T1D Online Support

Websites & Online Resources

Diabetes UK

  • National Charity offering extensive resources for families

  • Includes the Parents Forum and info on school rights, diet, mental health and local support groups

Breakthrough T1D

  • Leading Type 1 Diabetes charity with age-specific support:

    • Type 1 and Under

    • Kids and Teens

  • Provides downloadable toolkits, webinars and family event info

DigiBete

  • NHS-approved site with videos and tools created for families managing T1D.

  • Great for newly diagnosed families, with age-targeted content and app-based management tools

T1Resources.uk

  • Curated by UK clinicians and patients

  • Offers vetted links and guides on tech, school, exercise and diet for young people with Type 1 Diabetes

Online Forums

Diabetes UK Forum- Parents Section

  • Active community sharing experiences with diagnosis, treatments options, tech, school issues and emotional support

Diabetes.co.uk Forum- Parents Area

  • Large UK community with threads specific to managing young children and teens with T1D

Mumsnet Diabetes Threads

  • General parenting forum with frequent discussions on Type 1 Diabetes in children, including advice on schools, sleepovers and behaviours

Social Media Groups (Mostly Facebook)

Searchable UK-based groups include:

  • Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes UK (Highly active, supportive community)

  • Type 1 Diabetes Support for UK Parents

  • T1D Tech Chat UK (Libre, Dexcom, Pumps)

  • T1D Teens UK- Parent Support Group (For managing adolescence, independence and hormones)

These are private groups- you’ll need to request access and answer brief screening questions.

Virtual Communities & Events

Children with Diabetes UK (Friends for Life UK)

  • Website

  • Offers online and in-person events for families

  • Peer sessions for parents and age-specific activities for children and teens

Reddit- r/diabetes_t1

  • Global but includes UK users

  • Parents post about treatment, tech, NHS tips, school transitions and mental health

Instagram and TikTok Hashtags

  • Follow #T1DUK, #T1DParents and #Type1Strong for real-life stories, tech tips and emotional encouragement

T1D Age Appropriate Support

Babies & Toddlers (0-4 years)

Breakthrough T1D- “Type 1 and Under”

  • Breakthrough T1D Early Years Support

  • Specific guidance for managing insulin, feeding and emotional support for parents of very young children

Facebook Group: “Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes UK (Infants & Toddlers)”

  • A private group focused on under-5s with T1D

  • Offers shared tips on tech, hypo prevention during naps and managing sick days

Young Children (5-10 years)

DigiBete App and Website

  • DigiBete.org

  • Offers NHS-approved videos tailored for young children and their parents

  • Covers school transitions, snacks and playtime glucose management

Diabetes UK Local Groups

  • Many regional chapters include events and virtual support for families with school-aged children

  • Find a group

Forum: Diabetes.co.uk- Parents Section

  • Dedicated threads for school-aged children, discussing packed lunches, activity adjustments and behaviour changes

Tweens (11-13 years)

Breakthrough T1D- Kids and Teens Hub

  • Offers social stories, interactive materials and insights for dealing with early independence

Facebook Group: T1D UK Families- Tweens Edition

  • Parents share experiences of hormone changes, managing school trips and preparing for secondary school

T1 Resources: School and Rights

  • T1Resources.uk

  • Focused info about school rights, diabetes technology and emotional wellbeing at this transitional age

Teenagers (14-18 years)

Young People with Diabetes UK

  • A network of support and events for teens managing T1D and developing independence

  • Promotes peer connection and confidence in self-management

Instagram & TikTok: #T1DTeensUK

  • Moderated influencers and diabetes advocates in the UK who share authentic stories, tech reviews and encouragement

Diabetes UK- Youth Panel & Peer Support

  • Offers youth-led webinars and connections with other teens navigating dating, mental health and exams with T1D