From Sydney, New South Wales, Australia:
I am working with a 30 year old man with Downs Syndrome who has diabetes. He is experiencing lots of changes and challenges related to his living arrangement, his vocational arrangements and his family situation. The problem is that he does not yet understand the dangers of accessing unsuitable food and will go to great lengths to obtain it. He will search through garbage bins and take food from other people. His blood sugar tested today at 9 and we are all worried that without self control or constant one to one attention he will become very ill. I would like to know if there is any advice available in how to manage diabetes for people with intellectual disabilities.
It can be very difficult for a person with Downs syndrome to understand diabetes. Hence the importance of having people who can help and support them. Your involvement would be very important if you already have a special role caring for him.
If he allows you to, why not ask him if you can go along with him to meet with the diabetes team and try and find out more about his diabetes and specific ways in which you could help?
Original posting 16 Jul 2000
Posted to Daily Care
|Return to the Top of This Page|
Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:09:12
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.
This site is published by T-1 Today, Inc. (d/b/a Children with Diabetes), a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which is responsible for its contents. Our mission is to provide education and support to families living with type 1 diabetes.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2018. Comments and Feedback.