When Stacey's toddler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her family's world turned upside down. In this episode, she shares the early warning signs, the struggle of those first two weeks of injections, and how humor and community turned fear into resilience. Parents will gain hope, advocacy tips, and coping strategies for managing a chronic illness diagnosis.

What You'll Hear

• How Stacey recognized the 4 Ts of diabetes: Thirsty, Tired, Thinner, Toilet

• The reality of hospitalization, finger sticks, and injections with a toddler

• Coping strategies: medical play, humor, and routines that work

• The power of community and rejecting "perfect parenting"

• Building advocacy through Diabetes Connections and The World's Worst Diabetes Mom

About Stacey

Stacey Simms is an award-winning broadcaster, speaker, and author of The World's Worst Diabetes Mom. Since 2015, she has hosted Diabetes Connections, offering real stories and resources for the Type 1 community.

🔗 Diabetes Connections 🔗 Instagram @staceysimms

Key Takeaways

• Advocate for more than a finger stick when symptoms appear

• Medical play & humor ease children's anxiety about procedures

• There's no "perfect parent"—safe and happy is enough

• Community matters, but it's okay to choose your people wisely

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Stacey's background 02:00 – Early signs of Type 1 diabetes (the 4 Ts) 06:00 – Hospital stay and first injections 10:00 – The hardest two weeks: shots, tears, and routine 15:00 – Teaching kids about diabetes as they grow 18:00 – Humor, medical play, and coping strategies 22:00 – Building Diabetes Connections & Moms' Night Out 25:00 – Lessons Stacey learned about herself 27:00 – The myth of perfect parenting

Support the Host & Show

If you found value in this conversation, please check out host Katie Taylor's work and community resources:

• Join Katie Taylor's Substack for in-depth insights and articles: Join here

• Get the SupportSpot App—a helpful tool to support your child through their healthcare journey: Check it out

• Listen & Subscribe!

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