Raising a child with type 1 diabetes changes everything — and nobody quite prepares you for what the early days really feel like.

In this special episode, we bring together voices from multiple conversations to create one honest, wide-ranging look at the journey of T1D parents.

You'll hear from Jessica, whose daughter Grace was diagnosed at four and a half after a flyer on a pediatrician's wall caught her eye at just the right moment. From Jamie, whose daughter Ellie arrived at her diagnosis after three emergency room visits in 36 hours. From Ali, a mom who navigated two toddler T1D diagnoses a year apart. And from Laura, who despite having T1D herself, found herself having to relearn things when her two-year-old was diagnosed.

Together with host Tavia Vital a who is also person with diabetes,  registered nurse, certified diabetes educator, and T1D mom herself, these stories serve as a reminder that you are not alone amidst the overwhelm, the isolation, the exhaustion, of slowly finding of your footing as a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes.

You will make it through.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Jessica is mother from Colorado who’s daughter Grace was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at four and a half years old. Jess first appeared on Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast episode 33, 3 Moms and a Diabetes Diagnosis: From “Oh no!” to “Nailed it!”

Jamie is from Ontario, Canada. Her daughter Ellie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 21 months old. Jamie also originally appeared on Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast episode 33, 3 Moms and a Diabetes Diagnosis: From “Oh no!” to “Nailed it!”

Laura Harkin has type 1 diabetes and has a son with type 1 as well. Her story was first shared on Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast episode 35, And then there were two! When your child is also diagnosed with diabetes.

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age twelve. Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Ali Adler is navigating the extraordinary challenge of raising two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her  oldest son, Tom, was diagnosed at just two and a half years old. Drawing on her experience from her brother’s diagnosis during her teenage years, Ali recognized the signs and acted quickly. One year later, her youngest son, Joe, was also diagnosed, making diabetes management a central part of family life. Ali

✔️Type 1 diabetes can happen at any age.

✔️While you can still live a normal life after a T1D diagnosis, “normal” will look different.

✔️ You will spend a lot of time looking for reasons…and not finding them. That’s okay.

✔️ Find your village. It may look differently from what you had originally planned.

00:00 The Diagnosis

10:45 When Your Whole World Changes

16:09 What Nobody Warns You About

20:16  Finding Your Village

22:48 Navigating Changing Relationships

25:02 From Here to There

Time out for Caregivers

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing