To the parents, what do you do to a diabetic child who doesn't cooperate with diabetes management? Some are really young to be able to fully comprehend the disease and its interventions. Do you work with the physician or seek other support groups? How do you convince your child with the importance of the treatment?

Communication is the key, I suppose. When I was a child, I had Rhuematic Fever, and was not supposed to run, or play, or be exposed to stress, along with my daily medication.

Nobody explained to me that the problem was with my heart. So, I sat on the bench at school, but ran home, when nobody was watching. BTW - I ended up an excellent star on the track team, - after my illness passed, but who knows how it could have ended?

good question - are there any good books out there aimed at that age group that would help explain things to a child at their understanding level?

You have to tell the truth to a child.
You can lie to an adult but once you lie to a child they will never let you near them again.

If something is going to hurt, then be sure to tell them. Give them the bad but also quantify it with something good.

It's a starting point and most kids are more resilient than us grown ups!

MY experience is to get good advice--if possible from a behaviorally trained psychologist. Understanding is fine but the main thing is to reward the child for following their protocol--then he or she will accept what needs to be done and feel proud of themself. Lots of praise and reward for doing what they are meant to--and every time, not just letting it be routine after a while.

Good point, Rattitude. Kids are generally more than happy to cooperate and do good things if anyone takes the time to *notice* and say "good job!" once in a while. Even adults respond to that and positive feedback makes us all want to continue with the good work.

it's also a case of the entire family cooperating as well - you can't have cookies and cake for one child or one adult and none for the child in question - have to adjust for everyone!

I completely agreee with you. Even if no one else in the family is diabetic. It certainly will not hurt anyone to go without the suguary sweet stuff. The entire family would benefit from becoming healthier.

and it's also a case of keeping everyone involved and informed - tell the child WHY they need to check their blood sugar, instead of just shoving the tab their way..

There is no convincing sweetheart not when it comes to their well-being and their health. I'm not getting ready to beat around the bush with my child about treatment. In matters like that, you have to not only communicate but you have to let it be known that they have no other choice or this will happen. Some things have to be explained plain as day.