Tips for Foster Parents Creating a Diabetes-Friendly Home

As a foster parent, you play a vital role in supporting your foster child in all walks of life. It goes without saying, there is a large focus on health and well-being here. Spotting the early signs of diabetes when they present themselves in your foster child is paramount, as is the management of your child’s care. One way to ensure their safety is creating a diabetes friendly home. By ensuring you are fully educated on the subject, coupled with making a few simple adjustments, you can promote healthy habits and aid your foster child in managing their diabetes. 

The Different Types of Diabetes to Know About as a Foster Parent

As a foster parent, it’s crucial to understand the different types of diabetes to provide the best care for a child with this condition. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, requires lifelong insulin management since the body cannot produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, more common and often associated with lifestyle factors, involves the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. 

Another form to be aware of is a rare condition known as monogenic diabetes, which results from a mutation in a single gene. Recognising these types can help foster parents better support their foster children through appropriate diet, exercise, medication management, and emotional support, ensuring a nurturing and understanding home environment.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children 

If your foster child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes they will be looked after by a paediatrician until the age of 17 or 18. As a foster parent you will play a pivotal role in their care team. The hospital network, along with your fostering agency will help you manage their diabetes, providing support with insulin, testing blood glucose levels, and diet. When an individual has type 1 diabetes, their body cannot make any insulin at all. The insulin-producing cells have been attacked and destroyed by their immune system. This is why type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune condition.  

Type 2 diabetes isn’t an autoimmune condition. The body isn’t making enough insulin or what it makes isn’t working properly. This can be for many reasons. 

Type 1 diabetes affects 8% of people living with diabetes and type 2 diabetes affects 90% of people living with diabetes. 

How To Spot Signs of Diabetes in Your Foster Child

We have written a whole blog about Spotting the signs of diabetes in your foster child. Follow this link to find out more.

If you notice any symptoms, it’s crucial to consult your link worker and a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to discuss the best course of action for managing the condition in your foster child.

Tips for Creating a Diabetes Friendly Environment For Your Foster Children 

Promoting a diabetes-friendly environment for your foster child involves thoughtful preparation and active participation in their health management.

1. Stock your home with healthy choices: A diabetes-friendly household begins with a kitchen filled with nutritious food choices. Prioritise stocking up on whole grains, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Sidestep sugary treats and processed items laden with saturated fats. Consider setting up a specific area for diabetes-friendly nibbles such as fresh fruits, low-fat yoghurt, or nuts without added salt, ensuring your foster child can easily find wholesome snacks when peckish.
   
2. Encourage regular exercise: Exercise plays a vital role in managing diabetes effectively. Motivate your child to partake in enjoyable physical activities like swimming, cycling, or dancing. Engage in enjoyable family activities that get everyone moving, like nature walks or team sports.
   
3. Diabetes Care Station: Allocate a particular spot in your home for diabetes care, ensuring it is tidy, organised, and easily accessible. This area should house all essential diabetes supplies, including glucose meters, insulin, syringes, and testing strips. Ensure this space is well-lit and comfortable, creating a stress-free environment for routine checks or insulin administration. Personalising this area with your foster child’s preferred colours or themes might make it more welcoming.
   
4. Maintaining a regular schedule: Routine is immensely beneficial for children, particularly those managing diabetes. As a foster parent you can develop a consistent daily schedule that encompasses fixed meal times, medication administration, and glucose level monitoring. This routine aids your child in developing beneficial management habits and guarantees timely care.
   
5. Educating others: It’s important to ensure that all family members and other carers are well-informed about diabetes and the specific care requirements. They should be adept at identifying signs of hypo- or hyperglycaemia and know how to respond in such situations, including administering insulin or glucagon if necessary.
   
6. Promoting open dialogue: Foster an environment where open discussion about diabetes is encouraged. Create a safe space in your foster home where your child feels at ease sharing their thoughts, concerns, and achievements related to their diabetes management. Actively listen to their experiences and validate their feelings. Offer your support and encouragement, reinforcing your role as a pillar of understanding and guidance. 
   
7. Leading by example: As a foster parent , your actions and attitudes towards health and lifestyle significantly influence the child in your care. Demonstrate healthy living through your choices in diet, physical activity, and self-care. Involve the entire family in these healthful practices, creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages your foster child to adopt similar positive habits.

As a foster parent, embracing the role of caretaker for a child with diabetes is both a responsibility and a privilege. By educating yourself on the nuances of the condition, spotting early signs, and adapting your home environment, you provide a foundation of support that transcends basic care. Creating a diabetes-friendly home is more than just a series of tasks; it’s about fostering an atmosphere of understanding, safety, and encouragement. It’s about making healthy choices accessible, encouraging active lifestyles, and ensuring that your foster child has the tools and confidence needed to manage their condition effectively.

Family Fostering Partners recognises the unique challenges and rewards that come with fostering a child with diabetes. We’re here to support you every step of the way, offering resources, training, and a community of care that understands the importance of your role. If you’re inspired to make a difference in a child’s life and are ready to embrace the journey of fostering, we invite you to join our community.

Reach out to Family Fostering Partners today and take the first step towards making a lasting impact.