Helping Kids with Diabetes Feel Seen and Supported

As a parent, seeing your child feel left out or misunderstood is one of the hardest things to witness.

For families managing type 1 diabetes, this sense of isolation can be a daily reality. It shows up in small but significant ways—like a child missing out on birthday cake, sitting out of sports, or struggling to explain a blood sugar dip during class.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. In Australia, around 15,500 children and young people aged 0–20 are living with type 1 diabetes—that’s about 1 in every 500 kids. Currently, there is no cure, and up to 90% of people diagnosed have no family history of the condition. While insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring are crucial, the emotional toll is often overlooked.

Kids with diabetes aren’t just managing a condition. They’re learning to self-advocate, explain, plan ahead—and cope with the social weight of being “different.”

The Missing Piece in Diabetes Care

Studies have shown that up to 25% of young people with type 1 diabetes experience moderate to severe psychological distress, especially around times of diagnosis and major life transitions.

Even everyday activities—school excursions, sports days, sleepovers—require extra planning, which can leave children feeling excluded or overwhelmed.

Without the right support, diabetes can affect more than just health, it can chip away at a child’s confidence.

But support makes a difference. Research found that when children with type 1 diabetes participate in group-based education and peer support programs, they report higher diabetes knowledge, improved quality of life, and stronger self-efficacy in managing their condition.

Even short-term peer interactions have been shown to reduce feelings of stigma and improve emotional coping.

That’s where community programs can make a real difference.

How Connection Changes Everything

Molly was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just eight years old. For a long time, she felt different—and not in a good way. Managing diabetes at school felt like a lonely task, and few people understood the demanding nature of her condition.

Today, Molly is 16 and thriving. What changed? In part, it was finding her community through DiaBuddies, a youth program supported by Diabetes Australia. Through DiaBuddies events—both in-person and online—kids like Molly meet others just like them. There’s no need to explain what a hypo feels like or why they need to pause the fun to check their levels. They just get it.

DiaBuddies Days offer more than just activities. They create space for learning, laughter, and support—not just for kids, but for parents, carers and siblings too. Because diabetes doesn’t only affect one person—it reshapes the whole family’s rhythm.

Support That Stretches Beyond the Diagnosis

For many families, the hardest part of diagnosis isn’t the medical information—it’s the loneliness. Community-led programs like DiaBuddies offer more than just education. They create space for kids to feel normal. Capable. Less alone.

This year, you can help grow that impact.

Every tax-deductible donation made before 30 June helps fund more DiaBuddies Days, expands access to regional families, and supports kids like Molly as they navigate life with diabetes.

Helping Kids with Diabetes Live Fully

Managing diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar readings. It’s about how young people feel in their own bodies, and how supported they are in daily life. Social connection and emotional health are just as important as any prescription. Because kids don’t just need information. They need community. And your support could be what makes that possible for another family.

Donate to Diabetes Australia’s DiaBuddies Program and help create more spaces where kids with diabetes feel safe, supported and strong.

At Prevention, we only collaborate with trusted partners. To bring you this article, we have partnered with Diabetes Australia. For more about Diabetes Australia and the DiaBuddies program, visit www.diabetesaustralia.com.au.