1. Doctor's news, your child has Type 1 Diabetes

Receiving a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes for your child can be overwhelming. Sometimes the diagnosis comes after diabetic ketoacidosis has already taken place. Parents often feel guilty that they have done something to cause this, but parents, the first thing you need to know is that childhood diabetes is not your nor your child's fault.

Type 1 Diabetes in children cannot be prevented and there is no single specific cause or prediction for it. In this article, we will explore how to cope with your child's Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.

2. Parents' role in diabetes care

Remember that dealing with your child's Type 1 Diabetes is not something you can do by yourself; get help from diabetes healthcare workers and other experts in the field. You and your child are the most important people in managing type 1 diabetes in children, but you should also have a main endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, a pharmacist, and a dietitian. You and your doctor will work together to make a care plan that is specific to your needs. You will need to be consistent in meeting regularly to make sure the treatment stays on track.

3. There is healing when we talk about Type 1 Diabetes in children

Here are some ideas from someone who has Type 1 Diabetes, "From small group discussions, I have heard of Type 1 Diabetes parents who do not express their feelings much when they talk to their kids with Type 1 Diabetes. This is in order to be strong for their kids. But as a person with Type 1 Diabetes, emotionally connecting to my parents creates a strong bond and impact." Sharing your feelings with your child with Type 1 Diabetes can be very helpful and may bring healing for both of you. It can be frustrating when you can't figure out why someone has Type 1 Diabetes when there is no family background of it. Remember, it is okay not to have all the answers. There is still a rainbow after the rain, and even the darkest clouds can give way to better days.

4. Why education and empowerment are important?

Getting educated is very important in dealing with type 1 diabetes well. People need to have the right information and skills in handling their situation best. Diabetes education covers the most important parts of managing Type 1 Diabetes in children. This includes checking blood glucose levels, giving insulin, making food choices, counting carbs, adjusting insulin, and making changes to your general lifestyle.

Giving your child the basics of how to take care of their condition will boost their confidence, encourage them strongly, and help build new habits. Giving your child freedom will help them take care of themselves and develop a good sense of who they are. Gradually teach them how to make choices about what to eat, check their blood glucose levels, recognize signs, and do other self-care things. While you're teaching them about their medications, blood sugar checks, and the value of healthy habits, be aware of how they feel about their childhood diabetes.

It's important to know that there will be ups and downs on different days because Type 1 Diabetes in children is 24/7, it does not take any breaks. When things like blood glucose levels don't go as planned, talk to them about it to find ways to make things better.

5. Can you keep Type 1 Diabetes a secret?

It is important to take courage and be open about your child's Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. It can be very upsetting and bad for your child's mental health to keep their Type 1 Diabetes a secret. Make time to get in touch with area support groups, parent or family groups, or other people who have a child with Type 1 Diabetes. This gives people a way to talk about their experiences, get knowledge, and get emotional support. Having your child around other kids with childhood diabetes can bring them a lot of comfort and happiness as they grow up. Keeping in touch with other people and sharing your stories is a great way to learn about new ways to manage Type 1 diabetes in children

6. Parents, please keep in mind

Parents, please keep in mind that your child's diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes is only one part of their unique journey. Take this chance to teach them how to be strong, resilient, and self-care-focused. Show your child that their illness doesn't make them who they are; instead, it makes them stronger and more determined. Motivate them by showing them that they can do amazing things and really thrive. Let them know that you will always be there for them and that you love them no matter what. As the number one advocate of your child, do stand tall and share your stories with no fear. Then, watch as your child shines, showing that Type 1 Diabetes is just one part of their amazing story.