Playdates & T1D: Fun & Peace of Mind
Playdates are an essential part of childhood- laughing, running, building forts and making lifelong friendships- but when your child has Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), sending them off to a friend’s house (or hosting) can feel like packing for a mini-expedition. Snacks, supplies, emergency plans- there’s a lot to think about!
The good news? With a little preparation, your child can enjoy playdates just like any other child, and you can breathe easier knowing they’re safe and having fun. Here’s how to make it work.
1. Communication is Key: Talking to the Other Parent
Most parents don’t know much about T1D beyond what they’ve heard about Type 2, so a little education goes a long way. Keep it simple but clear.
What to Tell the Other Parent:
What Type 1 Diabetes is- It’s an autoimmune condition, not caused by diet or sugar. Your child needs insulin to stay healthy.
How to spot a low- Dizziness, shakiness, sweating, tiredness. A juice box or glucose tabs will fix it fast.
Food flexibility- Your child can eat cake at a birthday party, but they need insulin to cover it.
Emergency contacts- Your phone number, plus a backup if needed.
Pro Tip: If the parent is nervous, either ask if you can stay to help manage a younger child’s T1D or offer reassurance if the child is older: “It might sound like a lot, but my child knows what to do, and I’ll be available if you have any questions!”
2. The Playdate Survival Kit: Pack Like a Pro
Send your child with a little “diabetes go-bag” so the host parent has everything they need.
What to Include:
Fast-acting sugar- Juice box, glucose tabs, or jelly babies for quick lows.
A balanced snack- Cheese and crackers, a granola bar, or fruit with peanut butter to keep blood sugar stable
Insulin & supplies- If needed, send their insulin pen or pump supplies, plus a simple note on how to use them.
A small note with key info- Blood sugar targets, what to do for a low, and your contact info.
Pro Tip: Use a fun lunchbox or bag, so it doesn’t feel like “medical supplies” but just part of the adventure.
3. Navigating Food at a Playdate: Less Stress, More Fun
Food is a big part of playdates- whether it’s pizza for lunch, birthday cake, or a handful of snacks between games. Here’s how to make it work without stress.
Before the Playdate:
Ask about planned meals or snacks- A quick “Hey, will there be lunch or just snacks?” helps you prepare.
Give simple guidelines- If your child is old enough to count carbs, they can handle it themselves. If not, you can pre-measure snacks or guide the host parent.
Offer alternatives if needed- If you’re worried about high-sugar foods, send a similar snack so your child doesn’t feel left out.
During the Playdate:
Pizza? Cake? No problem! If your child is taking insulin, they can enjoy these treats. Just ensure there’s a way to cover it- either by pre-bolusing, calling you for dosing help or using their insulin pump.
Keep an eye on timing- Active play can affect blood sugar, so if they’re eating a high-carb meal, a little extra monitoring helps
Set up a check-in if needed- if your child isn’t fully independent with dosing, a quick text or call can help adjust insulin.
Pro Tip: If your child is younger, you can send pre-measured carb info for common snacks (e.g., “One juice box= 15g carbs, One cookie= 20g carbs”) to make it easier for the host parent.
4. Tech to the Rescue: Staying Connected Without Hovering
If your child wears a CGM, technology makes things so much easier. Many CGMs allow remote monitoring, so you can check their blood sugar from your phone without interrupting the fun.
Dexcom & Libre with alarms-If something’s off, you can text or call the other parent.
No CGM? No problem! Set a check-in time when your child or the other parent can send a quick update.
Pro Tip: If your child is older, let them be part of the plan: “If you feel low, check your BG and have a snack. If you’re not sure, call me- it’s no big deal!”
5. Hosting Playdates: Making Your Home T1D-Friendly
If you’re hosting, you get to control the environment- but it’s still great to have a plan!
Stock up on easy snacks- Balanced options like cheese strings, fruit, yogurt, or popcorn help keep blood sugar steady
Ask the other parent about their child’s routine- Every T1D child is different!
Normalise it for all the children- A simple “Hey, sometimes (your child) needs to check their blood sugar or have a snack, just like you might need a break!” keeps things relaxed.
Pro Tip: If your child’s friends ask questions, encourage open conversation: “It just means I have to check my blood sugar and take insulin so I can keep playing!” Children are naturally curious and accepting.
6. Relax and Let Them Have Fun!
Yes, it can feel nerve-wracking to send your T1D child off to someone else’s house. However, playdates are an important step toward independence- and the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Start with short playdates and build up.
Choose understanding friends and parents first.
Celebrate the small wins- each successful playdate is a confidence booster for everyone!
Pro Tip: If things don’t go perfectly, don’t stress! Use it as a learning experience for the next time.
Final Thoughts
Type 1 Diabetes might add an extra layer of planning, but it doesn’t have to take away the joy of childhood play. With a little prep, good communication, and the right mindset, your child can have amazing, carefree playdates- just like any other child.
