
December 7, 2002
Behavior
Question from Virginia, USA:
Do a lot of young children have behavioral problems that go along with diabetes?
Answer:
The short answer to your question is — no. About 15 years of behavioral research in diabetes has found no direct relationship between behavior problems and having diabetes. That said, many children will experience times of frustration, sadness and anger about having diabetes and about the daily demands of the disease. These are normal feelings that need to be addressed in a supportive and positive manner so that these feelings do not express themselves with behavior problems. You may find the book The Ten Keys to Helping Your Child Grow Up With Diabetes by Tim Wysocki, PhD very helpful.
JWB