VOLUME 8 NUMBER 4 • NOVEMBER 2011
187
SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
DIABETES NEWS
T
he Journal was recently invited to attend
a diabetes youth camp in Jonkershoek,
arranged by Sister Kamaretha Beckert and
Dr Nickie Bernard. A multi-disciplinary team
also volunteered their services at the camp.
Some 40 children between the ages of 6 and
16 years had the opportunity of attending
and learning how to cope and thrive despite
their diabetes.
These youth shared experiences and fears
in a safe environment. Among the emotions
experienced by the child with diabetes are
anxiety, anger and depression, as well as
fear of needles, death, hospitalisation, rejec-
tion and humiliation, and these require care-
ful handling.
Ms Rosemary Flynn, clinical psychologist
who is also diabetic, had advice for parents.
‘Find a place for the diabetes where it nei-
ther rules, nor is neglected. Because of their
diabetes, these children may develop spe-
cial aptitudes. But they are still children of
their particular age, confronting other issues
independent of and possibly exacerbated by
their diabetic status.’
Getting together: a diabetes youth camp in Stellenbosch
Flynn recommends developing a child-
centred approach within the context of
authoritative parenting. ‘Be warm, accept-
ing and loving, but clear about the bounda-
ries. As parents, you need to cultivate in the
diabetic child self control, initiative and an
outgoing approach to life.
‘By listening carefully, accepting the
child’s view and not getting hooked on the
parental agenda, being patient and express-
ing your delight in your child’s achievement,
big or small, fears and anxieties can be dealt
with and placed in a non-dominant sphere’,
she concluded.
Innovative support for diabetic
lifestyles
Do you know about the following useful
resources for your young diabetic patients
and their parents?
• The Blackberry application: Calorie coun-
ter by Fat Secret can really help with
carb counting for insulin calculation. The
application supplies calorie totals and
macro-ingredients of meals from popu-
lar restaurants (Wimpy, St Elmo’s pizzas,
Steers and many others) as well as the
calorie levels of common foods bought in
stores throughout the country.
• The
Emotion of Children with Diabetes
:
this useful and practical guide for parents
is by Rosemary Flynn. A CDE-sponsored
publication, this book provides a practical
guide to coping with the emotional ups
and downs of children with diabetes.
•
Diabetes vir Kinders
: for Afrikaans families,
Sr Kamaretha Beckert has created an infor-
mation file targeted at those children who
have recently been diagnosed with diabe-
tes. Available at all Medi-clinics who have
partnered in this educational project, this
colourful file helps children to understand
and manage their condition, with simple
clear explanations about the biology and
day-to-day requirements of their disease.
•
Accu-Chef Cookbook
: published by Accu-
Check, this is a beautifully illustrated and
clearly set out book. The teenager or young
adult is likely to find inspiration from this
collection of easy-to-make recipes.
Parents and their children getting much-needed support and advice.
Exercise and outdoor activities are essential for staying healthy with diabetes.
Dr Landi Lombard chatting to the teenagers about hypoglycaemia.
Young people who attended the diabetes youth camp with their mentors.
