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Activities for Children With Diabetes

Children with diabetes need education and exercise to help them lead a long and healthy life. They must be very aware of their unique nutritional needs, how their bodies respond to certain foods and what blood glucose levels are good and which are bad. Depending on the child's age, many activities will help her gain the education and get the exercise she needs.

  1. Exercise

    • Diabetes responds well to medication, a low-carbohydrate, low-sugar diet and plenty of exercise. The fact that a child has diabetes should never interfere with his exercise or sports activities. Nemours' Kids Health says that there are even professional and accomplished athletes who don't let diabetes interfere with their competing and exercising (see Reference 1).

      If the child is old enough to play on organized sports teams, encourage it. Soccer, basketball, track or swimming are good sports activities to take part in. If he is too young, keep him active at the playground or take long daily walks.

    Camps

    • Summer camps have always been a good place for a child to build self-confidence and self-esteem. In the case of diabetic children, it also helps them to learn independence and offers them a chance to spend quality time with other children who have the same illness. Most camps are listed online, or you can call your local American Diabetes Association or a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) chapter to find a camp near you. Financial assistance is available at many of these camps.

    Online Activities

    • The JDRF has an entire section of its website dedicated to children with diabetes. JDRF Kids Online has activities, information, contests and even allows children to find pen pals who also have diabetes. (see Reference 2).

      GrandmaSandy.com offers free books and games geared for the diabetic child. The child's game Snakes & Ladders becomes Checks & Boluses, and darts takes on new meaning with "In Target," a diabetes awareness game for children. Search the Internet for more educational games, books and activities.

    At-Home Activities

    • Turn a set of index cards and some markers into a fun set of flashcards. The cards can help teach your diabetic child diabetes facts, such as good and bad blood glucose levels, or simply help them learn which foods they can eat and which ones they can't.

      Scavenger hunts are enjoyed by children of all ages. Not only will they keep your child running around looking for things, they are a good indoor activity when the weather is bad. An age-appropriate obstacle course will work well, too, to keep your child engaged and exercising. Even some video games, such as Dance Dance Revolution, will keep even the most avid gamers amused and exercising.

    Games and Books

    • Many books, games, CDs, toys and other activities are designed for children with diabetes. Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes will help you teach your child about injection site rotation. Your child can also give Rufus injections. Board games, such as Diabetes Food Pyramid Bingo, are available as well. Search the Internet for more educational games, books and activities.

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