April 30, 2003
Blood Tests and Insulin Injections
Question from Gloucester Township, New Jersey, USA:
My 11year old son, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a little more than two months ago, tests his own blood sugar with no problem, but he has not yet give himself an insulin injection and wants no part of trying, not even pushing the plunger in. What is a reasonable time frame to expect someone his age to begin to give himself injections? Is there a way we can encourage it without putting too much pressure on him?
Answer:
Many children of his age are injecting their insulin. It may be that he has an irrational fear of injecting insulin that it would be worth talking about. It is important not to push him but to gently persuade him. If you know of anyone else with diabetes, getting him to meet them is a good thing. Also, meeting up with other kids at the clinic may help. It will come in time.
JS
[Editor’s comment: Sounds like he’d do great at a diabetes camp this summer!
WWQ]
