Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Thanks but really, I got this

Recently some well-intentioned folks have been telling Little Man what he can and can't eat. (He's a diabetic, for those of you who don't remember or if you're a first time visitor, hey and welcome!)

Anyway, as I said, their intentions are good but they are uninformed. The old way of thinking was that diabetics can't eat sugar and other certain foods. From what we know, today, this, is incorrect. He can eat anything he wants and we just compensate with the proper insulin intake. Besides, we're counting carbohydrates, not sugar.

The first time it happened, he was at an event with his grandfather and they were serving all manner of fun, outdoorsy, barbecue food, which included S'mores. He wanted one and someone there said he couldn't have it because he was a diabetic. Little Man was slightly confused, but shrugged it off and had some fruit instead.

Then, at a different outing, he wanted some ice cream after a meal and a family friend said it wasn't a good idea and that he should eat better so he wouldn't need as much insulin because too much insulin is not good, blah blah blah. I tried to intervene but didn't want to get into a pissing contest with him (he would obviously win, he's a guy so his equipment let's his pee go further), so I dropped it.

Now, I do appreciate their concern, but I'm his mom, his primary diabetes caregiver, and a JDRF volunteer and advocate. Believe me when I say, I got this. I've been taught by diabetes educators on how to help manage his disease. I've read a lot of books and articles. I've talked with other parents of children with diabetes and I belong to several online diabetes social forums/groups. So I think I know what I'm doing when it comes to my kid.

And despite his age (8 going on 25), Chris is well aware of his disease and how to handle it and what he can eat. However, anyone can feel free to stop him from mixing Pop Rocks and Coca Cola, although I think that turned out to be an urban legend. And now I'm in the mood for something sweet. And crunchy.

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