A Letter to the Parent of a Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic
Dear parent,
FIRST THINGS FIRST... I am so sorry you are going through this, and it is OKAY to cry 😭.
This is an emotional diagnosis that your entire family (yes the whole family is affected) is going through right now 🫶🏼💙.
I know it feels like the end of the world, and you are probably spending a lot of time asking yourself “why my kid?” and “what did I do wrong?” 💔. Please know that this is NOT YOUR FAULT.
NOTHING YOU DID GAVE YOUR CHILD DIABETES.
Next, remember to BREATHE 😮💨. I remember when both of my kiddos were diagnosed (you can read their stories here → ADAM & DREW) I felt like such a failure, 😞 I felt like I couldn’t breathe, like my heart was breaking 💔, and like the world was ending. Even as a Registered Nurse, I still felt completely overwhelmed.
Please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!
You WILL get through this and your kiddo will thrive 💪🏼. We have incredible technology that makes management so much safer and more efficient 🤖.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FROM ONE TYPE ONE MAMA TO ANOTHER...
📚 GATHER YOUR RESOURCES
There are many resources available to you (most free) and knowledge can be power 👊🏼. The more you learn about your child’s new diagnosis, the more confident you will feel in their care 😎. Some of my favorite resources include podcasts, websites, social media influencers, foundations/corporations, etc.
You can check out a list of some resources HERE. ⬅
🤝 GET CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY
This is HUGE!! I know in the beginning, I felt very alone 😔. I didn’t know any other parents with Type 1 kids, and it was hard for me to have my feelings validated by someone who knew first hand what I was going through.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE, they are out there!
Examples below ⬇️
👥 FACEBOOK GROUPS
Here are just a few to get you started, be sure to search and find groups local to you!
If you are in the WNY region we have a great group - reach out for the link.
🩸 BREAKTHROUGH T1D (formerly known as JDRF)
Founded in 1970 by families whose loved ones had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), Breakthrough T1D is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)3 organization 🏢. As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, they help make everyday life better while driving toward cures. 🙏🏼
👉🏼 Not only do they have a lot of online resources, but they also have local T1D meetups for kids, parents, and caregivers. Connect with your local chapter and get involved. 🤝💙
🗣️ FOLLOW T1D INFLUENCERS, BLOGGERS, PODCASTERS, & YOUTUBERS
I personally love reading blogs 📖 and watching videos 🎥 of fellow t1d supporters. I have learned so much just searching through platforms and finding “my people” 🫶🏼.
In the beginning, before we were able to connect with local T1D friends 🫂, I would show my kids videos that I found of other type 1 kids to show them they aren’t alone; that even though they may not personally know anyone with type one, there are other kids out there like them. 🥰
(TIP: If your kiddo doesn’t like 😖 wearing devices or getting shots in certain body areas, this is a great tool → show them other kids wearing devices in those places and they may be more likely to try it. 🤞🏼 It worked for my boys!)
🚴🏼🏃🏻➡️ JOIN LARGER EVENTS LIKE TYPE 1 WALKS/RIDES
Events like these are great for you and your kiddo to see that you aren’t alone. 2024 was the first year we participated in the Breakthrough T1D Type 1 Walk and it was fantastic! 🎉 We all had such a blast. So much so, that we are already signed up for the 2025 walk, and can't wait. 🥰 🙌🏼
🏃🏻➡️ TYPE 1 WALK
Breakthrough T1D Walk is the largest global event for the T1D community, driving research, advocacy, and support to improve lives while funding cures research. Whether you are personally connected to T1D or supporting loved ones, your participation fuels vital progress. Be a part of this significant event from anywhere, contributing to a brighter future for those with T1D.
>> learn more
🚴🏼 TYPE 1 RIDE
Breakthrough T1D Ride (formerly JDRF) isn't just about cycling-it's a movement committed to finding cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D). No matter where you live, how you choose to ride, or how far you go, you'll be surrounded by the T1D community-fellow riders, coaches, friends, and family-cheering you on at every milestone.
>> learn more
🩺 📲 HAVE YOUR ENDO ON SPEED DIAL AND FORM A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM
Your Endocrinologist is the one making life altering decisions for your child (at least until you can become educated and add your own input).
Find out which method of communication 📞💻 is preferred for them so you hear back quickly (some prefer email over phone calls). Be sure to ask about any community resources, information on available T1D devices, sick day protocols, etc.
👉🏼 TIP: I personally started a note on my phone with all the important T1D info, links, etc so I could refer to it quickly and from anywhere. 📝
👊🏼 ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE, ADVOCATE!
Unfortunately you will now be doing more of this than you ever thought would be needed. Insurance companies can be brutal and even some Endos too 😩.
❗️If you do not like the care you are receiving
FIGHT FOR SOMETHING BETTER.
If you feel something is right for your child fight for it. 👊🏼 Sometimes all that is needed is a firm discussion to allow your voice to be heard and your wishes granted.
🤖 LEARN ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOUR KIDDO
I personally suggest getting them on a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and pump as soon as possible (these devices have been life changing for our family), however, you know your kiddo best and should do what is right for YOUR child/ your family.
Luckily, there are lots of options available and the technology 🤖 is constantly upgrading to be even better!! 👏🏼🙌🏼 YouTube 🎥 is great for this because you can hear many different view points on the various pumps, CGMs, gadgets, and more.
Read HERE to see what technologies are our favorites. 🤩
❗️Again, if there is technology that you think can help your child ADVOCATE for it. BE PERSISTENT. 👊🏼
💙 ALLOW YOUR CHILD CHOICES
Depending on the age of your kiddo... remember, as much as we feel affected by this change, it is THEIR BODY that is actually going through it. 🥰 If they are responsible enough, allow them to be a part of their care.
Some examples could be, letting them help decide on...
🤖 what technology would be best
👩🏼⚕️ what doctor they see
🚴🏼 what events they attend
⏰ what time of day their devices get changed
😎 the color/design of their device over-patches
👉🏼 It's all about the small things and letting them help with decisions for THEIR care. ❤️ It can be a simple way to help them take ownership of their disease. 👊🏼
We firmly believe that involving them from a young age helps to prepare them 👏🏼, but of course you do what is best for your family. 💙
I know that this diagnosis can feel heavy 😵💫😫, and you won’t feel lighter over night. However, you WILL form a routine and get in your own T1D groove. 😎
❗️Sometimes life isn’t fair and we can either choose to wallow in the cards we are dealt 😫 OR mold them into a winning hand 🙌.
We choose to find gratitude in the journey and find happiness with the life we have been given 🥰. I encourage you to do so too! If you need help with this concept, check out this blog post.
I hope this has been helpful for you ❤️.
THE MAIN THING TO REMEMBER IS...
😣 it’s ok to feel heavy in the moment
😢 it’s ok to shed some tears
🤔 it’s ok to not have all of the answers
Take a deep breath 😮💨 and lead one day at a time until you feel empowered enough to do more.
💪🏼👊🏼🫶🏼
Type 1 Diabetes is difficult. There are a million factors 🫠 that influence your child’s experience, and no two children’s journey will look the same. However, you are not alone! ❤️ We are here to help guide and support you.
You are amazing and your child is lucky to have you as their parent. You’ve got this!
👉🏼 Follow us for more of our journey on IG and YouTube and check out our resources at www.amandadewald.com/t1dewalds
Until next time,
‼️ Check out our NEW website
for all things T1D with the DeWalds.
Love what you read here? Subscribe for updates.
Remember to connect on social!
DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any information provided to you on this site is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. I am not in any way diagnosing, treating, prescribing, or claiming to cure anything. Any and all medical ailments/treatment plans should always be consulted with your physician. This information is my own personal experiences and personal research. You should always do your own research and decide with your physician what is best for you.
**Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small percentage off off of your purchase, with no extra charge to you. Thank you for choosing to support me and my family.
0 Comments