For an adult that's hard, so I can't imagine being a kid with it,'' said Jessica Kinstlinger, a social worker at Boston Children's Hospital. Complicating that, Kinstlinger said, is a teenager's tendency to test his limits and not think beyond the moment. Diabetics need support to stay healthy. They must tell parents, friends and teachers what the disease entails and what to do in an emergency. Bo Loy said.
Cigarettes also are off-limits.
When playing sports or working out, remember your Gatorade and snacks. With so much to think about, many diabetics suffer from depression. At Joslin Diabetes Center's camp in Plymouth, Alicia McNeil of Stoneham heard about the insulin pump, which has afforded her more freedom by automatically dispensing insulin. Camp participants have shown a lower incidence of kidney failure and low blood sugar, said Mike Kasperian, who has worked at Joslin for 14 years. Most teens struggle as their bodies change during puberty.