My 12 year old daughter was just diagnosed with type�1 diabetes a week ago, and, although I’m sure the hospital gave us all the important information we needed, we are just totally overwhelmed and clueless! I have read as much as I can about meals and snacks, but I feel like I am winging it — I don’t know what she can and shouldn’t have. I know not to give sodas, cakes, etc. and even without these, her blood sugars continue to stay high. I have to call in every evening to get her doses, and tonight they told me I only have to call every three nights, even though I’ve told them I am very unsure! I don’t really know how to carb count — like how many is too much? What’s a good range? What’s a good snack? Isn’t there something out there that is simple to understand for newbies? Everything I have read gets complicated. I feel like I’m walking on egg shells!

All parents of kids with diabetes feel overwhelmed during the first few weeks of a diagnosis. Your goal should be to understand the basics only for now. You will keep learning about diabetes over the next many years. There are many great resources for your use on this site.

For new patients with diabetes, your best resource is a compassionate physician and diabetes educator who can sit down with you for the time needed to get all of your questions answered. Call your diabetes educator today and schedule another visit. Make a list of all your questions on paper.

MSB

[Editor’s comment: I agree with Dr. Brown entirely. I am sure the educators at the hospital did teach you what you needed, that does not necessarily mean you were able to learn it. The time of diagnosis is very stressful and, these days, insurance companies force the educators to get all the information in just two or three days. I agree that you need to meet with your daughter’s diabetes team as soon as possible. Many places have you schedule such a follow-up about two weeks after diagnosis.

In the meantime, even though you were told to only call every three days, I would continue to call daily and use those calls to get some of your questions answered. A good reference, and one that is easy to understand is: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes in Children, Adolescents and Adults – How to become an expert on your own diabetes by Ragnar Hanas. Also, I think you would benefit greatly from visiting our Chat Rooms and interacting with the many parents who have “been there”.

SS]