This article is adapted from ‘If You’re Okay, They’re Okay’, JDRF’s guide for parents raising children and teenagers living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The book was written by Simone Collins, a senior diabetes social worker, and Elissa Jacobs, a clinical psychologist. Get your free copy here. When it comes to T1D management, what can […]
Maggie Dent – AKA the “queen of common sense” – is best known as a popular parenting author and educator. But what many people don’t know is that she’s also the mum of a son who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D). With that in mind, Maggie was a guest speaker at JDRF’s 2023 Type […]
Finding a great babysitter can be a challenge for many families – and when type 1 diabetes (T1D) is added to the mix, it can make it even trickier. Babysitters can be daunted by the idea of managing a child’s diabetes in their care, and as a parent it’s only natural to worry about your […]
Let’s face it, nobody enjoys having injections and finger pricks. And this is especially true for young children living with type 1 diabetes, as they’re too little to really understand why they’re needed. The early days after diagnosis can be challenging as families try to find tactics and routines that help them get through the […]
A low blood glucose level, known as hypoglycaemia (also called a ‘hypo’ or a ‘low’) is one of the most important things to monitor when a person is living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Hypos are a normal part of life for people with type 1 diabetes – in fact, most children have a hypo […]
So the day has arrived when you’re ready to find your first job, or you’re ready to a find a new role. What’s next? The start of a new job is a big milestone, and you naturally want everything to go smoothly. With some extra planning and communication you can be safe, happy and successful […]
If you have experience with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you’ll know that it can affect the whole family. And siblings of a child living with T1D can also be impacted by their brother or sister’s diagnosis. Although they’re not the ones being treated for T1D, siblings can be significantly impacted in lots of other ways. […]
From a very young age, children learn about the world and how to interact with others through play. Play is vital to healthy brain development and helps children build their physical, mental and emotional strength. Of course, when a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at a young age, it’s a huge adjustment for […]
Did you know that there are camps just for kids who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? It’s true: there are kids’ camps where carb counting, hypos, injections and bolusing are very much part of the agenda. It’s a place where all kids living with T1D can feel free and safe to be away from […]
The teen years can be awkward, with many young people just wanting to blend in with the crowd. Exploring new interests, fashion, relationships and freedom can be lots of fun – but what happens when type 1 diabetes (T1D) also has a place in this lifestyle? One of the most powerful and positive things your […]
Heading somewhere on holidays and wondering how to best manage your type 1 diabetes while you’re away – both while you’re in transit and once you arrive? In our June ‘Let’s Talk T1D’ session, diabetes educator Fiona Scott and JDRF mental health lead Melanie Cullen shared a wealth of tips and information to help you […]
There’s no doubt that parties and special occasions can be a stressful experience for T1D parents, especially with younger children or those who have been recently diagnosed. Tables of party food and lots of excitement and activity can be a tricky combination when it comes to keeping blood glucose levels (BGLs) in range. But it’s […]
The days, weeks and months following your child’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis are full of firsts. And one of the biggest milestones your family will work towards is your child’s first day back at preschool or school. You’ll no doubt be feeling uncertain and will have many questions in the lead up to their […]
Whether your child is going to school for the first time, they’re attending a new school, or they’re heading back somewhere familiar, you probably have lots of questions about how the school staff and your family can best work together to help manage your child’s type 1 diabetes. Our first ‘Let’s Talk T1D’ session for […]
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes. It’s the result of very high blood sugar and low insulin levels, which causes ketones to build up in the blood. Left untreated, DKA can be life threatening. Learn more about the early signs of DKA, its causes, how to help prevent it, and […]
As your child gets older and becomes more independent, it’s completely normal for them to want to be able to make more and more choices in life, whether that be what they wear, the music they listen to, or the foods they eat. And that’s the same for every child, no matter their type 1 […]
Being a parent of a teenager means bigger kids, bigger sleep-ins – and bigger grocery bills. Growing bodies need fuel, and teens are renowned for their increased appetites. It’s just a part of life for families with an adolescent! But if your teen lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and you find them gazing into […]
Teens who live with T1D can sometimes be dishonest about their numbers or their boluses – and they know how to manipulate their blood glucose monitors, too. But they don’t do it to be bad. They do it to try to protect you. They don’t want you to worry. Read on to learn how to […]