Many children experience the divorce of their parents with relatively minor problems and few permanent negative issues. For others, however, the effects of divorce are long-lived and can be traumatic.

Changes in a child’s living arrangements, schooling, and lifestyle or in the amount of time spent with a parent can trigger anger or fear. When a child cannot adequately express or mentally process those emotions, he or she may undergo problems brought on by stress-induced trauma.

And now researchers in Ireland say these children who are diabetic face increased health risks.

Research carried out by Trinity College in Dublin, according to an online Irish publication, found that children whose parents live in separate households are more likely to experience problems with proper diabetes control.

“When there is a lack of parental supervision, the control and management of diabetes is not good,” Anna Clarke, research manager for the Diabetes Federation of Ireland, told the Herald.ie

She noted that diabetics need careful management of their blood sugar levels.

Diabetics whose blood glucose levels are poorly controlled can develop blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, strokes, poor circulation and other conditions, such as foot infections.

Steps to safeguard your child’s health include:

–Working with the other parent to provide as much security, stability and consistency as possible.
–Making sure you and your children don’t become isolated from your family, friends and neighbors.
–Preparing and eating a balanced diet, with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Increased fiber in the diet can improve blood glucose control.
–Encouraging physical activity; exercise and play will help to relieve stress and to stabilize blood sugar levels.
–Using stress management tools such as prayer, meditation, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques to improve blood sugar levels.

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