Usher inspired by son’s diabetes bravery

Usher is in awe of his seven-year-old son as he battles diabetes.

The singer's kid, Usher V, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year (14) and his proud dad has opened up about what it's like to watch the boy inject himself with insulin daily.

Now an advocate for a cure for the disease, Usher tells People.com, "I have a greater deal of appreciation for the bravery that children his age have.

"A child that every day has to prick himself and has to be cautious of what he eats and also to carry this disorder around - that really is the type of bravery that we all aspire to have."

Usher admits watching his child administer medicine sometimes brings up tough emotions.

He commiserates with parents and relatives of people who suffer from diseases that require specialised maintenance, as it's not always easy to keep up the routine.

"There's been some difficult moments," Usher adds. "I have a great deal of understanding of what people have to deal with. It's personal."

The Yeah! singer plans to be a big part of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November (15), as he hopes sharing his experience might have a positive impact on others.

"I want to be supportive not only as someone who's vying for a cure, but also as a father who has a child who's experienced a lot of highs and lows," Usher explained.

The star previously spoke about how pain has shaped his artistic expression.

Usher infuses his work with authentic feelings about the discomfort he experiences in order to enhance personal growth.

"The more I know about life, the more I know about people, the greater the person I am, the more understanding I have about how to make music and how to do things that will grow us as people," he explained to Fault magazine.