Whether your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a baby, grade-schooler, or adolescent, being a parent to someone with type 1 diabetes comes with its own set of challenges. Managing daily tasks such as blood sugar checks, ensuring a nutritious diet, and handling financial concerns can make the responsibilities of caring for a child with type 1 diabetes feel overwhelming.

Here are several tips to guide you on this journey, designed to help both you and your child navigate the complexities of living with type 1 diabetes — while also prioritizing their overall well-being.

1. Figure Out Your Feelings First

Having a child with diabetes can bring up feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. You may grieve the original vision you pictured for your child’s life, or you may worry about the physical and emotional toll their condition will have on them as they grow up. All of these feelings are completely valid and normal.

Getting in touch with your feelings in the right setting will help you heal and gain the strength to show up and be strong for your child. You can do this by finding a support group of other parents, confiding in an adult friend or relative, speaking with a mental health professional, or writing in a private journal. Ignoring the emotional impact of your child’s diagnosis isn’t fair to you or your child. Instead, seek the support you need to be fully present.

2. Set Reminders

Type 1 diabetes requires daily monitoring to prevent life-threatening complications like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis. That means remembering to check blood glucose levels throughout the day and making sure you’re stocked with the necessary medications and supplies.

Don’t rely on your memory alone to ensure your child has what they need. Always keep an electronic or paper calendar with reminders to refill prescriptions and schedule appointments in advance. Set these reminders early, and give yourself as much wiggle room as possible in case of unexpected delays.

3. Empower Your Child

Delegating responsibilities to your child as they get older will give them the confidence to manage their diabetes for life. It can also help ease the burden and stress that many parents place on themselves in keeping kids with diabetes healthy. Teach your child about their diabetes, explaining why you’re checking their blood sugar and how different foods and physical activity affect their levels. You should also familiarize your child with their diabetes emergency plan so they feel prepared in an emergency.

Be proactive about involving their health care professionals in this process. From the pediatrician or diabetes educator to the school nurse, your child’s health care team can help explain diabetes to your child in new ways and offer helpful tips that are age-appropriate. Encourage your child to ask follow-up questions as they get older. Children with type 1 diabetes have a legal right to be safe at school and receive care when they need it.

Help your child learn to explain type 1 diabetes to others. Instead of feeling ashamed of their condition, your child can become an advocate for themselves.

4. Seek Financial Support if Needed

The added expense of having a child with a medical condition can increase your stress levels and bring anxiety to everyone in the household. There are resources available to help your family manage the cost of type 1 diabetes.

You can start by talking to your child’s health care provider about resources. Your hospital system may have social workers who can connect you with local support.

You can also check to see if your child’s insulin manufacturer offers copay assistance. If your child uses an insulin pump, you can contact the manufacturer to learn about help affording supplies.

GetInsulin.org is a site run by several major diabetes advocacy groups that helps people find affordable insulin.

5. Consider a Diabetes Camp

You can find camps and workshops for kids with diabetes throughout the country. Camp allows your child to connect with other kids dealing with similar issues so they feel less alone. It’s a good way for them to make friends outside of school and gain independence and life skills in a safe environment specifically geared for children with diabetes.

You’ll also have an opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers with a diabetes diagnosis in the family. Other parents may know about resources you can use and solutions for navigating your child’s education, health care, and more.

6. Keep It Positive

Getting your child to manage their diabetes can seem impossible. It’s easy to slide into a negative cycle if you’re constantly reminding your child to monitor their blood sugar levels, take their medication, or drink enough water.

You can help shift the dynamic by remembering to acknowledge your child’s struggles and efforts. When they make a good choice or follow through on their diabetes care, don’t forget to give them some credit. Simple words of affirmation and encouragement can go a long way, even for kids who seem like they’re not listening. Help set your child up for success by giving them responsibilities they can handle and acknowledging when they make good choices.

7. Teach and Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is another essential aspect of positive thinking. Teach your child to be grateful for their life and opportunities, regardless of diabetes or other challenges they face. Finding things to be grateful for (even when life is tough) is a valuable life skill that can help to carry them through challenging times.

Talk With Others Who Understand

Check out myT1Dteam to connect with people and their family members who have type 1 diabetes. On myT1Dteam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

What does diabetes management look like for your family? How do you juggle glucose monitoring, meal planning, and administering the right insulin dose while balancing life’s other demands? Share your suggestions in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.