When your child has type 1 diabetes, you quickly learn that managing blood sugar isn’t the only challenge. Their mood, behavior, and emotions can all be affected by this condition, and that can feel overwhelming for both of you. If you’ve noticed changes in your child’s behavior—whether it’s rebellion, irritability, or sudden shifts in mood—you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do to support your child through it.

How Type 1 Diabetes Can Impact Behavior

Managing type 1 diabetes is no small task, especially for kids. Behavior changes can stem from two main factors: physical causes, like blood sugar fluctuations, and emotional struggles related to the diagnosis and day-to-day management.

Emotional Struggles:

• Frustration and Sadness: It’s common for kids to feel upset about having diabetes, especially if it makes them feel “different” from their peers.

• Rebellion: They might resist checking their blood sugar, taking insulin, or following dietary recommendations as a way of pushing back against the constant demands of managing their condition.

Physical Factors:

• Low or High Blood Sugar Levels: Blood sugar levels directly impact mood and behavior. For example, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause irritability, confusion, and shakiness, while high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) might make them feel tired, irritable, or unfocused.

Signs of Behavior Changes Related to Blood Sugar Levels

Understanding how blood sugar affects behavior can help you respond appropriately. Here’s what to watch for:

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):

• Sudden mood swings, like irritability or crankiness.

• Difficulty concentrating or appearing confused.

• Shakiness, fatigue, or an urgent need to eat.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):

• Increased irritability or lethargy.

• Trouble focusing or completing tasks.

• A general sense of unease or agitation.

It’s important to recognize that these behaviors aren’t “bad behavior”—they’re often signs of physical discomfort caused by “off” blood sugar levels.

Emotional Challenges in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Beyond blood sugar, there are emotional hurdles to consider:

• Feelings of Isolation: Your child might feel left out during social activities or at school, especially if they need to check their blood sugar or take insulin when others don’t.

• Rebellion Against Routine: Older kids and teens, in particular, might resist the structure required to manage diabetes.

• Fear and Anxiety: Worrying about emergencies, blood sugar levels, or the future can weigh heavily on your child’s mind.

I talk more about the mental load that comes with Type 1 diabetes in my book, The Type 1 Life.

Strategies to Support Your Child’s Behavior

Monitor Blood Sugar:

• When behavior changes happen, check their blood sugar first. This can help you identify whether the behavior is linked to physical causes or emotional struggles.

• Encourage your child to talk about how they’re feeling—both physically and emotionally.

Build Emotional Resilience:

• Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing frustrations and fears. Let them know it’s okay to feel upset sometimes.

• Validate their feelings by letting them know it’s normal to feel this way and that you’re there to help.

Involve Them in Their Care:

• Teach your child age-appropriate ways to manage their condition, whether that’s learning how to count carbs or checking their own blood sugar.

• Empower them to make small decisions, like choosing their snacks or timing their insulin doses (with your guidance).

Seek Professional Support:

• If needed, consider working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in chronic illness. They can provide your child with tools to cope with the emotional aspects of diabetes.

Addressing Behavioral Rebellion

Rebellion is often a sign that your child feels overwhelmed or frustrated by the demands of managing diabetes. Here’s how to handle it:

• Understand the Underlying Cause: Talk to your child about what’s bothering them. Are they feeling different from their friends? Are they frustrated with the routine?

• Set Realistic Expectations: Balance discipline with empathy. While diabetes management is non-negotiable, you can approach it with understanding.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small wins and reward their efforts to manage their diabetes, even if progress feels slow.

When to Seek Additional Help

If your child’s behavior becomes difficult to manage or you notice signs of deeper emotional distress, it might be time to seek additional support. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Persistent mood swings that don’t seem linked to blood sugar levels.

• Signs of depression or anxiety, like withdrawal or frequent sadness.

• Extreme resistance to tasks like blood sugar checks or insulin injections.

Your child’s healthcare team can provide guidance, and a mental health professional can help address emotional challenges.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

• Stay Patient and Supportive: Remember, behavioral changes are a normal part of managing type 1 diabetes, and they’re not a reflection of your parenting.

• Educate Others: Help teachers, friends, and family understand how diabetes might affect your child’s mood and behavior.

• Find Your Village: Join support groups for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes. Connecting with others who “get it” can be a huge relief.

Conclusion

Behavioral challenges are a normal part of living with type 1 diabetes, especially for children. By understanding both the emotional and physical factors at play, you can help your child feel supported and empowered. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the right tools and resources, your child can thrive—both physically and emotionally. Together, you can navigate the ups and downs of type 1 diabetes with patience, understanding, and love.