Linda's 8 year old daughter was diagnosed in February 1999.  Linda says, "It's a scary situation for all of us. She wants to know if other kids have nightmares, particularly about the needles. Can you offer any insight as to how other kids and their families cope with this?"

Michael's reply:

Dear Linda,
I have had Diabetes for 20 years and sometimes I think I will never get over taking injections.  In the beginning, it was very hard for me to take my shot. I practiced on an orange for a long time so I could get use to the needle. You can also use the needle with some food coloring and water in it to make some really cool art.  Once your little girl is comfortable with the needle, she will not be so scared of them.  Let her practice and make some really cool pictures at the same time and talk to her and let her know that many children do the same thing everyday.

If it is painful when she takes her shot, keep a spoon in the freezer and when she takes her shot rub the cold spoon where she is going to inject. This will make the area cold and less painful.  Another idea is for you, as the parent, to take an injection when your daughter does.  You can likely get a bottle of saline from your physician to inject.   If you are able to do it, maybe she will follow your example.  I hope to see your little girl this summer at camp, she will learn a lot and make some great friends at the same time.