Tips for explaining type 1 diabetes to a child

After learning that your child has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you may be feeling stressed, frustrated, confused and a million other emotions. This is perfectly common and totally normal! While you may have worries about the well-being of your child, know that it's absolutely possible for them to live a full, healthy life with diabetes.

Once you've wrapped your head around the situation and feel ready to face it head-on, the next thing you'll want to do is inform your child and educate them about their condition. Explaining type 1 diabetes to a child can present its own set of challenges, but with a little care and communication, you'll be able to share with them everything they need to know. Here are some helpful tips for explaining type 1 diabetes to a child and creating new routines that prioritize the health of all your family members.

Use simple language and let them know they're not to blame

The first thing to do is reassure your child. Make sure they understand that the diagnosis is not their fault — it is critical they do not carry any guilt! Keep your explanation of T1D basic and straightforward.

It's a good idea to adjust the language you use according to their age. A relatable fact is when the child is hungry, their tummy grumbles. Tell them that's their tummy talking to them. Then explain the stomach does not tell them everything they need to know, which is why they need to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or occasionally poke their finger to check blood sugar.

It may sound like a silly explanation, but kids won't be able to cope if they don't understand what is going on with their body. This is the same for you and other parents. Learning is part of dealing with this disease. Explaining type 1 diabetes to a child is all part of the early process!

Show them what the "new normal" looks like

At the hospital, you likely learned the basics of carbohydrate counting, blood glucose checks, insulin dosing and using emergency glucagon shots. Coming home and putting those lessons into practice can pose a new set of challenges for you and your child. The new normal starts to take shape right away — so getting off on the right foot is critical.

During this time, try to keep the family routine as close as possible to what it was before the T1D diagnosis. This will help make any transitions feel less major. Additionally, don't be afraid to get a little extra help; many of the endocrinologist teams (typically made up of physicians and diabetes educators) include a social worker. You can also ask for a referral to a child psychologist — there may even be one on staff at the children's hospital.

Daily management of type 1 diabetes is a stressor, but getting a quick handle on the basics can really help. If your child is nervous, you can take some of the fear out of testing and needles by using props. For instance, Rufus the Bear with Diabetes® is an excellent option that can be found in the JDRF bag of hope. Most children's hospitals send parents and children home with one following a T1D diagnosis. Additionally, Lenny the Lion from Medtronic offers educational games and diabetes insights geared toward young ones.

Teach them about their diabetes management tools

Even during stressful situations, it's important to never blame a child for high or low blood sugars. If they are taught that some items are off-limits, they may decide to sneak food, which can result in high blood sugar. It's best to educate them around the reason why they shouldn't have too much of certain foods, and show them alternatives they can enjoy, such as low-carb snacks.

If you're interested in keeping an eye on your child's glucose levels from afar, you can use a CGM app to ensure they're safe and healthy. For instance, the Dexcom G6 (which is currently the only FDA-approved device for children) allows parents to remotely track their child's blood sugars via a mobile device.

Additionally, the right diabetes supplies can help a young child. There are products to help ease anxiety around needles, including lancing devices and insulin pens, among many others. These can help minimize the pain children feel during injections.

Offer ongoing positive reinforcement

You've learned the basics of diabetes care to keep your child healthy, and now you have a better idea of how to explain their condition to them. This will set you — and your young child — up for better results, fewer stressful days and healthier lives. Make sure to champion their efforts and celebrate their wins whenever possible. Positive reinforcement can go a long way toward helping your child with T1D cope with their diagnosis and live a full, active life!

Diabetes is an often-misunderstood condition, but it doesn't have to be. To help your loved ones get the facts and debunk myths, explore the Edgepark website.