When You’re the Only One: Raising a T1D Child or Teenager in a Small Town or School
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.
“It’s like herding cats while doing maths in your head.” That’s how one mum described trying to manage her toddler’s blood sugar during a family picnic while other parents relaxed with a glass of rosé. There’s nothing quite like whipping out an insulin pen next to the sausage rolls to make you feel like the odd one out.
And that’s okay. A little lonely? Yes, but here’s the thing: just because you’re the only one locally, doesn’t mean you’re alone.
What It Feels Like to Be “The Only One”
If your child is the only one with T1D in their school or class, it can feel like you’ve become the unofficial expert, nurse, teacher, dietitian and emotional support animal- all at once.
You might have found yourself:
Explaining to the dinner lady why your child can have cake (with insulin, of course).
Coaching the school staff on how to spot a hypo (for the fourth time this term).
Feeling like you need a spreadsheet and a full-time assistant just to prep a packed lunch.
It’s exhausting. It’s isolating. And it’s also something you can navigate with a few small steps- and a bit of humour.
Supporting Your Child or Teen When They Feel Like “The Only One”
Being the only child or teenager in school with Type 1 can feel incredibly lonely- especially when all they want is to blend in. Here’s how you can help them feel seen, heard and empowered.
For Younger Children
Keep it Normal: Let them know it’s okay to be different- and that everyone has something. One friend might have asthma, another needs glasses and your child just happens to have a pancreas that needs a bit of help.
Role Play Confidence: Practice how they can explain diabetes in simple terms to curious classmates or adults. Keep it light and empowering.
Empower Them with Choice: Give them age-appropriate control- like picking their hypo snacks or choosing between two finger prick sites.
For Teenagers
Open the Space: Teens might not always want to talk- but let them know you’re always up for listening, without judgement or “fixing”.
Acknowledge the Awkward: Diabetes can be embarrassing. Normalise that! Let them vent about moments like injecting in public or dealing with annoying questions.
Help Them Find “Their People”: Even one other teen with T1D- online or at a camp- can make a huge difference. Look into events run by Breakthrough T1D, Diabetes UK or local NHS diabetes teams.
Talk Mental Health: Make it okay to feel fed up. Help them access counselling or peer support if they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about standing out.
How to Make It Work (Without Losing Your Marbles)
1. Get Your School Diabetes Ready
Work with the school to create an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP). If they’ve never had a student with T1D, they might need a little hand-holding, but don’t be afraid to speak up.
Ask about:
Who’s trained in diabetes care?
Where will supplies be kept?
What happens on school trips or sports days?
Breakthrough T1D and Diabetes UK have brilliant resources you can share with staff.
Tip for Teens: Make sure your teen knows who to go to at school when they need support, and that they don’t have to manage it all alone- yes, even when they’re trying to act chill about it.
2. Build Your Child’s Confidence
Remind them that diabetes isn’t something to hide. It doesn’t make them fragile- it makes them incredible. They’re learning to understand their body, do serious maths on the fly and stay calm in tricky situations. Superpowers, basically.
Help them shine by:
Celebrating milestones (like doing their first bolus at school)
Framing tech like pumps and CGMs as cool kit, not medical equipment.
Reassuring them that it’s okay to mess up- it’s a lot for anyone.
You’re Not Alone- Even If You’re the Only One
So maybe you live in a village with one post box, three sheep and a school with one class per year group. Or maybe your teenager goes to a large secondary school where they still seem to be the only one pricking their finger between lessons.
Here’s what we want you- and your child- to know:
There are thousands of families across the UK riding this same emotional rollercoaster. There’s an army of teens counting carbs while texting their mates, and little ones who’ve got a favourite finger for blood tests. They’re just not always next door.
So reach out, plug in and remind yourself and your T1 superstar: being “the only one” doesn’t mean being on your own.
Online Support Roundup
Here’s a quick list to bookmark or share:
Breakthrough T1D- Offers T1D Discover Days around the UK and virtually- hear from leading experts, explore T1D tech with tech companies and meet other people living with T1D
Diabetes UK Support Forum- includes a parent section
Children With Diabetes UK
UK T1D Families Facebook Group
Digibete- resources and videos for children and teens
Diabetes UK Young People Hub