November 2026
Learning that your child has diabetes can feel overwhelming. Whether your child has type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, a new diagnosis often comes with questions about blood sugar checks, insulin, meals, school, sports, and everyday routines.
The good news is that you don’t have to manage your child’s diabetes alone. Your child’s healthcare team can help you understand how to manage your child’s new normal and keep them healthy and safe.
Asking the right questions early can help you better understand your child’s diagnosis and confidently manage their care at home, at school, and on the go.
Understand which type of diabetes your child has
Diabetes affects how the body uses food for energy. After you eat, the body breaks food down into glucose, or sugar, which enters the bloodstream. A hormone called insulin helps control the amount of glucose in the blood and transports it into our cells, where it’s used to power their different functions.
When someone has diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Understanding which type your child has is one of the most important first steps in creating a treatment plan.
Type 1 diabetes in children
Type 1 diabetes means your child’s body has stopped making insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels can rise too high after eating. This can, over time, lead to organ damage and cardiovascular disease. If your child has Type 1 diabetes, they will have it for life and will need to take insulin with meals to keep blood sugar in check.
Type 2 diabetes in children
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes and it can be reversed with diet and exercise. In the meantime, your doctor may recommend insulin or another medication to help maintain a healthy blood glucose level.
Questions to ask your child’s healthcare provider
- What type of diabetes does my child have: type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes?
- Is the disease reversible?
- How was it diagnosed?
- Will my child need to take insulin?
- Will my child require other medications?
- What caused my child’s diabetes?
- What symptoms or warning signs should I watch for?
Understand how to monitor your child’s blood sugar
Living with diabetes requires monitoring and managing blood glucose levels and following a treatment plan. Ask your care team about their specific treatment plan and how it should be implemented day to day.
Monitoring your child’s blood sugar can be done with a glucometer, a small medical device that measures how much glucose is in a single drop of blood. Your physician may also recommend a continuous glucose monitor, a wearable device that automatically takes blood sugar readings across the day.
Questions to ask about blood sugar monitoring
- How should I monitor my child’s blood sugar?
- How often do I monitor my child’s blood sugar?
- What is a healthy blood sugar level?
- What is an A1C test and how often will my child need to get one?
- Is my child a good candidate for a continuous glucose monitor or insulin pod?
- What should I do if my child’s blood sugar is too high or too low?
Understand your child’s diabetes treatment plan
There are also different options for managing blood sugars. Your doctor may recommend that you inject your child with insulin using a hypodermic needle or an insulin pen. There are also now wearable insulin pump devices, which work with a continuous glucose monitor to automatically calculate and dispense insulin doses.
Every child’s needs are different, depending on their age, diabetes type, specific symptoms, and lifestyle. Your child’s care plan should reflect that. But every child should expect recommendations to increase exercise and adopt a healthier diet.
Questions to ask about your child’s treatment
- How often will my child need insulin or other prescribed medications?
- How do I determine the right insulin dosage?
- Is my child a good candidate for an insulin pump or pod?
- What dietary changes should our family make to support my child?
- How do I count carbohydrates — and how can I teach my child to do the same?
- How much physical activity should my child get each day?
- How can my child manage their diabetes at school?
- How often will my child need to visit the doctor?
- What role does each member of the care team play, and how do we reach them?
Your local pharmacy can help
Pharmacists play an important role in your child’s care team. They can answer questions about your child’s medication and help you troubleshoot problems with your child’s continuous glucose monitor or insulin pump. Your local pharmacist can also assist you in navigating insurance issues and managing medication and supply refills. Finally, they can let you know if there are any discount programs or coupons that may reduce the cost of diabetes supplies.
Questions to ask your pharmacist
- How should I store my child’s medications and testing supplies?
- How do I use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor?
- What should I do if we encounter issues with our insulin pump?
- Are there any discount programs or coupons available for my child’s prescriptions?
- Will any common over-the-counter drugs be a problem with my child’s diabetes medications?
