Sibling relationships of Japanese children with diabetes

Sibling relationships among diabetic children and their sibling are similar to those among healthy children. However, there was more sibling interaction among diabetics and their siblings than among healthy children. The diabetic's siblings are interested in learning about diabetes and in being supportive to their ill brother or sister. However, the feelings are different among the ill children. The ill sibling does not feel that the healthy sibling is supportive of the strict dietary regimen. This is especially true when it comes to eating sweets in front of them. Many parents viewed their healthy children as supportive to the patients, and they wished them to continue to be supportive persons to the patients in the future. Some parents felt guilt and conflict about spending more time with the ill child.