Resources for parents and caregivers If your child or someone you care for has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, we know it can be a daunting and confusing time. We have put together some resources that can help make raising a child with diabetes just a little bit easier for you and your family. Featured resources What do I do if my child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? A diabetes diagnosis is never easy — get answers to some of the most common questions. Learn more Meet our AID system: The MiniMed™ 780G system Real-time insulin adjustments and corrections† all day and night. Approved for ages 7+. Learn more What is a Section 504 Plan for kids with diabetes? Having a 504 Plan can play a vital role in ensuring a supportive school environment for them. Learn more Select a topic to view more content: Diagnosis General diabetes info Diabetes therapies Diabetes community Family Lifestyle School Diagnosis Everyone’s diabetes journey is different, but the first step is usually arming yourself with information. Many people start by searching online for symptoms of diabetes, having your child’s healthcare provider test their blood sugar, or getting a referral to see an endocrinologist. Here are some answers to top questions and concerns: What are the symptoms of diabetes? Understand what to look for if you suspect your child has diabetes. Learn more What do I do if my child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? A diabetes diagnosis is never easy — here’s answers to some of the most common questions. Learn more What do I do if my teen is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? Teen years are difficult enough without diabetes! Here are a few tips for where to start. Learn more How do I find an endocrinologist? Selecting an endocrinologist is important for your child’s diabetes management success. Learn more What advice do you have for the newly diagnosed? Here’s advice from real people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Learn more Tips for parents of newly diagnosed children You received your child’s diabetes diagnosis, now what? Here are things to keep in mind. Learn more General diabetes info One of the best things you can do is learn about diabetes and know what to expect. Take a look through some helpful information about diabetes. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in the body where blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Learn more What is type 1 diabetes? Both adults and children can develop type 1 diabetes, but it’s often diagnosed in childhood. Learn more Why is Time in Range important? The more time your child spends "in range," the better they will feel. Learn more Diabetes glossary Check out these common terms or phrases you might hear when discussing diabetes. Learn more What is hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Learn about the common symptoms and how to spot hypos. Learn more What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. Learn about the common symptoms and how to spot hypers. Learn more What is DKA? Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is when your child's sugar levels are extremely high and need medical intervention. Learn more How do I know when to check my child's sugar levels? Get help making sense of blood sugar tests. Learn more What is the 15-15 Rule? The 15-15 Rule is a process to swiftly treat low blood sugar. Just follow these 3 steps. Learn more School Managing diabetes at school can be stressful for many parents. But with the right planning, documentation, and open communication, your child will be set for success. Whether your child is in K-12 or starting college, it’s important to plan ahead. Take a look at some tips and advice for navigating school with diabetes, as well as guides you can share with school staff to make them aware of your child's condition. How can my child manage diabetes at school? Going to school means collaboration between parents, kids, and school staff. Learn more Section 504 Plan Having a 504 Plan for kids with diabetes can play a vital role in ensuring a supportive environment for them. Learn more How to survive college with type 1 diabetes For many, going to college means managing diabetes on their own for the first time. Learn more Returning to school with type 1 diabetes Stephanie is a #MedtronicChampion and teacher living with T1D. Check out her advice for heading back to school. Learn more 10 tips for teachers of students with diabetes This blog post can help prepare your family for heading to school with diabetes. Share with teachers! Learn more Guide for teachers A guide to help prepare school staff to care for your child — share with teachers, nurses, and other school employees, too! Learn more Guide for school nurses An in-depth guide for school nurses to get them comfortable with your child's diabetes devices. Learn more Diabetes therapies Diabetes technology can take on a lot of the work to make managing your child’s diabetes easier. Whether you’re interested in a smart insulin pen system or automated insulin delivery, check out these systems that do more. What is insulin pump therapy (IPT)? IPT is an alternative to daily shots where smaller doses of insulin can be administered over time for more precision. Watch video Can kids use insulin pump therapy? There are IPT options that can help your child. Here’s how to evaluate if it’s right for your family. Learn more What's it like having a child on insulin pump therapy? Your child’s diagnosis will change your family. Here’s one mom’s personal experience. Learn more What is automated insulin delivery (AID)? AID is a more advanced diabetes management option that helps mimic some of the functions of a healthy pancreas. Learn more The MiniMed™ 780G system Meet our AID system that gives real-time insulin adjustments and corrections† all day and night. Approved for ages 7 and over. Learn more How much do diabetes therapies cost? The cost of diabetes devices can vary, but Medtronic helps make diabetes therapies more affordable for everyone. Learn more Why use multiple daily injections? Multiple daily injections (MDI) is a common regimen for people with diabetes. Learn more InPen™ smart insulin pen Discover a reusable smart insulin pen that uses Bluetooth® to send dose information to a mobile app. Learn more i-Port Advance™ injection port Inserted once every 3 days, the i-Port lets you administer insulin with fewer pricks and pokes. Learn more What is CGM? Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps track your child's sugar levels in real time, giving you more peace of mind. Learn more Guardian™ Connect system See glucose levels, trends, and alerts on your mobile device to keep track of your child’s diabetes. Learn more What is Smart MDI? The smart insulin injection system uses the InPen™ smart insulin pen and a CGM together to make diabetes management easier. Learn more † Refers to auto correct, which provides bolus assistance. Can deliver all auto correction doses automatically without user interaction, feature can be turned on and off. Family When someone is living with diabetes, it becomes a family affair. Diabetes takes a village! You are each other’s support system for all the ups and downs. Hear from some of these families about how they navigate diabetes and the importance of relying on family and friends. Teenagers with diabetes Even during a complicated age, managing diabetes as a teenager is possible! Learn more The Reich family’s story Hear how Jacob and his family have learned to manage his diabetes. Watch video Shaquana’s story Learn how a mother and son are tackling diabetes together. Learn more The Luley family’s story Get to know the Luley family and hear them describe life with two kids with diabetes. Watch video Expectations of a caregiver There are several things you can do to help your family member with diabetes. Learn more Lifestyle Managing diabetes doesn’t have to interrupt your child’s lifestyle. They can still enjoy all the things they love, including sports, band, and active play. Can kids play sports with type 1 diabetes? Diabetes requires some lifestyle changes, but kids with diabetes can still enjoy playing sports. Learn more Guide for coaches Share this guide with your child's coach to help give them the info they need to adequately care for your child during sports. Learn more Can my child with diabetes take daily vitamins? Vitamin supplements can help your child with diabetes. Just be sure to take a careful approach. Learn more What is diabetes camp? Diabetes camp is a great opportunity for kids to get active and make friends who also live with diabetes. Learn more Guide for babysitters Give this guide to a child’s babysitter, to help treat a high or low glucose. Learn more Guide for sleepovers Kids with diabetes have to pack a bit more for a safe and fun sleepover, but that can’t stop them from having fun! Learn more How do you get through TSA with diabetes devices? Here are our tips on getting through TSA with these 5 common diabetes supplies. Learn more How do you sleep with an insulin pump attached? Here are tips from our #MedtronicChampion community on how they comfortably sleep while wearing an insulin pump. Learn more How can I prepare my child with diabetes for the flu? It can be harder for a body dealing with diabetes to fend off the flu. Here’s what to expect. Learn more Diabetes community The #MedtronicChampion global community is a group of people all over the world who are redefining what it means to live with diabetes each day. Whether you’re a person living with diabetes, a caregiver, a family member, or school staff, everyone can be a part of the diabetes community. What is a #MedtronicChampion? A #MedtronicChampion is anyone living with diabetes or caring for someone who lives with diabetes. Learn more Where can I find a support network? Having a network of support can be very beneficial. Check out where to find yours. Learn more What community resources are available? Explore a variety of resources from the Medtronic Diabetes family. Learn more Real diabetes stories Find inspiring stories from other people living with diabetes who refuse to let diabetes define them. Learn more Diabetes online communities Discover more diabetes online organizations that offer resources, events, and community. Learn more Connect with other parents of children with diabetes Meet our Medtronic Ambassadors to get advice and connect with others. Learn more
