Type 1 Diabetes Parent Quotes
Parents of children living with type 1 diabetes face an immense responsibility and finding ways to cope can be both physically and emotionally demanding. While previously many families found ways to deal with their challenges through medication and support systems alone, now there is more awareness about diabetes as a disease and more support available to kids and parents alike. It is crucial for parents to remain positive and keep focussed on what their child can do rather than focussing on what their child cannot. We have collected some quotes that might provide inspiration and motivation on your parenting journey with type 1 diabetes.
Initial weeks following diagnosis can be especially challenging. Adjustment periods often bring with them questions, insecurity and uncertainty for children who are dealing with a new diagnosis. Therefore it’s essential to be open with your child about this change to their body while providing the guidance they require in adapting.
No matter what time of night or day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious as a parent of a diabetic child, which requires frequent blood checks. Reaching out for assistance does not make you an unfit parent nor indicate any incompetence on your part as an amazing mom.
Teaching your child to manage his/her diabetes is also extremely important. By encouraging them to gain as much knowledge about the disease as possible and giving them power over decisions leading towards healthy future, you can give your young one all of the tools needed for living an independent life. This is especially important with younger children as this knowledge can give them confidence they need for thriving.
Though diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively through education, support networks and effective management. A successful approach to diabetes management will ensure your child lives a long and happy life despite their diagnosis.
Many parents (n 1/414) identified foods like candy, cookies, pizza and white rice as “high-carbohydrate” choices that were being restricted from their child due to potential effects on blood glucose levels. Some parents created a special diet for their child with T1DM while making concessions when offering food items to other siblings (Figure 2, quote 87). Parents mentioned having “backup foods,” defined as preferred carb-rich items that could help their child if family meals failed or their blood glucose level spiked after eating (Figure 2, quotes 77 and 81). Such strategies may assist their child in creating more natural eating patterns while helping prevent weight loss as they gain insight into the importance of balanced meals and physical activity.