Teach Kids About Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease, and it can be diagnosed in children as well as adults. When children are diagnosed with diabetes, it is called juvenile diabetes and is a treatable disease. If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, this is a handy guide to help you teach him or her how to recognize symptoms, treat them, and support other children with the disease.

Follow these steps to educate your children about juvenile diabetes.

1. Find out what they know.

Ask your child what he or she already knows about diabetes. Many kids believe myths and don’t know enough true facts about the disease.

2. Teach them about symptoms.

Many kids will not recognize the symptoms of diabetes or treat them as another common illness. It’s important to let your child know that if they have any of the following symptoms, they should tell a doctor about them: being thirsty all the time, going to the bathroom more than usual, increased appetite, being tired often, blurry vision, and being irritated.

3. Change their diet and exercise habits.

If a doctor has diagnosed your child with diabetes, immediately change his or her diet to include more fiber-rich foods. You can also change eating habits by scheduling five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three big ones. You can talk to a nutritionist to get a perfect meal plan for your child. Also, educate them about the benefits of exercise.

4. Teach them about insulin

Show your child how to use insulin needles to test blood sugar. Let them know that diabetics have to keep track of their blood sugar. A doctor can also help them learn about the role of insulin.

5. Get support from other children

Look up some juvenile diabetes support groups in your area. You can find one near you here. It is important for kids to talk to their peers that share the disease to put them at ease if they are worried.