Julie . Julie .

From Greggs to Nando’s: 10 Blood Sugar Smart Swaps

Let’s face it- sometimes a Greggs sausage roll or a cheeky Nando’s is calling your name, and that’s totally okay! Living with Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favourite spots- it just means getting clever with your choices. That’s where smart swaps come in. With a few easy tweaks, you can enjoy tasty meals that keep your blood sugars more stable and still feel like you’re part of the fun.

Here are some teen-tested, T1D-friendly swaps for popular UK hangouts- no bland salads required…

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Amy Rouech Amy Rouech

Blood Sugar & Booze: A Guide for Parents of Type 1 Teens

Let’s be real- at some point, your teenager is going to encounter alcohol. Whether at a house party, a night out for freshers’ week or just hanging out with mates, it’s something they’'ll likely come across.

As a parent of a teen with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), this can feel especially daunting. Alcohol affects blood sugar in unpredictable ways, and poor decisions can lead to dangerous situations. Banning it outright often isn’t realistic and let’s face it, telling a teenager “don’t do it” usually has the opposite effect!

The best approach? Equip them with the facts, have an open conversation and make sure they know how to stay safe…

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Amy Rouech Amy Rouech

Parties, Pints, Peer Pressure & Blood Sugar

Having Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can sometimes feel like an extra job, especially when you’re out with mates. Whether it’s a house party, a club night or just a casual get-together, there’s always that balance between having fun and staying on top of your blood sugar.

Then there’s the peer pressure- people pushing you to drink, eat or act a certain way without understanding what diabetes actually means. It can be awkward to explain why you’re skipping the shots, checking your blood sugar or carrying snacks in your bag.

Here’s the good news: you can have an amazing time while keeping yourself safe. It’s all about knowing your limits, being prepared and handling situations with confidence….

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Amy Rouech Amy Rouech

Dating, Friends and Diabetes

Let’s be honest- Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) isn’t exactly the first thing you want to bring up when meeting new people. Whether it’s a first date, a new friend at university or a group hangout- explaining T1D can sometimes feel awkward.

Do you tell them straight away? Wait until they notice you checking your blood sugar? How do you handle the classic “Oh, so you can’t eat sugar?” question without rolling your eyes?

The good news? Most people are curious rather than judge, and the way you handle it sets the tone. So, let’s talk about navigating friendships, dating and social life with T1D- without making it a big deal…

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Amy Rouech Amy Rouech

Sleep vs. Social Life: Why Late Nights Can Mess with Your Type 1 Diabetes

Let’s be honest- no teenager wants to be told to go to bed early, especially when there’s a group chat popping off, a party invite or a Netflix series begging for a binge-watch. However, if you’ve got Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), sleep isn’t just about avoiding eye bags- it’s essential for keeping your blood sugar in check.

So, what actually happens when you don’t get enough sleep? Why do late nights make diabetes harder to manage? And how to you balance social life without wrecking your blood sugar? Let’s get into it…

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