I have been transplanted! Since April 2008, I have served as the physician expert for the DiabeTeens website. My goals were to provide information in regard to diabetes (primarily type 1) that pertained to teens and young adults. I plan to continue to provide relevant and insightful information to teens, young adults and parents who care for children of all age groups with type 1 diabetes. I truly welcome comments or questions in regard to any of my blogs.

My past blogs have focused primarily on teens and their families that have had some experience managing diabetes on a day-to-day basis. Today I would like to go back to your day of diagnosis (nearly every teen and parent remembers the exact day of the diagnosis) and discuss how to survive the first few days, weeks, and then months. How does one move forward through the labyrinth of emotional upheaval, steep learning curve of diabetes pathophysiology (advanced placement biology, according to one of my teen patients), and the world of technology?

1. Dealing with the diagnosis. The involved emotions are shock, denial, anger, and acceptance. Shock is the first emotion to display on the face of either parent or teen when informed of a diabetes diagnosis. I am often amazed that we can actually teach families how to manage blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections and nutrition management in the short time we have during either the hospitalization or outpatient visit. It is stressful not only for families, but for the diabetes team. We know how hard it is to focus on learning how to draw up insulin, let alone deal with emotional turmoil that is in your head. Be easy on yourself and take the time you need to let everything sink in. Ask for support. Your physicians, nurses, dieticians, social workers, and psychologists are there to guide you. As you and your family work through the other stages (not necessarily in order), please talk to us about how you are feeling in addition to reporting your blood sugars. And, if necessary, we will find any additional support you need. Please do not blame yourself or family members as to why you developed diabetes. (Parents: if you are reading this, I mean you too.) Remember, you have to be born with the genetic tendency to contract diabetes and be exposed to another hit (virus, etc.) to trigger the destruction of the pancreas.

2. Where do I go for the best diabetes care? Choose the appropriate Diabetes Program after initial diagnosis. It is essential that the program include a physician experienced in type 1 diabetes management, a diabetes nurse educator, and a dietician. It also is extremely helpful to have a dedicated psychosocial team. Most diabetes teams have a relationship with a hospital that is comfortable managing children and teens with diabetes. This is very important (see Diabetes and hospitalizations). If you are not certain, check with your local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Children with Diabetes chapters, as well as the American Diabetes Association. The diabetes program at Children's National Medical Center is an ADA Recognized Program.