Hearing that your toddler has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can be one of the most overwhelming moments in your life. You may be feeling a whirlwind of emotions- fear, sadness, confusion and even guilt. But here’s what we want you to know- You are not alone. Take it one step at a time. With the right support, knowledge and mindset, your little one can grow up happy, healthy and thriving…

Hearing the words “Your child has Type 1 diabetes” can be overwhelming, whether your baby, child or teenager has just been diagnosed. The hospital stay that follows is often a whirlwind of emotions, medical information and learning how to care for your child in a completely new way. Every diagnosis journey is different- some children are diagnosed after a gradual onset of symptoms, while others arrive at the hospital in diabetic keto-acidosis (DKA), a serious and life-threatening condition. We understand that these different journeys can have a huge affect on your hospital stay and how you process your child’s diagnosis.

Your hospital stay is a crucial time to learn, adjust and begin to come to terms with the T1D diagnosis. Here are some tips from those who have been in your shoes to help you navigate this challenging time…

Every superhero needs a sidekick, and every parent of a Type 1 child or teenager needs a dream team- a group of people who will support, guide and cheer you on as you navigate this new normal. Think of it as assembling the Avengers, but with fewer capes and more jelly babies.

Here’s who should be on your squad and how they can help…

When our child was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it felt like stepping into an entirely new world. One moment, we were in the hospital learning how to count carbs and give insulin injections; the next, we were back home, staring at our child, inwardly panicking and thinking, “How on earth do we do this every day?”

If you’re reading this as a newly diagnosed parent, let me start by saying: You’ve got this. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but one day, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come. There are so many things I wish I had known in those first chaotic months, so here’s my attempt at passing on some wisdom…