Growing up with diabetes

This month we’re shinning a light on our youth.

More specifically, young people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes transitioning into adulthood. This transition is a particularly important time as young people begin to gain more independence in their diabetes management.

Regardless of whether you’ve been living with diabetes for a short or long time, it’s important to know that you can still live a happy, healthy and successful life. Below we’ve put together a list of handy resources that can help you be prepared during this period, leaving you to focus on other things like your career or education.

As we grow up and our life experiences evolve, so too does our personal and healthcare needs. Previously, your parent or carer may have been entirely responsible for your diabetes care; including arranging appointments and liaising with your diabetes team.

Taking this on yourself may feel overwhelming to begin with but Diabetes Australia and The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes have put together a handy resource, ‘Moving on up’, that will help you navigate this. It includes how to transition from a paediatric diabetes service to an adult service and a checklist that helps gauge your preparedness for taking on more independence in your diabetes journey.

The ‘Moving on up’ booklet also contains valuable information on transitioning into:

work, university or TAFE
driving
moving out of home
alcohol and drugs
sex contraception and pregnancy
and more.

Other helpful information and resources can also be found here:

Growing strong

During this time of transition, and compounding factors such as the current COVID-19 lockdown, feelings of stress and ‘diabetes burnout’ may arise. These feelings are common, but it’s important to seek support where you can. Try talking to your:

family and friends
GP
diabetes team.

You can also find helpful resources on mental health and wellbeing on the NDSS or Beyond Blue websites or why not try the free Smiling Mind meditation app which has youth specific meditation programs.

Growing support

Connecting to a diabetes peer support group is another fantastic way to navigate through this transition period. Peer support groups bring together like-minded people who speak your language and can relate to your experiences. These groups bring about a sense of connectedness and togetherness which is especially important during the current COVID-19 lockdown. Head to our website or get in touch with us via email to be connected with a peer support group in your area.

Growing experiences

If you haven’t already, check out our podcast with Blair (18) and Lochie (19) as they discuss their thoughts on managing diabetes while studying and being active. Learn how these two look after their mental health, changes in hormones, socialising and where they find support.