9 tips to help
children cope
with diabetes

9 tips to help children cope with diabetes

It can be very challenging for parents to manage a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in a child. Here are some tips that may help. 

1. Learn about insulin

Learn how insulin works, how to give shots, and how to use an insulin pump instead.

2. Check blood sugar

Regular blood sugar monitoring is key to keeping your child's glucose level as close to the healthy range as possible. Learn how to check your child’s blood sugar and how to interpret the results.

3. Help your child make healthy food choices

Support your child to eat healthily and watch their diet. Help your child to understand the relationship between food and blood sugar and that eating equals a need for insulin.

4. Help your child understand the idea of balance

It is important to match your child's meal insulin dose to the amount of carbohydrate food in their meal to prevent high or low blood glucose levels. So, if your child wants to eat a food not on their meal plan, then you need to adjust the insulin dose to reflect this change

5. Get the whole family involved in counting carbs

Being aware of the amount and type of carbs in both food and drinks is very important for children with type 1 diabetes. It helps if the entire family makes healthy food choices, and learns about counting carbohydrates. The more carbs your child eats, the more short or rapid acting insulin they will need to inject.

6. Help your child be active

Exercise helps with diabetes treatment, so encourage your child to find an activity they enjoy doing.

7. Support your child’s mental and emotional health

Reach out for professional help if you need it. Local support groups and online resources can provide emotional support as well as information to help you cope with your child's diabetes.

8. Work with your child's school

School can pose a particular challenge for children with type 1 diabetes because of the need to take insulin throughout the day and eat on a regular schedule. Work with your diabetes team to make a care plan for school, and then meet with your child's teacher and the school staff to discuss the plan, and how they can help.

9. Help your child become independent over time

As children with type 1 diabetes grow older, start encouraging them to take more control over their treatment.

Although type 1 diabetes is a serious and challenging disease, long-term management options continue to evolve, allowing children to enjoy full and active lives.