When A Diagnosis is Traumatic: Coping with a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis in DKA

A Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis is always life-changing- but when your child is diagnosed very ill or in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it can be traumatic. One moment, you have a child with unexplained symptoms, the next, you’re in a hospital room watching medical teams work to stabilise them. Tubes, drips, beeping monitors- it’s terrifying.

If this is your story, you are not alone. Many families first learn about Type 1 Diabetes in a crisis situation, with their child dangerously unwell. And while everyone tells you, “It gets easier,” right now, you’re just trying to get through the next hour, the next day, the next week.

Here’s what we wish someone had told us about coping after a traumatic diagnosis.

1. It’s Okay to Feel Everything (Or Nothing at All)

Shock. Guilt. Anger. Relief. Fear. Grief. Numbness. There’s no “right” way to feel after a traumatic diagnosis. Some parents fall into practical mode- focusing on learning everything they can about Type 1 Diabetes. Others feel paralysed by what just happened. Some go back and forth between the two. All of it is normal.

You might feel guilt- “How did I not realise sooner?”

You might feel rage- “Why my child?”

You might feel fear- “How will we manage this at home?”

Whatever you’re feeling, you are not failing. This is a massive, life-altering event, and your emotions will take time to settle. Be kind to yourself.

2. Flashbacks, Anxiety & Medical Trauma Are Real

If your child was in DKA, you may find yourself reliving the moment weeks or even months later. Triggers can be anything- a smell from the hospital, the sound of a monitor beeping, or seeing your child sleep in a way that reminds you of when they were unconscious.

This is medical trauma, and it can affect both parents and children. Some signs include:

• Intrusive thoughts (“What if this happens again?”)

• Hyper-awareness (constantly checking on your child)

• Panic at future hospital visits

• Sleep issues or nightmares

These feelings are real and valid. You are not overreacting. If they don’t ease with time, or they interfere with your daily life, please reach out for support. Your GP, diabetes team or even a local support group can help.

3. Your Child Might Remember More Than You Think (or Not at All)

Depending on their age and how unwell they were, your child may have clear memories of their diagnosis- or none at all. Some kids block out the scariest moments, while others remember everything vividly.

Signs your child might be struggling:

• Asking lots of questions about the hospital stay

• Avoiding talking about their diagnosis

• Becoming extra clingy, emotional or fearful

• Refusing medical procedures (like finger pricks or injections)

If your child wants to talk about it, let them. If they don’t, that’s okay too. Reassure them that what happened wasn’t their fault and that they are now safe and getting stronger every day.

4. You Are Not Alone- Lean on Support

It’s easy to feel isolated after a traumatic diagnosis. No one else around you fully understands what you’ve just been through. But there are people who do:

• Your diabetes team- They’ve seen families go through this and can offer both medical and emotional support

• Other Type 1 parents- Online groups, local diabetes meet-ups or charities like Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D can connect you with families who get it

• Friends and family- Even if they don’t understand Type 1, let them help in practical ways (meals, babysitting or just listening)

You do not have to carry this alone. Let people in.

5. Guilt is a Liar- You Did Not Cause This

Every parent of a child diagnosed in DKA blames themselves at some point.

“Why didn’t I spot the signs sooner?”

“If only I had taken them to the GP a day earlier!”

But here’s the truth: You did not cause this.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It isn’t caused by diet, lifestyle or anything you did or didn’t do. Many parents don’t recognise the symptoms until their child is very unwell- because why would we? Before diagnosis, most of us didn’t even know what Type 1 was!

Instead of guilt, try to focus on this: You got them the help they needed. You saved their life. That’s what matters.

6. It Won’t Always Feel Like This- One Day at a Time

Right now, it might feel impossible to imagine a day where diabetes isn’t all consuming. A day where you don’t wake up panicking. A day where your child runs off to play, and you aren’t hovering with a glucose meter in hand.

But that day will come.

At first, you get through one blood sugar check at a time. Then one meal. Then one night. Then a week. And little by little, life feels normal again. Not the same as before- but still full of love, laughter and everything your child enjoyed before their diagnosis.

It won’t always be this raw. You will find your rhythm.

7. Your Child is Stronger Than You Think (and So Are You)

It’s easy to look at your child and see what they’ve lost. The carefree childhood before injections, carb counting and hospital visits. But what if we also look at what they’ve gained?

Strength- They are learning resilience at an early age

Knowledge- They will grow up understanding their body in a way most people never do

Empathy- Many children with chronic conditions become deeply compassionate toward others

And you? You’re becoming stronger too. Not by choice, not because you wanted this- but because you have no other option.

You will keep going, even on the hard day. Because that’s what parents do.

Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Time

A traumatic diagnosis shakes your world. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. It’s okay if you’re struggling. What matters is that you take it one step at a time.

You’ve already done the hardest thing-you got through the diagnosis. Now, you and your child will learn to live with Type 1 together. And you will both thrive.

One day at a time.