How to Teach a 4 Year Old About Childhood Diabetes

According to KidsHealth.com, 13,000 children in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Diabetes is a serious health condition that requires constant supervision and management. It greatly affects glucose production, a chemical found in food that supplies energy needed to fuel the body. When levels of insulin---the hormone that allows for glucose to enter the cells---are inhibited, it can adversely affect the child's immune system and overall health. Offer your child information about diabetes to let them know that they are not powerless over their disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Become educated on diabetes health facts. Being able to discredit the myths and to further expand your knowledge on managing childhood diabetes can help you better articulate the disease to your 4-year-old. Ask your child what he already knows about it. Be prepared to discuss any concerns, fears or misconceptions he may have. Let your child know that diabetes is not contagious, and encourage him to be accepting and sympathetic to children diagnosed with it.

• 2

  Teach him the ABCs of diabetes. Use an educational health tool or free Internet diabetic tools to create a personalized eating guide; customize these to your child's target carbohydrate levels, dietary exchanges, and insulin and carbohydrate ratios. Ask your child's physician for any special guides and health resources that can teach your child how to manage her diabetes. These interactive tools can break down the symptoms, insulin injections and medications, medical risks, and proper eating habits in a way that she will be able to understand.

• 3

  If your 4-year-old is attending daycare or school, encourage the on-site nurse to reinforce the precautions your child must take in order to manage his diabetes. Emphasize the importance of talking to a teacher, nurse or doctor if he has any concerns. Encourage your child to ask a trusted adult to help them make better eating choices when you're not around.

• 4

  Use interactive educational tools. Age-appropriate computer software can help reinforce the importance of managing childhood diabetes. Play the diabetes games and quizzes with your child, and go over what was taught. Allow the games to be a platform to discuss the importance of monitoring her glucose levels, insulin injections, dietary management and exercise.

• 5

  Encourage fitness. Talk to your child about the the positive impact that regular exercise has over her health without setting strict or unrealistic pressures---that might discourage her from pursuing any physical activity. Engage in physical activities with her whenever possible, focusing on activities she enjoys.