Press Release
New Web Site Tools Help Alleviate Stress Associated with Caring for Children with Diabetes During the Holidays
Abbott Park, Illinois, November 8, 2007 — Holidays often induce stress, but
caring for children with diabetes this time of year can mean an additional
layer of pressure. Parents and caregivers can visit www.abbottdiabetescare.com to
participate in live Web chats with diabetes specialists for expert advice on
how to best manage a child's diabetes during the holidays, find social support
and receive a free download of the 'Diabetes Fit Food' booklet for tips on
healthy eating.
The Web site and tools are in response to a recent survey conducted by Children with
Diabetes and sponsored by Abbott Diabetes Care which found
that 93 percent of parents who had a child with diabetes reported it is
challenging to stick to regular diabetes' routines during the holidays, defined
as the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's. These parents also said their
children experience more periods of uncontrolled blood glucose during this
time, which can have serious health consequences. Because of these two factors
– disrupted routines and fluctuating glucose levels – many parents said they
feel the need to measure their child's glucose level during the holiday season
“more often than usual.”
Almost 60 percent of parents surveyed said stress levels increase when it
comes to caring for children with diabetes during the holiday season, with the
major challenge being the disruption of normal daily routines during this time.
A majority of respondents said support from family, friends and healthcare
professionals, as well as interactive educational tools, such as Web chats and
online forums, would help decrease their anxiety and enable them to better
manage their child's diabetes.
Online tools to help with caring for children with diabetes during the
holidays will be available from November 8, 2007 through January 3, 2008.
Additional resources:
Media:
Stephen Davis |
(510) 864-4589 |
