Navigating Your Child’s Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

Parenting can be stressful in the best of times, but when your child receives a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), it can be overwhelming, and even frightening. But you’re not alone. JDRF Canada has the resources and support you and your family need to move forward with confidence and to begin your journey with hope.

What is T1D?

T1D is a chronic autoimmune condition in which insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows the body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in food consumed for energy. Diagnosis of T1D occurs at the time that the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin for the body’s needs, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

T1D can occur in people of any age, and its causes are not fully known. What we do know is that diet or lifestyle do not cause T1D, it’s not contagious or something you can outgrow, and it’s not currently preventable or curable.

Day-to-day with T1D

Learning how to manage T1D means balancing insulin, food, exercise, and stress to keep blood sugar levels in a target range (as determined by your doctor) as much as possible.

Daily management of T1D involves checking blood sugar levels regularly throughout the day to avoid severe high or low levels and their related complications. If your child’s blood sugar levels are outside of the target range, you’ll need to respond with either insulin or carbohydrates. Even with careful attention, people with T1D can still experience dangerously high or low blood sugar levels. Learning to recognize the signs will help you to know what action to take and when.

Although T1D is a serious and challenging disease, long-term management options continue to evolve, allowing those with T1D to enjoy full and active lives.