Your child has type 1 diabetes: A parent's guide to food & life

Hearing that your child has type 1 diabetes (T1D) can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. Alongside the emotional rollercoaster, there’s a steep learning curve - blood sugar levels, insulin doses, carb counting… It’s a lot! And when it comes to food, many parents find themselves suddenly second-guessing everything from breakfast to birthday cake.

If you’re in that place right now, take a breath. You’re not alone - and with the right tools and support, things will get easier. In this article, we’ll look at how to support your child’s relationship with food, keep blood sugars more stable, and help your family feel more confident with day-to-day choices.

Let’s talk about food, not fear

Food is much more than fuel. It’s a source of comfort, joy and connection. And when it comes to managing type 1 diabetes, the goal isn’t to restrict your child or remove their favourite foods, but to help them understand how different foods affect their body - so they can make confident, informed choices that support their health both now and in the future.

While carbohydrates - especially refined ones, such as pasta, white rice and white bread - have the most significant impact on blood sugar levels, they are not biologically essential in the same way that protein and fats are. The body is fully capable of producing glucose through other metabolic processes when needed. But rather than focusing on cutting out all carbs, many families find that adopting a low-carb lifestyle helps create more predictable blood sugar patterns and can reduce the need for insulin.

In children with type 1 diabetes, lower-carb meals can help minimise blood sugar fluctuations and reduce the frequency and size of insulin doses. It’s not about being carb-free but about being carb-smart. Prioritising nutrient-dense, lower-glycaemic options – such as vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries, alongside protein-rich foods and healthy fats – can make daily management more straightforward and support long-term health and wellbeing, easing some of the worries about serious health complications later in life. 

Understanding carbohydrates (without the carb-counting overwhelm)

One of the biggest challenges with managing T1D is the need to understand how different foods affect blood sugar. It’s true that carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood glucose, but that doesn’t mean they are “bad” or should be completely eliminated. Instead, it’s helpful to look at the type and quality of carbohydrates your child is eating.

Complex carbs like vegetables, legumes and certain fruits have a slower impact on blood sugar, while simple carbs (like white bread or sugary snacks) cause rapid spikes. By focusing on low-carb options, your child can better manage blood sugar levels and improve their overall health.

Here’s where a low-carb lifestyle can be particularly helpful. You can aim to replace high-carb foods with options that are rich in protein and healthy fats, such as:

• leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables
• full-fat dairy or dairy alternatives (without added sugars)
• nuts, seeds and avocados
• meats, fish and eggs 

Working with a registered nutritional therapist experienced in T1D can help you tailor these choices to suit your child’s preferences, appetite and energy needs.

Balance over perfection

It’s easy to fall into the trap of aiming for ‘perfect’ blood sugars. But blood glucose levels will fluctuate - it’s part of life with Type 1. It’s not only the food that can affect your blood sugars, but also exercise, stress and even the weather. Instead of focusing on perfection, aim for consistency and routine.

Here are a few ideas that can help:

• Create regular mealtimes and snack times 
• Keep a variety of healthy snacks available, such as apple slices with peanut butter, cheese cubes, hard-boiled egg, nuts & seeds, Greek yoghurt with berries
• Keep a diary and note how different foods and activities affect blood sugar levels
• Make mealtimes positive, not a battleground 

And when things go off-plan (they will), remind yourself: every experience is a learning opportunity, not a failure.

Food should still be enjoyable

Although there are some adjustments to be made when your child has Type 1 Diabetes, food should still be fun! Encourage your child to get involved with meal planning, shopping and cooking. When children feel included, they are more likely to take ownership of their health.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes and try low-carb versions of their favourite meals. You might be surprised at how much they enjoy new dishes once they realise how much control they have over what they eat.

Technology that helps take the pressure off

Managing type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean doing everything manually anymore. Thanks to advances in diabetes technology, there are tools available to help both parents and children feel more in control of the condition.

• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), such as the Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre, are real game-changers. These devices allow for real-time tracking of blood glucose levels, eliminating the need for constant finger pricks and providing parents with peace of mind. They help alert you to rising or falling blood sugar, allowing for quicker action.
• Insulin pumps are another major advancement, delivering insulin throughout the day and night. Many pumps work in tandem with CGMs to adjust insulin doses automatically based on the current blood sugar reading. This helps reduce the burden of constant manual dosing and ensures more consistent blood sugar management.
• Carb-counting apps and bolus calculators can make mealtimes easier. With an app, you can track the carbs in meals and determine the right insulin dose. Some apps even help you create meal plans tailored to your child’s needs.

It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the technology at first, but the right tools can actually make life feel a lot simpler. Diabetes technology allows your child to feel more confident in their ability to manage their condition while also making life easier for the whole family.

These technologies are not just for parents - they also empower children to manage their diabetes more independently. As children grow, learning how to use a CGM or insulin pump can be a great step towards building confidence and responsibility. Many kids feel empowered when they can track their own blood glucose and adjust their insulin as needed. 

Support for the whole family

Managing a child’s Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t just affect them - it impacts the entire family. Siblings, for example, may feel left out or confused about why their brother or sister suddenly has to watch and track what they're eating. It helps to talk openly as a family and, where possible, to adopt some of the same habits across the board. That way, everyone feels included – and chances are, the changes will benefit everyone’s health.

Consider joining a local or online support group for parents of children with type 1 diabetes. Speaking with other parents who understand the journey can be incredibly reassuring. If you need professional help, a nutritional therapist who specialises in diabetes can help create a personalised plan for your child’s needs.

Family meals should still be enjoyable. Yes, there may be some new routines or tweaks, but food can continue to be a time for connection – not just something to manage.

A final word

While there will be challenges along the way, there will also be countless victories - like your child confidently ordering their food at a café, participating in a school event, or feeling comfortable enough to make food choices at a friend’s house. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t have to limit your child’s life. With the right strategies, support and technology, your family can enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life.

And remember – you don’t have to do this all alone. Working with a professional, such as a Registered Nutritional Therapist, can help you make sense of everything and give you the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.