In this episode of The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I speak to Sam Walsh about her experience of looking after a type 1 diabetic child.
Sam’s son Eli was diagnosed at the age of 10, and like so many families, they were thrown into a world they knew very little about. This conversation is not just about diagnosis, it’s about everything that comes after and the resilience, capacity and care it takes.
The reality of living with Type 1 Diabetes
When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, life changes overnight.
Sam describes the shock of those early days: learning about insulin, carb counting and blood glucose levels at speed, while trying to support her son and the rest of the family. Within days of leaving hospital, Eli was back at school – a decision that shows just how quickly families are expected to adapt.
This is the reality of living with type 1 diabetes. There is no pause button. You learn, adjust and keep going.
But as Sam shares, the emotional impact often comes later – the moment when it truly hits that this is lifelong.
Looking after a Type 1 Diabetic child at school
One of the biggest challenges parents face is looking after a type 1 diabetic child when they are no longer by your side.
School plays a huge role in a child’s daily diabetes management. Sam talks about the importance of supportive teachers, good communication and ongoing education. While many staff go above and beyond, there are also moments where a lack of understanding can have serious consequences.
Her experience highlights a key point: schools don’t just need awareness – they need practical knowledge.
For parents wondering how to support a type 1 diabetic child, building a strong relationship with the school is essential. Clear communication, care plans and ensuring staff understand the basics of diabetes management can make all the difference.
Technology, independence and letting go
Advances in technology have transformed how families manage Type 1 Diabetes.
From continuous glucose monitors to insulin pumps and closed loop systems, these mean children hcan have greater independence, particularly when they become teenagers. For Sam, being able to monitor Eli’s levels remotely offers reassurance, especially during the school day. But it also brings a new challenge: learning when to step in and when to step back.
Supporting a child with Type 1 Diabetes isn’t just about managing blood sugars – it’s about gradually handing over responsibility, while still being there when needed.
When things don’t go to plan
One of the most powerful moments in this episode comes when Sam tells of a school trip to France. With no electricity, extreme heat and multiple equipment failures, Sam found herself trying to manage her son’s condition from miles away and even considering an emergency flight.
It’s a stark reminder of the unpredictability of Type 1 Diabetes, and the level of preparation required. As anyone living with type 1 diabetes knows, you always need a backup… and then a backup for your backup!
But it’s also a story of resilience – both from Eli and the adults supporting him.
The impact of Type 1 Diabetes on family life
The impact of type 1 diabetes on family life goes far beyond the individual diagnosis.
Siblings, parents, routines, sleep, travel, meal times – everything is affected. Sam speaks honestly about the emotional load, the vigilance and the balance between protecting her child and allowing him to live a full life.
At the same time, there are moments of incredible strength: siblings stepping in to help, teachers going the extra mile and communities forming around shared experiences.
No family chooses this path – but many find connection and support along the way.
How to support a Type 1 Diabetic child
For parents at the start of this journey, Sam offers simple but powerful advice: find your community.
Whether online or in person, connecting with others who understand can make a huge difference. Sam also says that learning as much as she could about diabetes helped her enormously.
If you’re wondering how to support a Type 1 Diabetic child, here are some key takeaways from our conversation:
- Build a strong support network
- Work closely with your child’s school
- Embrace technology, but don’t rely on it entirely
- Encourage independence over time
- Be open, honest and supportive – especially during the tough moments
Why stories like this matter
Ultimately this episode is about more than diabetes.
It’s about resilience, parenting and dealing with uncertainty. It’s about allowing children to live fully, even when life looks different from what you expected.
If you’re searching for the best Type 1 Diabetes podcast to understand real-life experiences, The Long View brings together voices from across the community – sharing honest, practical, and deeply human stories.
I met Sam through the Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes in the UK Facebook group and you can find them here (20+) Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes In The UK | Facebook
You can listen to Sam’s podcast episode on Spotify here: Ep 7: Sam Walsh – Parenting Type 1 Diabetes, one step at a time – The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes | Podcast on Spotify
Or on Apple here: Ep 7: Sam Walsh – Parenting Ty…–The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes – Apple Podcasts
Or click “Podcasts” at the top of this page.