Children and Diabetes

For kids, it is important to remember that life is more than just diabetes. Diabetes brings a lot of changes to a kid's life. These changes may be hard to get used to. But kids with diabetes can still go to school, play, and do activities just like any other kid.

Getting used to diabetes

Diabetes can be hard to get used to. There a lot of extra little chores, like checking blood sugar and taking insulin. This may make mom and dad more worried when it comes to playing sports or staying overnight at a friend's house. Brothers or sisters can also get worried, or jealous of all the extra attention. So, a kid with diabetes may feel like everyone is watching them very closely, all the time. It is normal for things like this to happen.

Managing diabetes can get easier. After a while, everyone in the family will feel more comfortable about diabetes. It helps when everyone gets used to it. Even though the diabetes will not go away, things will feel more normal.

Talking about it

It is okay for children to have bad feelings about their diabetes. Kids should talk to their friends and family when they are mad or sad. Mom and dad can help when they know kids are upset. They can try to find ways to fix the problems.

School

Children spend a lot of time at school. Managing diabetes at school can be hard. The grown-ups at school can help. The teacher and school nurse should know if a child has diabetes.

Having tools may also help. These tools could be:

• A medical ID on a necklace, bracelet, or ankle bracelet
• Diabetes supplies for the nurse's office
• Kits for low blood sugar, with glucose tablets or juice boxes

Kids should have their diabetes supplies for class trips, sports activities, and school parties. Mom and dad should talk to teachers and the school nurse before these kinds of events to help prepare.

Meeting new people

Even though kids go to school a lot, they do other things too. They sleep over at a friend's, go to summer camp, take family trips, or just play in the neighborhood.

When children meet new people, they should tell them that they have diabetes. This is because 1) having diabetes is nothing to be ashamed of, and 2) when people know, they can help.

Learning new things

When a child has diabetes, there are a lot of changes. Changing can be hard. But things will get better in time. Growing up with diabetes will get easier. Even if it is hard at first, every day will bring more and more experience and know-how.