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In Part one we discussed "Testing on their own", At this point you are probably already planning on taking the steps to get comfortable with that.  If so; Bravo!  If you have not; don't worry you will in due time.  In the meantime let's discuss "Preparing them for carbohydrates and insulin independency"

After a few days of observing them with testing, start talking to them about counting their carbohydrates to gage whether or not they have a clear understanding of how to do so.  One way to do this is to teach them how to read the labels on food packages.  Then ask them to count the carbohydrates on their next snack or meal while you also count them.  If they are correct in their answer then they are more than likely ready to be trusted to calculate how many carbohydrates they eat after their meals.  This of course will lead up to them administering their own insulin.  Now for the hard part! 

  • If they are still using needles; it's time to help them administer the shot on their own. This of course will take several attempts, that’s normal and ok. When both of you are comfortable with this process it is time for you as the parent to say "Okay the next time you have to administer the shot by yourself".
  • If they are wearing an Insulin Pump; it is easier to let go.  If they don't already know, walk them through all the features of the pump; show them how to input the carbohydrate count, and their blood glucose reading (if one was taken).  Then show them how to program the amount of insulin recommended by the pump into the pump.  

Implementing more participation from your child will bring you closer to letting go.  Add the above suggestions to your child independently testing their blood sugar on a regular basis and you are two steps closer to feeling secure in your child's ability to take care of themselves.  

However; in order to allow both yourself and your child more freedom you have to trust that they can change their injection site on their own as well.  We'll discuss that next, Stay Tuned!