Managing Mood Swings in T1D Children and Teenagers

As any parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes knows, the journey is filled with daily routines, constant monitoring and, let’s face it, a lot of ups and downs- literally and emotionally. It’s not just about checking blood sugar or counting carbs; managing mood swings is another common yet often misunderstood challenge for children with T1D.

If you’ve ever seen your child go from laughing one moment to suddenly sobbing the next, you might find yourself asking, “Is this just a normal emotional phase, or is it linked to their blood sugar?” Spoiler alert: it’s often a bit of both.

Here we’ll break down the link between T1D and mood swings, explain what’s considered “normal,” what’s related to glucose highs and lows, and share some practical tips on how to support your child through it all.

Understanding Mood Swings: What’s Normal?

First, let’s get one thing clear- mood swings are a normal part of growing up, even without diabetes. Hormones, school stress, friendship dramas and all the usual ups and downs of adolescence can contribute to those unpredictable emotional shifts. However, with T1D, there’s an added layer that can make things a bit more complex.

For children and teens living with T1D, their emotional well-being is often affected by fluctuating blood sugar levels. Your child might feel perfectly fine one minute and then suddenly become irritable, anxious, or tearful without any obvious reason. These shifts are typically not due to personality or behaviour, but instead, are often the result of fluctuating glucose levels affecting the brain.

The Impact of Blood Sugar on Mood

Blood sugar levels are the biggest factor behind those emotional rollercoasters. When blood glucose levels rise too high (hyperglycemia) or drop too low (hypoglycemia), they can trigger noticeable emotional shifts. Here’s how:

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):

When glucose levels rise too high, your child’s body can become dehydrated and fatigued, which can lead to irritability, confusion and sometimes even feelings of being “out of it.”High blood sugar can also affect mood and concentration.

• Signs to look for: Irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, excessive thirst and tiredness.

• What to do: Check their blood sugar. If it’s high, they may need insulin to bring it back to normal. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and get some rest to help manage symptoms.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):

Low blood sugar is often the culprit behind the dreaded “hangry” moments. When glucose levels drop too low, the brain doesn’t get the fuel it needs, which can result in feelings of anxiety, irritability or even sudden outbursts.

• Signs to look for: Sudden mood shifts, shakiness, sweating, confusion and sometimes aggression or tears.

• What to do: Check their blood sugar immediately. If it’s low, they’ll need a fast-acting carbohydrate (such as glucose tablets, juice, or regular fizzy drink) to bring their levels back up. Once their blood sugar starts to stabilise, you can talk through what happened and how they’re feeling.

Other Factors Contributing to Mood Swings

While blood sugar is a major contributor, it’s not the only factor at play. The experience of living with T1D often comes with additional stresses, especially for children and teens. These might include:

• Social pressures: Feeling different from their peers due to diabetes management

• Diabetes burnout: The emotional toll of constantly managing their condition

• Puberty: The hormonal changes that occur during puberty can make mood swings even more pronounced, especially when paired with fluctuations in blood sugar.

Having an open line of communication with your child can help them process these stresses and better manage their emotional ups and downs.

How to Support Your Child Through the Emotional Waves

As a parent, it’s only natural to feel concerned when your child experiences a sudden mood swing. Rest assured, these emotional highs and lows don’t define who they are, and with the right strategies, you can help them ride the waves of T1D with more ease and confidence.

1. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly

Frequent blood sugar checks are key to understanding whether a mood swing is related to glucose levels. Keep a record of your child’s blood sugar levels and their emotional state, so you can identify patterns over time. This will help you link their mood shifts with highs or lows.

2. Normalise the Experience

Help your child understand that emotional ups and downs are a normal part of managing T1D. Encourage them to recognise the connection between their mood and blood sugar, which can empower them to manage their emotions more effectively.

3. Stay Calm and Reassuring

When your child is in the midst of an emotional outburst, try to stay calm. Reacting with frustration or anger will only escalate the situation. Instead, listen to their feelings and reassure them that you’re there to help them feel better. A gentle “I understand this is hard, but let’s check your blood sugar and see what’s going on” can be a good way to ease them out of the emotional storm.

4. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Help your child develop healthy ways to cope with stress and emotional challenges. Encourage activities like deep breathing, journaling, drawing or listening to music. Physical activity, like a walk or a run, can also help balance emotions and improve mood.

5. Create a Routine

A consistent routine for meals, insulin and blood sugar checks can help reduce some of the unpredictability that can lead to emotional swings. The more routine your child’s day is, the more they may feel in control of their diabetes and emotions.

6. Seek a Professional Support

If mood swings become more frequent or severe, or if your child starts showing signs of depression or anxiety, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. Speaking to a counsellor or therapist who specialises in chronic health conditions can give your child the emotional support they need.

Wrapping It Up

Parenting a child with T1D means managing more than just their blood sugar. Understanding that their mood swings might be connected to blood sugar fluctuations, alongside the unique stresses of diabetes, can help you provide the support they need.

By staying in tune with your child’s needs and maintaining a calm, supportive approach, you can help them navigate their emotional ups and downs with confidence and resilience. You’re not alone in this journey- many families face similar challenges, and with the right strategies, you can support your child in thriving emotionally and physically.