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.