I recently turned 53, in the same week that Diapoint turned 8.
I have learned so much about diabetes since my son was diagnosed with Type 1 at just 18 months old. The past 16 years as his caretaker have been challenging – to say the least.
Everything I have done at Diapoint has been intentional, but I kind of started this by accident. Before my son’s diagnosis, I had never expected to run a successful company that supports people in their diabetes, health, and wellness.
I say accident, because one day I sat down to start my photography blog, but instead, my experiences as a Type 1 caretaker just started pouring out.
In those early days, I was incredibly alone – there weren’t even any qualified pediatric endocrinologists nearby at the time. Having experienced all this without much support, I never want anyone else to have to walk this path alone.
So, in honor of this journey, my age, and everything I’ve learned so far along the way, I wanted to share 53 lessons from managing my son’s Type 1 Diabetes. For sure I’ve learned more than 53. Maybe 53,000, but here is a highlight of some of the realities, resilience, and milestones that have shaped our path.
53 Lessons From Managing My Son’s Type 1 Diabetes
1. Diabetes doesn’t stop – not for birthdays, holidays, or even sleep.
2. Blood sugar isn’t just about food. Stress, sleep, movement, hydration, and even the weather play a role in our blood sugar levels.
3. Insulin is life support and is as essential as oxygen. It is not a cure.
4. The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn.
5. No two days with diabetes are ever the same – even if you do exactly the same things.
6. Numbers don’t define success.
7. Community makes all the difference.
8. Support looks different for everyone – sometimes it’s listening, sometimes it’s problem-solving.
9. Burnout is real, for both people with diabetes and caregivers.
10. You can do everything “right,” and blood sugars can still do their own thing.
11. Carbohydrates are not the enemy.
12. Sleep deprivation is part of the deal – especially for parents.
13. Technology helps, but it’s not a magic fix or cure.
14. Small wins matter.
15. There is no “bad” blood sugar – just information to help guide the next decision.
16. Kindness and understanding go a long way.
17. Diabetes stigma is exhausting.
18. No one asks for this condition.
19. Advocacy is essential.
20. Every person with diabetes is their own best expert.
21. If your child is newly diagnosed, take it one day at a time. Sometimes it will feel like one hour at a time. Get as much education and information as possible. It’s impossible to learn it all in one day. You will learn everything in time. (Feel free to check out our free resources at Diapoint if you need help.)
22. It takes a village.
23. There is no perfect way to manage diabetes – only what works for you.
24. People without diabetes will never truly understand what it takes, and that’s okay.
25. You can do hard things.
26. Diabetes is expensive.
27. Blood sugar fluctuations are not failures.
28. Laughter helps, even on the hardest days.
29. Low blood sugar can be terrifying, and it never gets easier to see.
30. High blood sugar doesn’t mean you did something wrong.
31. No one should have to fight for access to insulin.
32. A good doctor listens more than they lecture.
33. Diabetes doesn’t define a person – but they do have to pay close attention to it.
34. If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, please know that there are great role models out there with Type 1 Diabetes. Google your child’s favorite activity and diabetes. Chances are, you’ll find someone with diabetes doing it.
35. Taking breaks is necessary, even when diabetes doesn’t take one. That will look different for everyone.
36. The best way to support someone with diabetes is to ask what they need.
37. Cinnamon and okra water won’t cure it.
38. Food choices should be about balance, not guilt.
39. Insulin needs can and do change all the time.
40. The best diabetes device is the one that works for you.
41. Not all carbs are created equal.
42. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
43. Parents of children with diabetes are walking nurses, psychologists, doctors, mathematicians, dieticians, and more. We have to learn everything to keep our children alive.
44. Hormones make diabetes management extra tricky.
45. Traveling with diabetes takes serious planning.
46. School accommodations for children with diabetes shouldn’t be up for debate.
47. Exercise impacts blood sugar – but not always in predictable ways.
48. Emergency snacks are non-negotiable.
49. People with diabetes are not limited – they adapt.
50. Children with diabetes can and should participate in all school activities and field trips.
51. Never ever apologize to anyone for having to pause, or take time off work to support your child with diabetes. There may be stupid things said by others but just ignore those comments. You have a higher purpose and will be so much happier that you were there for your child.
52. As your child gets older, coach them through age-appropriate tasks in their care so they can slowly become independent. Let them be involved in their diabetes management. It will help build their confidence.
53. People living with diabetes are some of the strongest, most resilient people I know.
I could go on, but at the core of it all is this: No one should have to do diabetes alone. It’s why I started Diapoint – to ensure that no parent would ever have to raise a Type 1 child alone, and that no one living with diabetes would feel alone.
Get Support with Managing Your Child’s Diabetes
💙 If you have a child with diabetes, I’d love to hear about the lessons you’ve learned on the way. Let me know in the comments!
💙 If you need support managing your child’s diabetes, I’m here to help. Book a free 45-minute caretaker coaching session with me. You’ll be surprised what you can learn in such a short time! There are no strings attached – this is my gift to you.
