Sick Day Checklist for Children with T1D
Use this checklist when your child is feeling unwell, has high blood sugar or shows signs of illness…
Understanding Ketone Testing and Sick Day Rules
Caring for a child with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) involves more than just managing blood sugars- it also requires being prepared for times when your child is unwell. Whether your child is a baby, toddler, child or teenager, knowing how to test for ketones and understanding sick day rules is critical to prevent serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Here’s what every parent should know…
The Sneaky Blood Sugar Level Saboteur: Inflammation
If you’ve ever stared at your child’s CGM graph wondering, “ Why on earth are they running high- we’ve done everything right!”- you’re not alone. Managing Type 1 Diabetes already feels like a full time job, but sometimes blood sugars misbehave for reasons that aren’t obvious.
One sneaky culprit that often flies under the radar? Inflammation. From sniffles and stress to teething and lack of sleep, inflammation can quietly mess with insulin sensitivity and send glucose levels soaring. Let’s take a closer look at how it works- and what you can do to keep it in check…
Middle of the Night Madness: A Guide to Overnight Blood Sugar Swings
If you’re the parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, you probably know the feeling all too well- waking up in the early hours, heart pounding, wondering:
Are they too high?
Are they too low?
Have I actually been to sleep yet?
Welcome to Middle of the Night Madness, where T1D parents survive on instinct, adrenaline and endless cups of coffee. Overnight blood sugar swings can feel unpredictable- one night it’s steady, the next you’re battling a hypo at 3 AM. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! With a few simple strategies, you can reduce those restless nights and help your child wake up in range…
Low Blood Sugar? A Practical Guide to Hypo Treatments for T1D Kids
Managing T1D is a full-time job, and as parents, you become part-time pancreas, full-time worry warriors, and snack time champions! One of the trickiest parts of T1D is dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)- especially in toddlers, children and teens- who all have different needs (and let’s be honest, different levels of cooperation!).
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a fun, practical guide to hypoglycemia treatments for different ages and situations, so you’re always prepared when the numbers start dropping…
Growing Pains & Glucose Gains: Managing Growth Spurts & T1D
If you’re raising a child with T!D, you already know that managing blood sugars can be like riding a roller-coaster- exciting, unpredictable and sometimes a little scary! Throw in a growth spurt, and suddenly, everything you thought you had under control feels like it’s gone haywire.
One day, your child’s numbers are fine. The next? Sky-high blood sugars, endless hunger and maybe even a side of crankiness! Growth spurts can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels, but with a little knowledge (and a lot of patience), you can help your child get through them safely.
Let’s break it down by age and talk about what you can do when growth spurts send glucose levels soaring…
10 Sneaky Factors That Mess with Type 1 Diabetes
If you’re parenting a toddler, child or teenager with Type 1 Diabetes, you’ve probably had days where their glucose levels seem completely unpredictable. One minute, they’re in range. The next, they’re soaring into the stratosphere or plummeting into hypoland. It’s enough to make you want to scream into a pillow- or at least drink an extra-large coffee.
The reality is that managing Type 1 Diabetes isn’t just about counting carbs and dosing insulin. A wild number of factors can send glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride. Here’s a handy list of things that might be influencing your child’s blood sugar today (so you don’t think you’re losing your mind)…