FOR CAREGIVERS
Preparing for when your young adult goes off to college or moves out on his or her own can put pressure on both of you. But there are things you both can do to make this change easier.
Whether your young adult is going to college or is moving into an apartment, it's a good idea for everyone with diabetes to have a diabetes kit that will keep supplies in one spot.
A diabetes kit should include:
Ask the diabetes care team if it's a good idea to carry an emergency kit for hypoglycemia. It might be a good idea to train some friends on how to use it, too.
If they aren't wearing one already, young adults should think about wearing a medical alert ID. If they don't like the idea, remind them that if they ever pass out because of a low blood glucose event, wearing an ID could save their life.
At your young adult's last appointment with his or her childhood care team, have him or her get the previous team's business cards to share with the new team. This can help make the change in care smoother.