How to Explain Grandma’s Diabetes to Kids: A Social Worker’s Guide for Families
Navigators
5 minutes
Aug 30, 2025
Key Takeaways
Diabetes is not contagious and no one is to blame.
Simple analogies like “keys” and “fuel” help kids understand.
Including children in care routines builds empathy and reduces fear.
Visuals and activities help normalize medicine and diet changes.
Books and resources make continued learning easier for families.
Helping children understand a grandparent’s diabetes can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right language and tone, you can turn confusion and fear into compassion and understanding. Through my family’s experience with geriatric social work and as the granddaughter of someone who lived with diabetes, I’ve seen how much easier things become when children are included in the conversation with love and honesty.
Build Trust Through Honest Reassurance
When talking to children about diabetes, honesty matters. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages age-appropriate facts that avoid fear or blame. Focus on two key points:
It’s not contagious. Reassure children that hugging Grandma won’t make them sick.
It’s not their fault. Kids may wonder if they caused the illness. Make it clear: they didn’t.
Even young children can understand more than we think; they just need calm, simple explanations that make them feel safe.
Use the “Fuel and Keys” Analogy
Kids love stories and visuals. One of the easiest ways to explain diabetes is by comparing food and insulin to fuel and keys:
Food is energy. Sugar is like little building blocks that power the body.
Insulin is the key. Grandma’s body either doesn’t have enough keys or the keys don’t work right.
Finger pricks are just checking how many blocks are outside.
Injections or medicine help the keys work again and get energy inside the body.
This imagery helps turn something that can feel scary into something simple and logical.
Conclusion
When you talk openly about Grandma’s diabetes, you give your grandkids more than just understanding: you give them confidence, empathy, and connection. They’ll feel empowered to ask questions, offer help, and most importantly, grow closer to their grandparent. The best care comes from love, and that starts with conversations like these.
Disclaimer: This blog post is a personal account and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment plans.