Home remedies and lifestyle modifications
As a teen living with type 2 diabetes, make wise food choices, remain physically active, foster a relationship with your diabetes treatment team, wear a medical identification tag, take an increasingly active role in diabetes management, understand the importance of lifelong diabetes care and test your blood sugar and inject the insulin yourself.
School and diabetes
The school nurse and teachers need to know the signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar. They may need to check the blood sugar and administer insulin.
Coping and support
Not all days are the same. Some days you will manage your type 2 diabetes well, do everything you are required to do correctly, and other days you will get it wrong. Do not be overwhelmed. One day at a time. You are not alone. There are people who are ready and willing and trained to help.
Diabetes can affect your emotions both directly and indirectly. Poorly controlled blood sugar can cause behavior changes, such as irritability. You may feel different from other kids. Having to draw blood and give shots sets teens with diabetes apart from their peers. Getting together with other children who have diabetes or spending time at a diabetes camp may help you feel less alone.
Mental health and substance abuse
People with diabetes have an increased risk of depression, anxiety and diabetes-related distress. That is why some diabetes specialists regularly include a social worker or psychologist as part of your diabetes care team.
If you notice that you are persistently sad or pessimistic, or experiences dramatic changes in sleeping habits, weight, friends or school performance, you should be screened for depression.
Rebellion also may be an issue, particularly for teens. A child who has been very good about sticking to his or her diabetes treatment plan may rebel in the teen years by ignoring his or her diabetes care. Additionally, experimenting with drugs, alcohol and smoking can be even more dangerous for people with diabetes. Talk to your counselor or therapist to help you cope with the dramatic lifestyle changes that come with the realization that now you have diabetes type 2. A support group might help find encouragement and understanding and acceptance.
With good management, you will likely live a long and enjoyable life.