New diabetes management system aims to alleviate worry and stress for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes
(BPT) – Managing Type 1 diabetes is hard, and can be a major source of worry and stress for parents of children with diabetes. In fact, a new survey reveals that 54 percent of parents experienced tension headaches from stress related to managing their child’s diabetes. They also experienced anxiety attacks, lack of concentration at work and losing their temper. But, 96 percent of worried parents agree it would help alleviate their worries if they could remotely check their child’s blood sugar levels when they’re not physically together.
The Accu-Chek Connect system is now available to offer peace of mind to parents when their children are out of their reach. This useful system includes the Accu-Chek Connect meter, an app (available on iOS and Android), and an online portal, allowing children, parents and health care providers to view, share, and access blood sugar data anytime, anywhere – even when they’re not together.
The system also includes the first FDA-cleared app with a built-in prescription insulin calculator, the Accu-Chek Bolus Advisor, which makes it easy to calculate how much insulin is needed at each meal.
For Lisa Oberndorfer, mother to teenage son Will who has Type 1 diabetes, the struggle for balance, especially when away from her son, is all too real.
‘As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, I feel it’s my job to make sure my son is healthy, even if I’m not with him. It’s a constant worry,’ says Oberndorfer. ‘My son would probably agree with me that I still struggle with checking on him too much about his diabetes. My husband and I are still learning to ‘let go’ and let him be the young man he’s supposed to be.’
Oberndorfer and her son are featured as part of a compelling video series sharing the personal stories of children living with Type 1 diabetes and their parents to illustrate the emotional impact of the disease. The touching videos provide a snapshot into each family’s diabetes journey and prove that Type 1 diabetes doesn’t define a person.
As families work to face and solve the everyday challenges of living with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association emphasizes the importance of parents walking the fine line between caring and hovering over a child, especially as they are becoming more independent. Yet, 81 percent of parents admit they’ve acted like a ‘helicopter parent’ because of their child’s diabetes, despite the fact their child has become angry with them (51 percent), avoided them (38 percent), and started misbehaving or acting out (34 percent) as a result. A 2013 study found that ‘helicopter parenting’ can be associated with higher levels of child anxiety and depression.
‘The availability of a diabetes management system that allows me to be connected and see my son’s blood glucose levels, how he’s tracking, and how he’s eating from my phone virtually anywhere – without constantly calling and texting my son – would certainly put my mind at ease,’ says Oberndorfer.
The Accu-Chek Connect system is now available nationwide. To see the full ‘Stay in Touch. #GetConnected’ video series, click www.accu-chek.com/getconnected.