It's Too Much
Welcome to the It's Too Much Section
Managing diabetes for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when the demands are constant and there’s little time to pause. It’s natural to focus on what isn’t going well, and this can quickly build feelings of negativity or make everything feel like it’s too much at times. In this section, we share practical strategies to help you manage these emotions, including insights into the three emotion systems, simple breathing exercises, and quotes from other parents who understand what you’re going through.
When It's Too Much Remember You Are Not Alone
Diabetes can be such a big challenge as the management is 24/7 and it can feel like you are spinning plates and feeling overwhelmed from the get go. Worrying about the future, reviewing data, meal timing pre bolus, calculating the insulin dose, time in range, hypos, improving time in range and hbA1c, calculating carbs, correcting highs, managing multiple injections or a pump.
As a parent to a child or young person with type 1 diabetes you could be making an extra 180 decisions a day. We know it can be tough and can feel challenging as you may feel your whole world has changed. There are still lots of things you can do that will make a difference to how you feel.
The 3 Emotion Systems
We can think of our minds as having 3 systems; the 'Drive System', the 'Soothing System' and the 'Threat System'.
Learn more about about the emotional systems in this PDF resource.
3 Emotion Systems PDF Resource
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises can help reduce stress, increase focus, and create a sense of calm, all of which are essential for maintaining mental well-being.
These resources may be more helpful or worth revisiting if you are feeling particularly upset, stressed or angry. You can download some breathing exercises to share with your family or for you to do whenever you feel they might help. You can also take a moment to watch our guided breathing videos to help calm your mind.
Expanding Breathing (without voice guide)
Line Breathing (without voice guide)
Breathing Exercises PDF Resource
Quotes From Parents
Yes it is a hard condition to live with and I understand why you're feeling sad but look at all your child has accomplished so far thanks to your support. Many people have lots of different challenges in life and while it's rubbish at times, it won't stop your child doing anything they want to. Take care of yourself and do something nice for yourself.
"Things will get better it won't always be this way and you will learn how to ride the waves."