ADHD and Diabetes STRATEGIES FOR LIFE
If your child has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, he or she is not alone. Some may think having ADHD means you can’t sit still in a classroom or pay attention when directions are given. Many times, the disorder may go undiagnosed, if it is the type that does not include hyperactivity or impulsivity. ADHD may impair a child’s ability to focus, retain information and plan and complete necessary daily tasks. This complicates diabetes self-management, increases parental and family angst and makes routines and schedules challenging and frustrating. The good news is that once ADHD is properly diagnosed in a youngster with Type 1 diabetes, specific tips, tools and strategies can be implemented to make life a bit easier for family, teachers and, most importantly, the child.
What is ADHD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. As a matter of fact, an estimated 5 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults in the United States have ADHD, with symptoms including inattention, lack of
