Getting to grips with type 1 diabetes
The role of ‘parent’ is complex – and co-parenting with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often adds more to the mix. Especially when your child has just been diagnosed, there are many questions that need to be answered.
You may find the first couple of weeks are the worst as you come to terms with injecting insulin and pricking fingers to do blood checks. There’s a lot of information to take in about how to manage diabetes – counting carbohydrates, understanding the precautions to take when exercising, how to recognise and treat a hypo… the list goes on. We’ve created this guide to help you with these challenges.
Looking for more in-depth resources? Visit our guides and resources hub, or download our free guide for parents and carers supporting children with T1D.
Type 1 diabetes explained
T1D is a chronic autoimmune condition that can develop at any age. There is nothing anyone can do to prevent T1D, and right now there is no known cure.
Here are some helpful resources about T1D (also known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin-dependent diabetes).
Stages of T1D
Understand how the condition progresses along 4 stages.
T1Dictionary
Get to know common words and terms used when talking about T1D.
T1Directory
Find helpful organisations and resources, including T1D information in other languages.
Managing type 1 diabetes
It’s a big change, but children with T1D can live long, full and happy lives. Advances in medication and technology make life easier, safer and better.
Managing T1D involves three main steps: checking blood glucose levels, administering insulin and counting carbohydrates.
Guide to T1D management and care
Find information on how to manage blood glucose levels, count carbs, and deal with hypos and hypers.
About T1D treatment & technology
Understand the roles of insulin and blood glucose levels in your child's treatment plan.
What to expect at different ages
Get insight into different developmental stages and to how to manage your own expectations of your child.
Help your child cope with injections and finger pricks
Here are our top tips for helping your little one to cope with injections and finger pricks.
Your healthcare team and supplies
As a parent or carer, you need to manage your child’s T1D – but it certainly doesn’t mean you’re on your own. There are a number of healthcare professionals who can help you manage your child’s T1D and care for yourself.
T1D supplies: what to pack in your bag and store at home
It's important to have the right supplies on hand. Here are some tips to help you get organised.
Your healthcare professionals
There are many healthcare professionals who can help you manage your child's T1D.
Prescriptions and consumables: getting organised
Managing supplies is an important part of life with T1D. Here are some pointers to stay organised.
About credentialled diabetes educators
CDEs can support and empower you to successfully manage your diabetes.
Emotional and mental health support
Finding the balance between supporting your mental health and your child’s T1D is something that may take time as you find your new rhythm, but you’ll get there. We have many resources to help.
Accessing mental health services
We shouldn’t overlook the emotional, social, and psychological ties T1D and mental health have to each other.
Dealing with burnout

The day-to-day effort to manage T1D can become hard and frustrating. Here's how to get back on track.
Coping with your child’s T1D diagnosis
When you were told your child has T1D, you probably felt as if your world had been turned upside down. But it will get easier with time.
Support for siblings of kids with T1D
Some kids will take their sibling's T1D diagnosis to heart, while others won't seem affected at all. Find support for you all.
Find community and peer support
Access our private T1D Facebook groups, communities and peer support.
Raising a teenager with type 1 diabetes
The teen years can be challenging, and adding T1D to the mix can cause extra stress for all. But remember – neither you or your child are alone. We have many resources to help support the whole family.
Free book: Teen Toolkit
Get your free guide for parents and carers of adolescents living with T1D, with loads of advice to help you all through the teen years.
A wellbeing guide just for your teenager: Testing Times
Download a free copy for you, and get one sent to your teenager as well.
Strengthening your connection with your teen
Get helpful advice on how to preserve – and even strengthen – your relationship with your teenager while balancing their T1D management.
Disordered eating in teenagers with T1D
Learn the common signs you should be aware of, and what to do if you think your child is experiencing issues with food.
School, friendships and T1D: tips for parents of teens
Including close friends and a few teachers in their support network can have a hugely positive impact on teens with T1D.
Supporting your teen through the challenges of T1D
Type 1 diabetes management in the teenage years can be especially demanding. Learn how you can support your teen.
Your growing teen's appetite and T1D
Living with a ravenous teenager? It's all part of adolescence – but with T1D in the mix, it can help to be a bit prepared.
Financial support
Most families who have a child diagnosed with T1D will experience an impact on their finances. Here’s some advice to help.
Financial impacts and assistance for T1D
Financial assistance is available in a variety of forms – get to know the impacts and support.
Check your eligibility for the Insulin Pump Program
Find out whether you're eligible for equipment via the Insulin Pump Program and the steps involved for access.
Staying healthy
Managing your child’s blood glucose levels, and working out how different foods and drinks affect their body, is often a parent or carer’s biggest role when managing T1D.
Thankfully, a wealth of resources exist to help you learn the ins and outs of staying healthy with T1D.
Food, nutrition and exercise
Learning about nutrition is an important part of managing your child's T1D and your overall health.
Counting carbs: FAQs for parents and carers
Get answers to common carb-counting questions, including fast- and slow-acting carbs, handy tools and tips on packing school lunches.
Snack and lunch ideas for kids with T1D
Looking for snacks and meals to fill your child's lunchbox? Get some inspiration here.
Exercising with T1D
Find out why exercise is especially important for children with T1D, tips for dealing with high and low blood glucose levels, and advice on safely starting to exercise
School and preschool
The thought of school or preschool may feel a little daunting following a T1D diagnosis, but you can ease into your new lifestyle.
School and T1D:
a helpful checklist
Whether your child is starting kindy or they’re further along their infant or primary school journey, being organised is the key to having a good school year. Here are a few things to consider.
Preschool and your child's T1D
Learn how you and your child's preschool or early learning centre can work together to keep your child safe and happy.
Back to school with T1D
Heading into a new school year? Watch our video for lots of helpful tips on getting organised for school.
Everyday life
T1D shouldn’t get in the way of your child living their best life! Find advice on travel, parties and more.
Parties, special occasions and T1D
Find top tips for managing T1D around parties, celebrations and other special events, when usual routine is thrown out the window.
T1D and travel: video and helpful tips
From cruises to the ski slopes, beach holidays to Disneyland, get tips and information to help you plan for your next family trip.
Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes, and his free app
Our free app helps your child learn about life with T1D in a fun and entertaining way.
Looking for more guidance on your child’s T1D diagnosis?
Free download
If You’re Okay, They’re Okay is your comprehensive guide especially for parents and carers of kids and teens living with type 1 diabetes. Written by healthcare professionals, this free book is packed with tips and advice to help you and your child live a safer, easier and happier life with T1D.
