DIABETES IN THE FAMILY


As stated by Rapaport (1999), � A diagnosis of diabetes in one family member affects every member of that family.� When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with diabetes, the entire family is affected. More time and attention is required from the parents for that particular child. The parents, along with the affected child need to learn how to treat and then maintain the disease.cartoon family One on one time is required to give insulin injections, glucose monitoring, and overseeing proper diet and exercise regimes. Feelings of loss can occur within the family due to anticipation of the future being complicated with aspects of the disease. Life will no longer be �normal�, the way it used to be prior to the diagnosis. Guilt within the family can occur due to the inability of the members to �fix� the situation. Parents often will feel guilty for �giving� the disease to the child. Resentment towards the child or parents can occur from siblings due to lack of time being spent with them, and more time being spent with the affected child. In Smith�s (2002) article, she reports that strong family units are more able to cope effectively with life changes than family units that are not strong. As stated above, an individual crisis (such as one member being diagnosed with diabetes) impacts on the entire family unit.baby A strong family unit will provide a place of encouragement and a place for optimizing the growth and development of its individual members. In Smith�s (2002) article, she refers to six strengths that families provide to their members, positive communication, enjoyable time together, spiritual well-being, commitment, appreciation, and the ability to cope with stress and crisis. Family strengths increase families resilience to major life stressors. There is significant information given regarding the effect of type one diabetes in pediatric clients on the parents. Not enough information is given how the child is being affected as part of the family unit. Also, the siblings are not touched on very much in the literature. Information regarding the siblings reactions to the diagnosis should be addressed. The literature commented on the family as a unit being involved with the treatment, how are the siblings involved with the treatment and care of the client. What kind of support are the siblings giving to the client? Looking at Pediatric Diabetes and the family unit is an interesting concept, a more in depth look at the role of each member in the family unit would be educational.



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