Supporting Siblings of a Child with T1D: Because They Matter Too!
When one child in the family has Type 1 Diabetes, it’s natural for a lot of time, energy and attention to go toward managing their condition. From late-night blood sugar checks to emergency hypos and carb counting at every meal, it can feel like diabetes takes centre stage. But what about the other children in the family?
Siblings of a child with T1D often experience a mix of emotions- love, worry, frustration and sometimes even jealousy. They may feel left out, resentful or confused about why their brother or sister seems to get more attention. So, how can you balance the scales and make sure all your children feel equally supported and valued? Let’s dive in.
1. Acknowledge Their Feelings (Without Guilt)
It’s easy to assume that siblings will understand why diabetes takes up so much of your focus, but kids (and even teens) may feel overlooked or even resent their sibling’s diabetes- and that’s okay!
What to do:
Let them know it’s okay to feel frustrated sometimes.
Give them a safe space to talk about their emotions without guilt.
Say something like: “I know diabetes takes up a lot of time, and that might feel unfair to you sometimes. I want you to know your feelings matter too.”
What to avoid:
Brushing off their feelings with “You just have to deal with it.”
Assuming they automatically understand why their sibling needs extra attention.
By validating their emotions, you’re making sure they feel seen and heard, not just like the “other child” in the family.
2. Make One-on-One Time a Priority
When so much energy goes into diabetes management, it’s easy for siblings to feel like they come second. While you can’t create more hours in the day, you can make a conscious effort to set aside quality time just for them.
Ideas for one-on-one time:
Mini “dates” with each sibling- this could be a walk in the park, a movie night or even just 20 minutes of uninterrupted time together.
Bedtime chats- spending a few extra minutes talking about their day can go a long way.
Silly traditions- maybe they get to pick the Friday night film or have a special breakfast with you once a week.
It’s not about quantity- it’s about quality. Even small pockets of time show them they are just as important as their sibling with diabetes.
3. Involve Them (But Don’t Overload Them)
Some siblings want to help, while others prefer to stay out of the diabetes world as much as possible- and that’s okay! The key is finding the right balance.
Ways to involve siblings (without pressure):
Let younger siblings pick out hypo treatments at the shop
Teach them basic signs of highs and lows, so they feel confident, not scared
if they’re interested, let older siblings help with simple tasks (like reminding their sibling to bring their diabetes kit)
What to avoid:
Making them feel responsible for their sibling’s diabetes
Forcing them to learn diabetes care if they don’t want to
The goal is to help them feel included, not burdened.
4. Give Them Their Own “Special Thing”
Diabetes can feel like the star of the show- endless hospital appointments, special snacks, medical gear and extra parental attention. To balance things out, give each sibling their own “special thing” that makes them feel important too.
Ideas for giving siblings their own spotlight:
Enrolling them in a club, sport or hobby that’s just for them.
Letting them pick a family activity (maybe they choose the next weekend trip or meal)
Creating a celebration just for them, like a special end-of-term treat or recognising their achievements outside of diabetes
When they have something unique that’s just theirs, it helps prevent resentment and shows that they’re just as valued.
5. Encourage Their Own Support Network
Siblings can carry a lot of emotions- worry, jealousy, even guilt. Having someone outside of the family to talk to can really help.
Ways to help them build their own support system:
Introduce them to other siblings of children with T1D (Breakthrough T1D and Diabetes UK sometimes run sibling support groups)
Let them talk to a trusted adult, teacher or friend about how they feel.
If they’re old enough, encourage them to journal or express their emotions creatively.
When they know they’re not alone, it can make a world of difference.
6. Watch for Signs of Sibling Burnout
Just like a child with T1D can experience burnout, so can their siblings. They might not always say it, but signs of sibling burnout can include:
Acting out or seeking negative attention
Withdrawing from family activities
Feeling overly responsible for their diabetic sibling
Expressing jealousy or resentment frequently
If you notice these signs, it might be time for a reset- more one-on-one time, a chat about their feelings or giving them a break from diabetes discussions.
Final Thoughts: Balance, Not Perfection
Supporting the sibling of a child with T1D is all about balance. You can’t give every one equal attention at all times- but you can make sure every child in your family feels valued, loved and included.
By listening, spending intentional time together and making sure each child has their own special place in the family, you can create a home where everyone feels important- diabetes or not.