Harvey Learns About Diabetes
A Healthy With Harvey Story about Friendship, Understanding, and Caring for Our Bodies
This story introduces young children to diabetes in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It helps children understand that some friends may need extra care to help their bodies stay healthy—and that kindness, inclusion, and understanding matter.
Key Messages
- Diabetes is not contagious.
- Children with diabetes can still play, learn, and have fun.
- Some children need medicine, snacks, or blood sugar checks to stay healthy.
- Friends can help by being kind, patient, and inclusive.
- Asking respectful questions is okay.
Gentle Explanation for Adults
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses sugar for energy. Some children with diabetes need insulin medicine because their bodies cannot make enough insulin on their own. They may need to check their blood sugar, eat snacks at certain times, or carry medical supplies.
This story focuses on friendship, support, inclusion, and understanding rather than fear or illness.
THE STORY
Harvey was excited for recess.
The sun was shining, the playground was busy, and Harvey was ready to RUN.
“Last one to the swings is a sleepy turtle!” Harvey barked happily as he zoomed across the playground.
His friend Max laughed and ran beside him.
But after a few minutes, Max slowed down.
“Hey,” Harvey said, stopping beside him. “Are you okay?”
Max nodded a little.
“I think my blood sugar is getting low.”
Harvey tilted his head.
“Your blood sugar?”
Max sat on a bench and opened a small bag from his backpack. Inside was a juice box and some crackers.
“My body works a little differently,” Max explained. “I have diabetes.”
Harvey sat quietly beside him.
“What’s diabetes?” he asked carefully.
Max took a sip of juice.
“Well,” he said, “our bodies turn food into energy. A helper inside the body called insulin helps move sugar from food into our cells so we can run and play and think.”
Harvey blinked.
“My body doesn’t make enough insulin on its own,” Max explained. “So I have to check my blood sugar and take medicine to help my body stay healthy.”
“My parents, teachers, and doctor help me learn how to take care of it, too.”
Harvey thought about that.
“So… you can still play soccer and climb and do all the fun stuff?”
“Oh yes!” Max laughed. “I just have to pay attention to my body a little more carefully.”
Just then, Harvey noticed a small device attached to Max’s arm.
“What’s that?” Harvey asked.
“It helps check my blood sugar,” Max explained. “It tells my parents and teachers if my blood sugar is too high or too low.”
“Does it hurt?” Harvey asked softly.
“Sometimes a little,” Max admitted. “But mostly I’m used to it now.”
Harvey looked thoughtful.
“So sometimes your blood sugar gets too low, and you need a snack or juice to help your body feel better?”
“Exactly,” said Max. “That’s why I carry juice or crackers with me.”
Harvey nodded very seriously.
“That seems important.”
“It is,” Max said. “And sometimes I have to stop playing for a minute, even if I don’t want to.”
Harvey looked around the playground.
He thought about how hard that might feel.
Sometimes Harvey didn’t even want to stop playing for bedtime.
Then Harvey had an idea.
“Next time,” he said proudly, “I can help remind you to take a break if you need one.”
Max smiled.
“That would actually be really nice.”
The recess bell rang.
“Ready to go back?” Harvey asked.
Max stood up and wagged.
“Yep! My blood sugar is doing better now.”
As they walked inside together, Harvey asked one more question.
“Did you do something wrong to get diabetes?”
Max shook his head quickly.
“Nope. It’s nobody’s fault.”
Harvey was glad to know that.
Later that afternoon, their teacher read a story to the class about how everyone’s bodies and health needs can be different.
Some children wore glasses.
Some used wheelchairs.
Some had allergies.
Some took medicine every day.
And some children had diabetes.
Harvey looked around the classroom.
Everyone really was different.
And everyone needed kindness.
At snack time, Harvey noticed Max checking his blood sugar again.
Instead of staring, Harvey simply asked,
“Do you want me to sit with you?”
Max smiled.
“Sure.”
So Harvey sat beside his friend while he finished his snack.
And when recess came again, they raced back outside together.
This time, Harvey didn’t just think about running fast.
He thought about being a good friend, too.
And somehow, that felt even more important.
TALK ABOUT IT
Questions for Children
- What is diabetes?
- Why did Max need a snack during recess?
- How did Harvey help his friend?
- What are some ways we can be kind and helpful to friends who may have different health needs?
- Why is it important not to tease or stare at medical devices?
A Note for Parents and Caregivers
Children naturally notice differences and may ask direct questions. This story models respectful curiosity and empathy.
You can help children understand:
- Medical devices are tools that help people stay healthy.
- Children with diabetes can participate in normal activities.
- Friends can support one another through kindness and inclusion.
- Healthy habits like balanced meals, movement, sleep, and listening to our bodies help everyone.
For children with diabetes, stories like this can help normalize their experiences and reduce stigma.
HARVEY’S HEALTH TIP
🐾 “Sometimes being a good friend means noticing when someone needs a little extra help—and staying by their side.” – Harvey