Teens with diabetes may sometimes feel alone and even embarrassed about their condition.
We asked Professor Donna Cross, from The Kids Research Institute Australia, for her tips on how to be a good friend to someone with diabetes:
• Ask him or her what you should know about diabetes, and also learn more about diabetes from the Children’s Diabetes Centre and other organisations such as JDRF Australia and Diabetes WA.
• Talk with him or her about how to help if you notice any physical and emotional changes that may be related to his or her diabetes.
• Treat him or her the same way you treat all your friends and don’t let his or her diabetes define your friendship.
• Be there to listen and support your friend when he or she wants to talk.