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Diabetes will change your family. The stress of caring for a youngster with diabetes can worsen any pre-existing psychological, social or financial problems that your family is already having. Diabetes can cause frustration, since perfect control is never achieved, and the condition is constantly changing throughout childhood and adolescence. You will worry about balancing your role between being responsible versus being overprotective. Do not hesitate to ask for help in meeting these challenges.

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, it is not unusual for parents and other caregivers to pass through stages of grief, fear, guilt, anger, denial, resentment, and even depression. It's important to work through these feelings, with professional help if needed, so that you can adapt to the needs of your child's health. Such feelings may return later, particularly if there are crises in your child's condition. Common parent worries about behavior, schooling, your child’s future, etc., are frequently magnified in families with a child with diabetes.

Your other children may have differing and strong emotions about their brother or sister with diabetes. Their feelings may include guilt, fear, jealousy, embarrassment or sadness. It’s important that you keep their needs in mind as well and explain to them why their sibling with diabetes requires extra care and attention. The diabetes care team can help by providing counseling and support for siblings who are having a difficult time adjusting.

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