If you’re the parent of a child or teenager with Type 1 Diabetes, you’ve probably sat in a hospital clinic hoping for support or understanding- only to walk out feeling frustrated, unheard or deflated. So how do you manage that frustration- for your child and for yourself? Here are 7 tips to help…

So your child’s been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes- and suddenly, you’re learning a whole new language: basal rates, boluses, Libre sensors, hypo snacks….and let’s not even get started on carb counting. Now imagine doing that as the only family dealing with it in your school, your street or your sleepy little village.

If you feel like you’ve been handed a complex medical condition to manage without a local support squad, you’re not alone. Not really…

So…You’ve just been handed a diagnosis no parent is ready for: your child has Type 1 Diabetes. Your brain is fried, your Google history is terrifying and your’re now the proud owner of a blood glucose monitor, several sharp objects and a thousand questions.

Take a breath.

You don’t have to do everything today. You just need to do the next thing. And then the next. This is your month-by-month survival toolkit for the first six months- packed with emotional support, practical tips and a gentle reminder that you’re doing brilliantly…

So, your child’s been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. You’ve been flung into a world of needles, Libre alarms, carb-counting and permanent sleep deprivation- and you’re somehow managing to juggle it all while answering questions like, “Can they still eat birthday cake?” for the 47th time.

You’re doing amazing. But also…you’re probably overwhelmed. Tired. A bit lonely, even. And yet, when someone asks, “Can I help?” your default response is likely something like: “Oh no, we’re fine, honestly.”

Sound familiar? Thought so…

Let’s start with this: you are not overreacting.

Managing your child’s Type 1 is a full-time job, a part-time panic and an unpaid science degree. When you finally reach out for help- whether it’s about blood sugar chaos, pump problems or just a “why is this happening” spiral- you deserve a team that shows up, listens and supports you.

But what if they don’t?