Balancing Parenthood and T1D
Insulet has paid a fee to engage Joanna as a content creator and has an ongoing commercial relationship with Joanna as a Sponsored Podvocate, however the views expressed in this testimonial are solely those of Joanna. This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.
Becoming a parent for the first time was a day that changed my life forever! It’s a moment engrained in my memory and an unconditional love that’s hard to put into words. While parenting is an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world, there are challenges, especially as someone living with a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although my daughter is still young, she’s taught me so much about finding balance even when life feels overwhelming.
Balancing parenthood with managing T1D isn’t always easy, but I’ve found my rhythm with the right tools and a strong support system. My Omnipod DASH® has made managing T1D easier, giving me more freedom and flexibility to live life on my terms.
Being a parent means there are truly no days off. From early morning wakeups to late nights preparing for the next day and everything in between, it takes lots of time and energy. Throw T1D into the mix and the challenges can feel daunting at times—I know I’ve felt this way on many occasions!
Here are a few tips that help me manage my T1D while being the best mum I can be. I hope they can help you too!
Lean on Your Support Network
What I’ve learned being a parent is that having a support network is essential for balancing motherhood and managing T1D. I’ve learned repeatedly to surround myself with people who understand what I’m going through and can help when needed. My partner, family, and friends have all been INCREDIBLE. They understand that sometimes I need to prioritize my health and take care of myself first so I can take care of my family. They’re always there to jump in to help, I’m so grateful for their endless love and support! Online communities and support groups for parents with diabetes are also invaluable. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement with others who understand what you’re going through can make a significant difference.
Plan, Plan, Plan
One of the quotes that really resonates with me is by Benjamin Franklin: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” and this applies when it comes to T1D management and parenthood. I always have a bag ready with my daughter’s essentials and my diabetes supplies. Whether it’s a short trip to the park or a longer outing, having everything on hand—from low snacks to extra pump supplies and glucose sensors* —reduces stress and ensures I’m prepared for whatever comes my way.
Set Alarms and Reminders
When you’re managing a little human, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the moment and forget to check glucose levels and take insulin. I use my Omnipod DASH to set confidence reminders, including audible beeps for meal boluses to help keep me on track.
Involve Your Little One
Depending on their age, involving your child in your diabetes management can be both eye-opening and educational. My daughter is still young, but I talk to her about my T1D in simple terms. She knows that mama needs to “change her insulin pump” and sometimes helps me get my supplies ready for a Pod site change. It makes her feel included and I love the fact that she’s so interested!
Lean on Technology
Diabetes tech has changed so much since I was diagnosed in 1998, and I’m so grateful for all the advancements. The Omnipod is one of them! One of the things I love is the tubeless design, that allows me to stay active and chase my daughter around without worrying about where to clip my pump or getting tangled in tubing. The ability to deliver insulin at the touch of a button means I can manage my T1D more easily—even when life is chaotic!
Balancing motherhood and T1D management is no easy feat, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible. Omnipod has been a positive addition in my life, giving me the freedom to focus on my daughter while managing my 24/7 condition.
To all the parents out there navigating the challenges of T1D in addition to raising the next generation, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing an amazing job! Lean into the technology that’s available to you, plan as much as you can, and never hesitate to rely on your support network. We’re all in this together—and together we’ve got this!