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).

1. Food (Yes, Even the Healthy Stuff!)

We all know that carbs raise blood sugar, but did you know that what your child eats, how they eat it and when they eat it all make a difference?

• High-fat meals (hello, pizza and ice cream!) can cause a delayed glucose spike hours later

• Protein-heavy meals may lead to a slow rise in blood sugar- especially if there aren’t many carbs in the meal

• Fibre-rich foods (like whole grains and veggies) slow down digestion, sometimes preventing rapid spikes

• Hidden sugars in sauces, drinks and snacks can sneak in extra carbs you weren’t expecting

• Carb stacking (snacking over a long period) can cause blood sugar to rise steadily without an obvious peak

2. Exercise & Activity (or Lack Thereof!)

Physical activity has a huge impact on blood sugar, but the effects vary:

• Aerobic exercise (like running, swimming, or playing at the park) typically lowers blood sugar- sometimes hours after the activity

• Anaerobic exercise (like weightlifting, sprinting or intense sports) can cause a temporary spike due to adrenaline

• A super active morning but a lazy afternoon? Blood sugar may drop later when you least expect it

And let’s not forget “why is my child high after exercise?” Answer: Sometimes, the body dumps extra glucose into the blood stream due to stress hormones.

3. Stress, Emotions & Big Feelings

Did your toddler have a meltdown? Did your teen bomb a maths test? Stress and strong emotions (excitement, anxiety, frustration) trigger cortisol and adrenaline, both of which can send glucose levels soaring.

On the flip side, some children drop low after big emotions- especially after crying or feeling overwhelmed. It’s a fun little surprise (not!).

4. Growth Spurts & Puberty

Hormones are the worst when it comes to blood sugar control.

• Growth spurts can cause increased insulin resistance, meaning you might see unexplained highs

• Puberty hormones (hello, teenagers!) can wreak havoc on blood sugar, requiring higher insulin doses

• Menstrual cycles can affect glucose levels, often leading to higher readings before a period and drops during or after

Basically, if your child is growing, expect chaos.

5. Illness, Fevers & Infections

A simple cold or tummy bug can make blood sugar skyrocket. This is because the body releases stress hormones to fight illness, increasing insulin resistance.

• Fever? Expect highs

• Stomach virus? Hello, stubborn lows

• Ear infections, teething, or even allergies? Yes, they call all mess with blood sugar, too

Sick days often require more frequent monitoring, extra fluids and adjustments to insulin.

6. Sleep (Too Much or Too Little!)

If your child didn’t get enough sleep insulin resistance can increase, leading to higher blood sugar levels the next day.

On the flip side, overnight lows (especially in younger children) can sometimes lead to higher readings in the morning due to the body’s counter-regulatory response.

Let’s also not forget the dawn phenomenon- a lovely hormonal spike in the early morning that can push glucose levels up before breakfast.

7. Temperature & Weather Changes

• Hot weather can make insulin absorb faster, leading to unexpected lows. It can also make levels higher, mainly due to dehydration, changes in insulin absorption and increased stress on the body.

• Cold weather can slow insulin absorption, leading to highs. Reduced physical activity, viral infections, changes in diet, reduced levels of vitamin D can also affect levels. Some children and teenagers may experience more frequent hypos in the cold weather, making frequent testing of levels necessary.

• Storms & pressure changes? Some parents swear these mess with blood sugar, though science hasn’t caught up to that one yet.

8. Insulin Absorption Issues

Even if you’ve calculated the perfect insulin dose, absorption isn’t always consistent.

• Scar tissue from repeated injections or pump sites can lead to poor absorption

• Did your child move a lot after an injection? Insulin might work slower

• Did they just sit on the couch? Insulin might work slower

• Did they take their injection into a muscle instead of fat? Surprise! It might kick in way faster.

9. Hydration (Or Lack of It!)

Dehydration can cause insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugars. Meanwhile, drinking plenty of water helps the body flush out excess glucose.

So, if your child’s levels are high and stubborn, try pushing water- it might help!

10. The Mystery Factor (a.k.a Diabetes Just Being Diabetes)

Sometimes, you do everything right, and blood sugar levels still won’t behave. It’s frustrating, but it happens.

Maybe it’s an unknown hormone surge, a hidden infection, or the moon’s gravitational pull (okay, probably not). The point is- diabetes doesn’t always follow the rules, and that’s not your fault.

What Can You Do?

• Log patterns- If certain foods or activities consistently cause highs or lows, adjust accordingly

• Stay flexible- What worked yesterday might not work today

• Give yourself (and your child) grace- Diabetes is unpredictable, and you’re doing your best!

And on the tough days, just remember: You’re not alone in this wild ride. Keep going, keep learning and when in doubt…check those levels again.

Another great tool- DiaTribe’s 42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose

https://diatribe.org/diabetes-management/42-factors-affect-blood-glucose-surprising-update