What about the statistics and averages your child will encounter? It's important to be honest, but it's also important to make sure you have the facts before sharing them with your child at any time.

Old Versus New

The long-term prognosis for kids growing up with diabetes has come a long way. Even so, there are still some numbers that may frighten even the most mature child. She may hear that the average lifespan of a child with diabetes is fifteen years less than her contemporaries. This was once true, and with poor control could be today. But your child should know that with effort, tools, and a long-term run at control, that won't pertain to her.

Your child may also hear that “90 percent of children with diabetes have eye damage as adults.” Again, times have changed. When you take your child for his annual eye exam, explain that you have to watch his eyes carefully not because of possible vision loss, but because so many good treatments are available now that your eye doctor will make sure your child remains fine.

It's a Long Road

It is important to stress to your child, too, that she has a long life to work at controlling numbers, and over the years, it's the long run that matters. Point out how far daily care has come, and let her know that many better options are on the horizon. Reassure her that one short period of higher numbers is not the end of the world, and that the future is bright.