Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Impact of High A1C

My 16 year child is a type 1 diabetic and recently recorded a high A1C (13).  We have seen a doctor and doing things to get it down.  It seems to have made her more irritated and less focused in and on school.  I read lots on what do do but not much on how to explain the impact when high and until under control.  How do I explain to someone the impact a high A1C can have on someone?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have a 16 year old son with diabetes.  At this stage of the game, I am lucky if he tests once a day.  His A1C is also high and I have shown him repeatedly what can happen to him if he doesn't take care of his sugars.  I won't let him get his permit until his suagrs are controlled and he just days he'll wait until he is 18.  I have had him in counseling and he says all the right things to the counselor but never follows through at home.  It is like he has been taken over by the teenage hormone monster!!  I am told that as he gets older he will mature about his diabetes, but what can I do now?  Seems like your daughter and my son are in the same boat.  If anyone out there has survived this roller coaster, please help!!
Helpful - 0
402079 tn?1201541827
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I wonder if you should look into a 504 plan.  A 504 plan is a plan that helps a child with different needs relating to health issues, similar to an IEP(individual education plan-for children with learning needs)  
When you have a 504 plan you have to do some planning: get a note from the doctor and documentation of the diagnoses as well as information.  You will have to have some meetings with the principal, school nurse and probably teachers.  I would suggest going to www.jdrf.org--the juvenile diabetes research foundation website.  I think you will find useful information on that site to help.  You might want to go to the letters ODST on the home page and click on it.  You can then get help to get in touch with other parents and families in similar situations such as your family.  

High blood sugars can make a diabetic irritable and short tempered.  I know, when I am crabby or short tempered the first thing I do is check my blood sugar and see if it is due to a high blood sugar.  
Also, her blood sugars could be a little higher because of hormones.  The week before I am menstruating my blood sugars tend to go a little higher and I must compensate with more insulin.

My teenage years were difficult because of diabetes and the highs and lows, but I think with support and knowledge of her body and why things are happening you will get through it.   When the blood sugars are more under control she will feel better and be more in control.  When you feel good everything seems a little better and easier.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Diabetes - Type 1 Community

Top Diabetes Answerers
231441 tn?1333892766
Manila, Philippines
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are three summertime recipes that will satisfy your hunger without wreaking havoc on your blood sugar.
If you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable. Find out how you can stop diabetes before it starts.
Diabetes-friendly recipes and tips for your game day party.
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Simple ways to keep your blood sugar in check.
8 blood sugar-safe eats.