Receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis for your child can be an emotional and overwhelming experience.

As a parent or caregiver, your role becomes even more important providing both daily support and emotional reassurance as your family adjusts to this new reality. The need of insulin therapy and frequent glucose management makes diagnosis really tough and overwhelming.

If your child receives a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes it can be similarly challenging from the emotional point of view. No matter what type, it is important to remember you are not alone, Diabetes Ireland are here to help and support you along the way.

You are not alone

In the early days, in particular when your child needs hospitalisation and urgent start of insulin treatment, there will be a lot to take in. Managing your child’s diabetes may feel like a major shift in your family’s routine.

While you are likely to take the lead in managing their care at first, it’s important to involve your child in the learning process from the beginning. Over time, they will develop the confidence and skills needed to manage their condition independently. Teachers, coaches, relatives, and other caregivers will also play key roles in supporting them along the way.

Although Type 1 diabetes can be complex, it is manageable. Your child’s Paediatric Diabetes Team is there to provide expert, personalised medical advice tailored to your child’s needs.

In Diabetes Ireland we do not offer clinical advice, but may assist you and your family in this difficult and emotional time. Our Family Community Network Programme provides you with access to that support when you need it most.

Our programme aims to provide general and wellbeing support, trusted information and motivation to your family so you can flourish with diabetes. You don’t have to deal with your child’s diagnosis on your own. Managing type 1 diabetes in children is much easier when you have a strong support system, reliable information, group discussions and events where you can meet other families living with diabetes.

Join Our Family Community Network Programme and get support on your diabetes journey for you and your whole family!

Our resources include:

An overview of childhood Type 1 diabetes (Diabetes resource pack)
Practical guidance for managing diabetes in school settings (schools page and guidelines)
Tips for holidays (travel page), special occasions (Celebrations and special occasions page), sports (sports page)

As part of the Family Programme you will receive:

Support and advice for newly diagnosed families via our helpline and info box
Access to the DigiBete App—a digital self-management tool for children, teens, and young adults (Digibete)
An emotional wellbeing programme for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes
Family events, including Christmas parties, picnics, and activity days
Access to Barretstown Teen Camp, a supportive, fun experience for teens with diabetes

These resources are designed to complement not replace the advice provided by your healthcare team. Always consult your child’s Paediatric Diabetes Team for clinical decisions related to their care.

Celebrations and special occasions with Type 1 Diabetes - Helping Your Child Enjoy Birthdays, Holidays & More

Special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and Halloween are highlights of childhood and children living with Type 1 diabetes should be able to enjoy these moments just like their peers.

With some planning and a flexible approach, your child can safely take part in all the fun.

Birthday Parties

Birthdays are exciting events, try to swap party food for your child’s usual snack or indeed mealtime. A small amount of sweet food when balanced with savoury options and increased activity should not impact blood glucose levels too much.

Tips for attending a party:

Encourage your child to choose a mix of savoury and sweet foods.
Let the host know in advance that your child has Type 1 diabetes. Share simple instructions on recognising and treating hypo (low blood glucose).
Children often run around and burn energy at parties, which can help balance out the treats but also increases the risk of a hypo. Make sure they carry their hypo treatments and test their blood glucose as needed. You may plan with your diabetes team in advance to reduce insulin or manage insulin pumps for a party.
Offer guidance on portion sizes if your child is attending parties regularly.

If you are hosting a party:

Serve sugar-free drinks and savoury snacks like popcorn, crisps, cheese cubes, small sandwiches, pizza slices, and veggie sticks.
Include sweet treats like small slices of cake, mini chocolate bars, or sugar-free jelly cups.
Focus on fun, not just food—games, dancing, and playtime make any party memorable!

Christmas Time

Christmas is a magical season for children, and food is only part of the fun. While sweet treats are common, the focus can shift to time with family, festive activities, and new toys to stay active with.

Tips for a healthy and happy Christmas:

Choose lower sugar and fat options for treats, such as fun sized chocolate bars after meals to help avoid blood glucose spikes.
Encouraging daily physical activity, new toys like bikes, scooters, or skates are great ways to stay moving and burn energy.
Aim for balance: enjoy treats in moderation while sticking to regular meals and insulin routines.
Use festive periods as a chance to teach your child how to manage their own choices in a supportive, pressure-free way.

Download our Digibete App

Easter

Easter, like Christmas, comes once a year and there’s no reason a child with Type 1 diabetes can’t enjoy a chocolate egg alongside their siblings and friends.

What helps:

Choose similar-sized eggs for all children to promote inclusion and avoid singling out your child.
Break the egg into smaller portions to spread across several days or use as hypo treatment when appropriate.
Plan ahead with your diabetes care team if you anticipate larger meals or changes in routine over the holidays.

Halloween

From dressing up to trick-or-treating, Halloween is full of excitement, and children with diabetes can absolutely join in the fun. The key is planning and moderation.

Ideas to keep it fun and balanced:

Sort through collected sweets together. Keep only individually wrapped treats and consider using some for-hypo treatments.
Spread the enjoyment over several days, integrating treats into your child’s usual eating plan.
Consider non-food treats or party favours.

What About 'Diabetic' Chocolate?

So-called “diabetic” chocolates are not recommended. They are often expensive, can cause stomach upset (due to sugar alcohols like sorbitol), and are just as high in fat and calories as regular chocolate without offering better blood glucose control.

It’s better to enjoy a small portion of regular chocolate as part of a balanced eating plan.

Managing diabetes during special occasions doesn’t mean missing out, it’s about planning ahead, staying flexible, and keeping things in perspective. These celebrations can also be a great opportunity for your child to learn how to manage their diabetes with your support.

If you’re ever unsure about how to adjust insulin or food intake around holidays or events, speak with your Paediatric Diabetes Team.

For practical support, ideas, and advice, call our helpline, or contact us at info@diabetes.ie

Play, sports & friends - Being active with Diabetes

Being active is a big part of growing up. It helps you feel good, build confidence, and enjoy time with your friends. Diabetes should not change this.

Whether you love football, dancing, swimming, or just running around at the park, movement can support your health and help with diabetes management.

You don’t have to be on a team to be active. All kinds of play count: climbing, walking, skipping, skating, or even helping in the garden. What matters most is finding something you enjoy.

If you need more support, check out DigiBete for helpful advice, videos, tips, and more.

Sports & Exercise with T1D - DigiBete

Talking to friends about Diabetes

Everyone’s experience with diabetes is a little different. You get to choose how much or how little you want to share. However, sometimes, letting your friends know can make things easier and help them understand how to support you.

You could let them know:

Diabetes isn’t contagious it’s not something you can catch.
You might need to check your blood sugar or have a snack sometimes.
If your energy or mood changes, it might be because of your glucose levels, not because something’s wrong
If you are ever feeling unwell, it’s helpful if they can tell an adult.

Most friends are curious and want to help. Sharing just a little bit can go a long way.

What Happens When I Exercise?

When you’re active, your body uses more energy and that energy comes from glucose in your blood. If you take insulin, your body might need a bit of extra fuel (carbohydrates) during or after activity to keep your levels balanced.

Here are a few tips:

Check your glucose levels before and after playing or training.
Keep a snack nearby, especially something fast acting.
Let someone know, a coach, teacher, or friend—just in case you need support.

Everyone is different, so it’s okay to learn what works best for you.

Whether you are heading out for a GAA match, swimming laps, or climbing a tree, being prepared helps you focus on having fun.

For Parents & Caregivers

Encouraging regular activity is part of supporting a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. Most children and teens can participate fully in sports, PE, and active play with just a few considerations:

Ensure glucose monitoring is part of the routine before, during, and after activity.
Keep hypoglycaemia treatment options accessible at all times.
Help your child or teen learn to recognise how their body feels before and after movement.
Work with your child’s diabetes team to develop an activity plan if needed.

Activity is not just physical it also supports mental health, social connections, and resilience

For Teachers, Coaches & Group Leaders

Children and young people with diabetes can take part in all school activities, clubs, and sports. They may just need small adjustments or support from adults around them.

Key things to know:

Be aware of the signs of low or high blood glucose (hypo or hyper).
Ensure the child has quick access to their snacks, glucose meter, and medication.
Encourage open communication between the child, their parents, and school staff.
Support inclusion treating them the same as other children, while being mindful of safety needs.

With planning and understanding, children with diabetes can enjoy every aspect of school and group life.

Children and Young People with Type 2 Diabetes

Although less common in children, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed among young people. Lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity, higher screen time, and dietary patterns contribute to this trend.

Type 2 diabetes in children can often be managed with healthy eating, increased activity, and sometimes medication. Early education and support are essential for establishing lifelong habits that promote health and confidence.

Parents and caregivers play a key role by:

Encouraging regular movement and outdoor play.
Providing balanced meals with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Supporting emotional well-being and body confidence.
Attending diabetes care appointments together and following the advice of the healthcare team.

Children and young people can live full, happy, and healthy lives with Type 2 diabetes when supported with understanding, encouragement, and care.

Learn more about family support

Further Support and Resources

Managing diabetes is a learning journey for the whole family, but you are never alone. Diabetes Ireland offers educational materials, support programmes, and opportunities to connect with other families living with diabetes.

Practical tools to help with school, sports, and daily management.
Peer connections through our Family Community Network events and online forums.
Educational sessions that empower both parents and children.
Mental health support resources for families and caregivers.

Learn more about these and other supports through our How We Help section, or reach out directly to our helpline for guidance and support.