By Fedhealth
Learn how to manage Type 1 diabetes in children with expert advice on diet, independence, and emotional support.
Raising a child is a remarkable journey — filled with joy, discovery, and challenges. But when your child is diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes, that journey takes on a new dimension. The diagnosis can be overwhelming and often comes with a flood of emotions – fear, sadness, uncertainty, and even guilt. Yet, within that uncertainty lies hope. With proper management, support, emotional resilience, and a strong healthcare partnership, your child can lead a healthy and successful life.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (2024), more than 1.8 million children and adolescents worldwide are living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and the prevalence continues to rise. In South Africa, a growing number of young people are being diagnosed each year – approximately one in 450 children are estimated to have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes – highlighting the need for greater awareness, education, and community support.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin – a hormone that allows glucose to enter the body’s cells for energy. Without insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, causing serious complications if left unmanaged.
Managing T1D requires constant vigilance. Blood glucose levels must be checked several times a day, carbohydrate intake calculated precisely, and insulin doses adjusted accordingly. Parents often find their days defined by these tasks and their emotions tied to glucose readings. However, it is vital to remember that this diagnosis does not define your child’s life. The key to thriving is to view this as the “new normal” rather than a limitation. Children with diabetes can go to school, play sports, attend social events, and pursue their dreams – just like any other child.
1. Partner with Your Healthcare Team
Your healthcare team will be your strongest ally in this journey. Schedule regular check-ups – at least four times a year – with your doctor, endocrinologist, registered dietitian, and, where possible, a psychologist.
Continuous communication with healthcare professionals helps parents maintain control over blood sugar levels while reducing emotional stress. They’ll guide you in managing insulin therapy, adjusting doses, and handling school, sport, and illness-related changes.
2. Replace Fear with Knowledge
Fear is a natural reaction to a diabetes diagnosis, especially when worrying about high or low blood sugar, or diabetic ketoacidosis. However, knowledge replaces fear with empowerment. Millions of people manage diabetes successfully and live active, rewarding lives.
Ask your healthcare team to walk you through real-life scenarios – birthday parties, school trips, or sports events – so both you and your child feel confident and prepared. Education builds confidence, and confidence brings freedom.
3. Encourage Independence
As your child grows, gradually involve them in their own diabetes care. Younger children can help by choosing which finger to prick or selecting their testing site, while older children can begin calculating carbohydrate portions or preparing their insulin doses under supervision.
Developing independence early fosters lifelong responsibility. Remember, your goal is not perfection, but progress – nurturing a child who feels capable and in control of their health.
4. Build a Supportive Environment
Diabetes management works best when everyone is informed and involved. Teachers, family members, babysitters, and friends should know what diabetes entails and how to respond in an emergency. Provide clear instructions on recognising and treating hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and ensure your child always carries glucose tablets or snacks.
5. Prioritise a Healthy, Low-GI Lifestyle
Diet and exercise are vital for stable blood sugar control. A healthy family lifestyle should be low in saturated fats, high in fibre, and based on low-GI foods such as whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits. Be sure to pack healthy lunchboxes for school to support stable blood sugar levels.
Water should always be the drink of choice, as fruit juices and sugary beverages can spike blood sugar. Low-GI fruits like cherries, peaches, and strawberries make excellent snacks.
Encourage regular exercise — swimming, cycling, or family walks — which help regulate insulin sensitivity and boost mood.
6. Celebrate Small Victories
Raising a child with diabetes means learning to celebrate the small moments: your daughter’s first hockey match, your son’s laughter after a swim, or a week of balanced glucose levels. These moments reflect resilience and progress, not perfection.
Positive reinforcement supports your child’s social and emotional development and fosters well-being.
7. Connect, Give Back, and Find Community
When you are ready, consider joining local diabetes support groups or awareness events such as World Diabetes Day on 14 November. Join in to create lasting change for those affected by diabetes.
In South Africa, community-driven initiatives led by organisations such as Diabetes SA provide emotional support, education, and advocacy for families. Giving back reminds you and your child that you are part of a strong, compassionate network.
Bottom Line
Raising a child with diabetes is not defined by limits but by learning, growth, and love. Yes, there will be challenges – but with the right tools, teamwork, and support, your child can lead a long, healthy, and meaningful life.
As a parent, your patience, courage and love play a vital role in shaping your child’s future. Remember – diabetes is only one part of who they are, not the definition of who they will become.
FAQs: Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes
Q: Can a child with Type 1 diabetes play sports?
Yes. With proper planning and blood sugar monitoring, children with diabetes can participate in almost any sport safely.
Q: What are good school snacks for a child with diabetes?
Choose low-GI snacks like whole-grain crackers, yoghurt, or fruit paired with protein (e.g. peanut butter or cheese).
Q: How can I help my child feel confident about their condition?
Encourage open conversations, connect them with other children who have diabetes, and celebrate every milestone together.
References
Ooi, Y. X. (2025). Guiding your child with type 1 diabetes to develop independence. Hello Type 1. Retrieved from https://hellotype1.com/en/articles/guiding-your-child-with-type-1-diabetes-to-develop-independence
Advocate Children’s Hospital. (n.d.). Diabetes: Dealing with feelings. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/Advocate/en/parents/feelings-diabetes.html
Children’s Health. (n.d.). What is the best diet for a child with type 1 diabetes? Retrieved from https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-best-diet-for-a-child-with-type-1-diabetes
Diabetes South Africa. (n.d.). Spring 2025: Your spring awakening. Retrieved from https://www.diabetessa.org.za/
Dr. Ajay Chiba, Paediatric Endocrinologist. (n.d.). Type 1 diabetes in children. Retrieved from https://www.endo.co.za/type-1-diabetes-in-children.php
Fedhealth. (2017). Pack a rockin’ lunchbox. Retrieved from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/pack-a-rockin-lunchbox/
Fedhealth. (2023). How to support your child’s social and emotional development. Retrieved from https://www.fedhealth.co.za/articles/how-to-support-your-childs-social-and-emotional-development/
International Diabetes Federation. (n.d.). How to spread the word about diabetes and well-being. Retrieved from https://worlddiabetesday.org/get-involved/
International Diabetes Federation. (2024). People with type 1 diabetes (0–19 years). Retrieved from https://diabetesatlas.org/data-by-indicator/type-1-diabetes-estimates/people-with-type-1-diabetes-0-19-y/
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Type 1 diabetes in children. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/type-1-diabetes-in-children
Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Managing blood sugars when your child has type 1 diabetes. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diabetes-control.html
