Being Prepared as a Teen

Preparedness is important for everything; everyone has heard the idiom “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” This phrase especially pertains to diabetes. Hope for an A1C of 6, a blood glucose of 120, never running out of strips, never having to use a glucagon, etc., but remember it’s important to prepare for anything. 

As a teenager, I have to admit that I'm sometimes less prepared than I was when I was younger because I’m juggling more things and I am more familiar with my body, but that is not a smart way to manage my health. A couple of weeks ago on my way to a volleyball tournament over an hour away, I realized when I got there that I had 20 units in my pump and I’d left my kit at home. It was going to be at least a seven hour tournament, I would be playing volleyball for most of it, and I would have to eat something at some point. Thankfully, my mom got a kit from Walgreens before I started playing and I had enough insulin to get me through the tournament, but I learned valuable aspects about being prepared. I didn't have anything in my bag for a situation like this. 

Now, after being through this experience, I carry extra pump supplies, an extra bottle of strips, tabs, the little kit from Walgreens, and a bottle of insulin in my sports bag just in case. And, for school, I have a similar bag in my backpack. I also double check to make sure my kit is with me if I’m going somewhere. So, although it is usually not necessary to bring everything and the kitchen sink, it is reassuring to know I am prepared for anything when I leave the house. 

Being prepared for everyday life is important, but it is also important to be prepared in case of an emergency situation. You can read more about being prepared for an emergency situation diabetes.org. 

Diabetes Camp

This year, I am so excited to go back to diabetes camp with the American Diabetes Association! I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer for the past four years and a camper at the Association day camps. I went as a camper the year after I was diagnosed and, as most campers are when they start, I felt scared, alone, and different. However, after just the first day at Camp, I gained confidence, hope, and learned a lot! When the week was over, I left with more experience, knowledge, and assurance. I went from being a scared kid, the only type one child in my entire school, to knowing that I was one of hundreds just in my community with the American Diabetes Association to help me! 

I’ve gained even more knowledge as a volunteer— every year that I return, I see kids give their first shots, test their blood sugar for the first time, or bolus from their pump with pride. Kids learn important, tangible diabetes information, like carb counting, safety, etc., but also non-tangible lessons like ‘diabetes makes me stronger,’ ‘I am no different than any other kid without diabetes,’ or ‘I can do anything!’ I am so lucky to be able to go to Camp every year as a volunteer to continue my learning - nothing is more heartening and special than watching kids go to Camp and have the American Diabetes Association Camp experience. 

Although it’s only one week, Camp lasts forever. It gives dozens of positive messages to kids that they will have in their toolbox for the rest of their lives and gives them connections that will also last them their entire lives. All of the volunteers are excellent role models who guide kids to safe management of diabetes through fun activities. As a volunteer, I’ve seen many campers undergo the positive changes of Camp- coming in scared and dependent on others for safe diabetes management and leaving confident in their own abilities. Personally, I’ve developed a network of friends through Camp who I know I can always count on if I’m having a bad day. Camp is an amazing experience for campers, volunteers, and parents alike! Don’t miss out this year!

You can register for Camp, and learn more at www.diabetes.org/illinoiscamps or contacting the American Diabetes Association at illinoiscamps@diabetes.org. 

The 2016 camp dates and locations are: 

June 20 to June 24 2016

Camp Confidence

Des Plaines, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

June 27 to July 1 2016

Camp Discovery

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 10 to July 15 2016

Camp Granada (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Monticello, Illinois

Age Range: 8 to 16 years

July 11 to July 15 2016

Camp Crossroads

Chicago, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 24 to July 30 2016

Triangle D

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 9 to 13 years

July 31 to August 6 2016

Teen Adventure Camp  (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 14 to 18 years

August 1 to August 5 2016

Camp Can Do

Palos Park, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years