If you’re the parent of a teenager with T1D, you may have noticed something alarming: their once (relatively) stable blood sugar levels have turned into a chaotic mess.

One minute, everything seems fine. The next, their numbers are sky high, insulin doesn’t seem to work and you’re left wondering if their pancreas has somehow gotten even lazier than before.

The culprit? Hormones.

Yep, puberty is here and it’s bringing along some extra challenges for diabetes management. But don’t panic! Understanding how hormones impact blood sugar and how to adjust can help you and your teen navigate this unpredictable phase…

Parenting a teenager is already a wild ride- throw Type 1 Diabetes into the mix and you’ve got yourself a full-blown emotional roller-coaster. One minute, your teen is laughing with friends, the next they’re in full meltdown mode over something as small as a misplaced charger. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Managing T1D requires constant attention, and for younger teens (ages 11-15), the mix of hormones, social pressures and diabetes related frustrations can led to some serious mood swings and burnout. Let’s dive into why this happens, how you can help and when to step back and let them take the wheel…

Starting secondary school is a big step- new subjects, new teachers and new social circles. When you add in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) into the mix it can feel even more challenging. From explaining your condition (again and again) to handling awkward moments when teachers or friends just don’t get it, school can test both your resilience and confidence.

So, how do you manage school life while staying on top of T1D, especially when those around you don’t fully understand it? Here’s your game plan…

Parenting a young teen with T1D can feel like walking a tightrope. One minute, they want to do everything themselves- next, they’re frustrated and overwhelmed. You want to keep them safe, but you also know they need to start managing things on their own. So, how do you step back without totally letting go?

Here are the top five ways to help your young teen (11-15) gain independence in managing their diabetes-without making them feel like they’re completely on their own…