Friends

You can help your friends understand diabetes and how it affects you. If they don’t know what diabetes is, just tell them that having diabetes means your body doesn’t make enough insulin. If they don’t know what insulin is, tell them it’s a hormone made in your pancreas that helps
your body use sugar for energy. Or simply say you need insulin to feel well.

They might wonder if they can catch diabetes from you. Let them know that diabetes is not contagious and doesn’t change who you are. You’re still the same kid you’ve always been, and you can still do the same things you’ve always done. You just happen to have diabetes. Still not sure what to say? Check out our simple tips below.

Simple Tips for Talking to Friends:

• Be honest with your friends about diabetes so they can begin to understand it.

• Know your diabetes well so you can educate your friends about diabetes.

• Make sure your friends know the signs of high and low blood sugar, so they can help you if you need it.

• Find ways to connect and share stories with other kids who have diabetes.

• Show your friends how you check your blood sugar.

Sources: Taking Diabetes to School by Kim Gosselin,  JDRF