetes, even when your intentions come from the right place, your comments may be hurtful. Your confusion is understandable, as this is a complex disease, and it is different than the type-2 diabetes that is commonly discussed in the media.

To help the conversation flow smoothly when you encounter someone parenting a child with type-1 diabetes, follow the suggestions below:

Do not ask how the child got diabetes

He did not get diabetes from eating too much candy. In many cases there is not even a family history of diabetes.

“These comments hurt, because part of the initial adjustment involved convincing myself that I had not done anything wrong, deliberately, karmically, or genetically that resulted in Max having diabetes,” says Michelle MacPhee. “We have found the blame game to be useless in diabetes and in life.”

Do not ask if he will outgrow this

Unfortunately, this disease is sometimes called juvenile diabetes. The word “juvenile” implies that a person may outgrow the disease, but that is not possible with diabetes. Until a cure is found, a diagnosis of type-1 diabetes is a life sentence.

Please do not share your diabetes horror stories

The tales of your great aunt Betty and her blindness and amputations are terrifying to hear.

Every parent of a child with type-1 diabetes is well aware of the potential complications. We also know that thanks to advanced treatment options and good blood sugar control, these complications can be minimized or prevented.

Do not assume that an insulin pump is a near cure

The insulin pump is an amazing example of technology. It helps people with diabetes administer insulin, but contrary to popular myth, it does not replace a pancreas. The pump is a device that parents program and reprogram frequently. It is not surgically implanted below the skin but attached via a small tube that is relocated every few days. Children with an insulin pump still prick their fingers multiple times a day to check blood sugar.

Please do not comment on what my child is eating

Remember this is not the type of diabetes your great aunt Betty had when she had to “avoid sweets.” This presumptuousness annoys Tracy MacPherson, mom of an 8-year-old daughter with diabetes.

“We have people offer Marin junk food, then another jumps in and says she cannot have it, because she has diabetes.” Children with diabetes can eat anything you can eat, but they do need to balance that with insulin.

Do not assume the child misses fun things in life due to diabetes

Parents whose children have type-1 diabetes help them live normal, full lives. People with diabetes have climbed Mount Everest. MacPhee is encouraging her 6-year-old son Max to do whatever he wants despite diabetes.

“Diabetes changes the equation in that he has to work harder and plan better than other kids.”

Please do not suggest we try the latest ‘cure’

People with type-1 diabetes and the people who love them are emotionally invested in finding a cure. We follow the latest science, and some of us are actively participating in finding a medically sound cure.

Sue LeBreton is a health and wellness journalist. She has been caring for a child with diabetes for more than six years and programming an insulin pump, often in the middle of the night, for five years.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>

Enforex

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Students 5-18 years old learn Spanish living with Spanish students while having fun at one of our 8 Immersion Summer programs in Spain. Children will make new friends from all over the world, learn languages, play sports and more, all in a supportive, friendly and diverse environment where students open their minds and immerse themselves in the Spanish culture and language.</span></p>

Magic Day Camp

<h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Magic Day Camp is a privately owned summer day camp that has successfully operated for more than 40 years.</span></h4> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Magic Day Camp is conveniently located in Bayside, Queens. We provide door-to-door transportation to families EVERYWHERE in Queens at no additional cost. We also offer camping options for children residing in New Hyde Park, Elmont, Valley Stream, Floral Park, and Garden City.</span><strong id="docs-internal-guid-c31bba51-7fff-8629-e1e7-39a7806ca021" style="font-weight: normal;"></strong></p> <h4 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Magic Day Camp has given generations of children a safe and rewarding environment to explore new and enriching experiences that foster both mental and physical growth</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></h4> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We believe all children need a safe and supervised environment to develop into well-rounded youths and eventually adults. With daily swimming, daily trips, sports programs, dance programs, parks, state-of-the-art facilities, celebrations, and incredible summer days, "every day is truly magical!"</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Open Houses are held every month Jan-June - visit the website to learn more! </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email [email protected] with any questions!</span></p>