LWD- Chapter F

F1: Living well with Diabetes

A diabetes diagnosis is a significant life change and takes time to adjust to. With support, children and young people live full, meaningful lives — diabetes becomes part of life, not all of it. In fact, in our experience, many young people report lots of positive changes when they get used to living with diabetes, such as stronger family relationships, healthier habits, and greater resilience. People with diabetes thrive in all areas of life, including sport, education, and the arts.

F2: Emotional impact after diagnosis

There’s no "normal" way to feel after a diagnosis and reactions may vary between individuals and within families. Some common feelings include shock, sadness, anger, frustration, relief, and more. These feelings tend to change and ease over time. Living with diabetes has its ups and downs, which are not the same for everyone. Everyone finds their own way to fit diabetes into their life and adjustment takes time.

Times of change or transition can be tricky, such as moving to high school or leaving home, and you may need a bit more support at these times from family, friends and the diabetes team. Fluctuating blood glucose levels can have a big effect on how we feel and what we do. Changes in behaviour can be a good indicator that we might need to check our blood glucose levels.

After diagnosis, maintaining consistent boundaries (e.g. around bedtimes, treats, screen time) helps children feel safe and supported. It can be more challenging following diagnosis and balancing rewards or allowances and setting boundaries can take practice and support.

It is really important that diabetes is not used as reason for young people not being able to do things as this can build resentment over time. It can be helpful to think about what you would allow a child or young person to do if they did not have diabetes, and then to find a way for diabetes to fit into this. If you're unsure how to make something work, ask the diabetes team — they’re there to help.

F3: Promoting emotional wellbeing

There are a number of ways that we can promote emotional wellbeing for children, young people and their families with diabetes. The way we all talk about diabetes matters, as it shapes how we think and feel about it, and these can impact how we care for diabetes.

Using positive, strengths-based language helps recognise the hard work that children, young people and families put into caring for diabetes. It helps to build self-esteem and supports self-care.

Consider using:

• Checking glucose instead of “testing”.
• Person with diabetes instead of “diabetic”.
• In or out of range instead of “good” or “bad” numbers.
• Self-care instead of “control”.

Talk to young people about what words they want to use to talk about diabetes.

These can help to building acceptance and resilience:

• Making space for emotions and listening without needing to “fix”.
• Noticing the child/young person beyond diabetes.
• Gradually involving them in diabetes care as appropriate.
• Encouraging learning through mistakes.
• Practising how to talk about diabetes in new settings (e.g. school or clubs).

Team work is essential. Caring for diabetes is demanding, and strong, supportive family relationships help. Finding a balance between care for diabetes and supporting the development of independence for young people is really important.

Teenage brains undergo a lot of change, meaning that young people tend to be focused on the present, friends and activities they enjoy - which can make it harder to prioritise diabetes. Ongoing communication and negotiated responsibilities (e.g., reminders, checking in and managing glucose checks) help balance independence with safety.

Siblings can also be impacted by a diagnosis of diabetes. They may feel their needs come second, but it can also have a positive impact e.g. becoming more mature. It helps to include them in understanding diabetes and offer space for their feelings too.

Your diabetes team will routinely offer an annual emotional wellbeing questionnaire, but you can request help anytime by speaking to your team. Within the diabetes team there are Clinical 

Psychologists who meet families after diagnosis and are there to help with anything affecting wellbeing at any time, including:

• Feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed.
• Feeling “different” or stuck.
• Difficulties with caring for diabetes.
• Diabetes-related stress at home, school or work.
• Body image or weight concerns.
• Impact of diabetes on family relationships, including siblings.