Advice for Type 1 Parents from Type 1 Adults
In a recent Juicebox Podcast episode (player below), we highlighted listener feedback from adults who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as children. Their insights offer invaluable perspective for parents raising kids with T1D today. Below is a complete collection of suggestions and reflections, organized for clarity but kept true to their voices.
Involvement & Independence
Involve kids in their own care early: injections, BG checks, carb counting.
Give children ownership of key decisions (pump vs shots, trying new insulins).
Encourage autonomy and self-advocacy, while staying available as backup.
Allow them to live normal lives without excessive restrictions.
Teach that it’s okay to say “no” to food in certain situations.
Support gradual independence, even if it’s hard for parents to step back.
Emotional & Psychological Support
Be honest about the disease and management, but not overbearing.
Avoid making kids feel like a burden or a problem.
Celebrate diagnosis anniversaries with encouragement.
Don’t let diabetes become an excuse to restrict life experiences.
Reassure kids they are strong and capable.
Keep communication open about fears, struggles, and feelings.
Support mistakes without shame – kids already feel the consequences.
Don’t let guilt and regret dominate parenting.
Avoid saying “I wish it were me instead of you.”
Practical Education
Teach carb ratios, corrections, and fundamentals beyond relying on tech.
Work together on bolusing for tough foods.
Talk openly about alcohol and its impact on glucose.
Maintain a journal of food, insulin, and feelings (especially pre-CGM).
Stay educated on evolving diabetes tools and methods.
Teach body awareness, not just device numbers.
Keep learning together, even if the child seems independent.
Camps & Community
Send kids to diabetes camp – often life-changing, even if resisted at first.
Camps provide peer modeling and build lifelong friendships.
Seek scholarships if cost is an issue (e.g., Lions Club).
Encourage participation in diabetes communities for support and connection.
Family Environment
Don’t completely restrict foods – instead, teach proper dosing.
Normalize diabetes in family life (parents switching to water/diet soda, for example).
Encourage normal experiences like birthdays, pizza nights, and trips.
Avoid excessive fussing or alarmism.
Help siblings and family treat the child normally.
Parents should manage their own anxiety and seek support if needed.
Balancing Control & Letting Go
Adapt to the child – some thrive with early independence, others need more support.
Know when to step in and when to step back.
Stay current with technology to provide support without micromanaging.
Allow safe mistakes – they build resilience and confidence.
What Parents Should Avoid
Over-restricting food or activities.
Constant nagging or micromanaging.
Preventing normal childhood experiences (sleepovers, sports, trips).
Failing to educate themselves about diabetes.
Treating their child differently from peers.
Not advocating for newer tech or medical support.
Assuming independence means kids don’t need parental knowledge.
Broader Perspectives
Every child is different – there’s no single correct approach.
Independence works for some, while hands-on support works for others.
Parent guilt is normal, but shouldn’t drive decisions.
Kids eventually need their own reasons to care about their health.
A well-educated diabetic is more important than a well-educated parent.
Parents should prepare kids for life away from home and into adulthood.
Recognize the gray areas – balance care, trust, and autonomy.
These reflections from type 1 adults provide a roadmap full of nuance, wisdom, and lived experience. While no two journeys are alike, the consistent themes of independence, support, education, and empathy shine through.
For more perspectives, revisit Episode 392 of the Juicebox Podcast: Advice for Type 1 Parents from Type 1 Adults. Together, these two episodes form a powerful companion resource for families navigating life with type 1 diabetes.