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A virtual session was held recently to support parents in helping children with diabetes cope amid ongoing regional tensions, with an emphasis on preparedness and managing fear and stress.
The session was led by Bahrain Diabetes Society vice president Dr Mariam AlHajeri, who highlighted the need to ensure an adequate supply of medication, maintain proper nutrition and provide strong emotional support during this uncertain period.
“Parents should ensure they have sufficient insulin and that it is stored properly, as it must be kept refrigerated,” she said.
“It is also important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy diet by focusing on fibre and protein, while reducing sugar carbohydrates.”
Dr AlHajeri acknowledged that the current situation may be stressful for families, stressing the importance of remaining calm and managing stress effectively, particularly for children.
“Practising techniques such as deep breathing and limiting exposure to distressing news can make a significant difference,” she said.
She explained that stress plays a direct role in raising blood sugar levels, as it triggers the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
“During conflict and stressful situations, children may experience social withdrawal from family and friends, psychological trauma and persistent fear due to shocking or unexpected events,” she noted. “They may also exhibit behavioural changes such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.”
To help children cope, Dr AlHajeri advised parents to provide immediate reassurance, practise calming techniques and keep children meaningfully engaged. “Distraction through stories, toys or videos, along with reminding children that they are safe, can be highly effective,” she said.
She also encouraged maintaining routines, including attending online classes, promoting social interaction with peers, and ensuring access to educational resources. She noted that seeking professional or religious support, when necessary, can also be beneficial in helping children cope.
Highlighting potential warning signs, Dr AlHajeri urged parents to remain vigilant for sleep disturbances, aggressive behaviour, loss of trust and difficulty concentrating.
“Children may also show signs of anxiety or depression during such times,” she added.
At the end of last year, health experts raised concerns over diabetes, revealing that one in seven people in Bahrain is affected by the condition.
More than 15 per cent of adults in Bahrain are diabetic, with the main reasons including genetics, lower physical activity, higher weight, imbalanced diet and lack of proper sleep. Symptoms include excessive thirst, urinating more than usual, unexplained weight loss, feeling tired and weak, mood changes, blurry vision, slow healing sores and infections of the gum and skin.
The GDN previously reported that more than 8,000 students from public and private schools took part in a national campaign designed to encourage children to adopt habits that reduce the risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
The Mobile Diabetes Unit (DMU) targets grade three students, aiming to instil healthy behaviours from an early age so that children not only adopt these habits themselves but also share them with their families.
The DMU programme, established in 2012, is a joint project between the BDS and RCSI Bahrain. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manama and implemented in collaboration with the Education and Health ministries.
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