Taming the Type 1 Worries
Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a full-time job, and for children, it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s fear of hypos, injections, CGM or pump changes- anxiety can be a big part of life with diabetes. For parents, seeing their child struggle with worry about blood sugar control can be just as tough.
But there’s good news! With the right support, children and teens can learn to manage their anxiety and feel more in control of the their diabetes. Here we’ll explore how to help toddlers, children and teenagers navigate their fears, build confidence and take charge of their health.
Helping Toddlers With Diabetes Anxiety
Toddlers don’t fully understand diabetes yet, but they do pick up on emotions- both their own and their parents. If they sense stress or fear around injections, pump changes or finger pricks- they may start resisting these routines.
Top Tips for Reducing Anxiety in Toddlers:
Make Diabetes Care Playful- Use a toy doctor kit to “check” their teddy’s blood sugar or pretend to give injections to a stuffed animal. This helps normalise the process.
Keep Calm and Reassuring- If a hypo or high blood sugar happens, respond calmly. They will take cues from you.
Use Distraction- Sing a song, blow bubbles or let them watch a favourite show during injections or sensor changes
Give Choices (Where Possible)- Let the pick which finger to test or which arm to put the CGM on. Even small choices give them a sense of control.
Supporting Children with Diabetes-Related Anxiety
As children grow, they may become more aware of their diabetes and the things that make them anxious. Fear of pain, embarrassment about diabetes at school, or worry about hypos can all contribute to stress.
How to Help School-Age Children:
Validate Their Feelings- Instead of saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” acknowledge their fear: “I know you don’t like injections, but you are brave, and we’ll get through it together.”
Use Rewards and Praise- Sticker charts or small rewards can help encourage positive coping strategies
Involve Them in Decisions- Let them help plan their hypo treatment kit or choose their favourite hypo snacks
Prepare for School Situations- Talk to their teachers and ensure they feel comfortable managing diabetes at school. Consider a ‘diabetes buddy’ (a friend who can help if needed).
Use Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques- Simple deep breathing exercises can help when they feel overwhelmed. Try “balloon breathing”: take a deep breath in like inflating a balloon, then let it out slowly.
Helping Teens Manage Diabetes Anxiety
Teenagers face unique challenges- balancing diabetes with school, social life and independence. Anxiety can come from fear of hypos, worry about long-term complications or frustration with unpredictable blood sugars.
What Works for Teens?
Encourage Open Conversations- Let them vent without judgement. Sometimes they just need to be heard.
Help Them Problem-Solve- Instead of saying, “You need to check your blood sugar more,” try, “What do you think would make it easier to remember to check?”
Normalise the Ups and Downs- Remind them that perfect blood sugars aren’t realistic and small fluctuations are normal.
Support (But Don’t Nag)- If they resist diabetes care, offer to help in a way that works for them (e.g., setting reminders on their phone rather than constant verbal reminders)
Encourage Peer Support- Connecting with other teens with diabetes (through social media, Breakthrough T1D or Diabetes events) can make them feel less alone
Managing Anxiety Around Blood Sugar Control
Blood sugars fluctuate- it’s part of life with diabetes. For some children and teens, anxiety around keeping numbers “perfect” can lead to stress, frustration and even burnout.
How to Reduce Blood Sugar Anxiety:
Focus on Trends, Not Single Numbers- One high or low isn’t a failure- it’s just information to help with future decisions
Use Positive Language- Instead of “bad” numbers, talk about “in-range” or “out-of-range” and what adjustments can be made
Create a Safety Plan for Hypos- Knowing there’s a plan (e.g., keeping available) can help ease fears
Teach That Perfection Isn’t the Goal- Blood sugar management is an ongoing process, and no one gets it right 100% of the time.
Consider Professional Support- If anxiety is affecting daily life, a diabetes psychologist or counsellor can help.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Helping a child or teenager manage anxiety around Type 1 Diabetes isn’t easy, but with patience, reassurance and the right strategies they can learn to feel more confident. Whether it’s making diabetes care fun for toddlers, supporting school-age children or empowering teens to take control, every small step helps build resilience.
And remember- you’re not alone. Support groups online, at places like Diabetes UK and local diabetes meet-ups can connect you with other families going through the same thing. Together, we can help children and teens with T1D feel less anxious and more in control of their health.