You might be wondering if your child can still have sleepovers or go to sleepovers when he/she has diabetes. Of course your child can! Your child is the same kid he/she was before he/she got diabetes, right? Remember: your child can do anything he/she want and that you allow. Having diabetes just means your child has a few extra things to think about.
Get Prepared
The parents of your child’s friends will want to know a little about diabetes and what your child has to do while he/she is at their house. It will be important for them to know that your child can take care of himself/ herself, but they should know how to recognize a low blood sugar and how to help your child, just in case. Make sure they have rapid acting sugars to help treat a low blood sugar. It’s a good idea to plan a few play dates at the house of your child’s friends before your child sleeps over so the parents of your child’s friends really understand how to help your child with his/her diabetes.
Sleepover Check List & Tips for Fun Sleepovers:
- Remind your child to remember his/her sense of humor and his/her favorite game or toy.
- Talk to the parents of your child’s friends before your child goes to make sure everyone is comfortable.
- Remind your child to remember to check his/her blood sugar, and to not forget to think about his/her choices for snacks and meals while he/she is staying at
a friend’s house.
- Don’t forget to give your child all his/her important diabetes supplies in his/her emergency pack.
Have your child check off each item as he/she packs an overnight bag!
Sleepover supplies:
- Pajamas
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Change of clothes for the next day
Diabetes supplies:
- Bayer’s CONTOUR® meter.
- Test strips for your child’s meter
- Bayer’s colored MICROLET™2 lancets and Bayer’s MICROLET™2 lancing device
- Your child’s blood sugar logbook and a pen to write down your levels each time he/she checks
- Insulin pens or traditional syringes
- If your child uses an insulin pump, make sure that he/she brings an extra infusion set with tubing and a reservoir
- Insulin
- Alcohol swabs
- Tissues for your child’s fingers
- A juice box or glucose tabs in case your child gets low blood sugar
- A snack supply with foods like granola bars, fruits or veggies