How to help

Firstly thank you for helping the person you know with Type 1 Diabetes. Feeling supported is essential to managing Type 1 Diabetes.

Friends and Family

The first thing to note is that your friend or family member has not changed. Managing Type 1 Diabetes is a balancing act and you can help by including them as you would normally.

Ask them about it and listen to them. They will know their body best.

You can carb count any food you offer, and allow them time to treat high or low levels and know when and who to call for help.

Know the signs of highs and lows. Highs are always treated with insulin and lows are always treated with fast acting glucose, like fruit juice.

teachers and community Groups

Be discrete. No-one likes feeling different.

Know the signs of highs and lows. Highs are always treated with insulin and lows are always treated with fast acting glucose, like fruit juice. The medical team will help train you and there are lots of helpful websites.

Be prepared for care needs to change. Type 1 Diabetes is constantly changing and therefore we all need to be adaptable.

Talk and listen to the parent/guardian. They, the child and the medical team are the experts and will know best.

Remember no two people are the same. This is no different for someone with T1D, the management of T1D for one person is likely to be different for another person.

Allow for time to treat high or low levels immediately and know when and who to call for help.