I had trouble as a teenager taking care of my diabetes too. I think it might be a mix of hormone complications along with the stress of bring a diabetic... I suggest being a judge free support for him and keeping close contact with his endocrinologist.

At 15 they had a nurse come check on me once a week, maybe it'd be a good idea to check with his specialist about it.

Being 12 is hard without all the extra trauma of diabetes and mental health issues. Dealing with it can be overwhelming. It is not a competition, not a sports event, and there are few wins. You need a support group that is not just virtual. He needs a passion to follow that will give him the will to be well enough to participate.

Not an answer that is very helpful, but maybe some direction.

I didn’t have mental problems but I did feel different. I was in counseling for my diabetes when I was 10. I was very temperamental, cranky, irritable and tried the manipulative game. Times in the late 70’s mental issues weren’t a thing. Make sure he is in counseling, work with a social worker, school officials and include your son in decisions. I am lucky I lived through my pre-teen, teen and young adult. Hang in there and try your hardest to be a little sympathetic.

It is terribly hard to care for your diabetes at that age. I am lucky I lived through that time.