What to Do When Your Diabetic Child is Sneaking Food

If you’ve discovered that your child with Type 1 diabetes is sneaking food—maybe at school, at a friend’s house, or during the night—it’s completely understandable to feel worried, frustrated, or even angry. But before you panic, here’s something you need to hear: It’s normal. Not good, but normal.

Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 responsibility. Kids who have it are under constant pressure to manage their blood sugar, take insulin, and avoid the foods they see their friends eating with no problem. Sometimes, they just get tired of it all and start sneaking food. The real problem isn’t necessarily the food itself—it’s that they’re eating without taking insulin.

I get it because I did it too. Many of my diabetic childhood friends did the same thing. After school, I’d go to a friend’s house to “play,” but really, I was just looking for snacks. I’d chow down on cereal, chips, Pop-Tarts—you name it. And guess what? No insulin. And when I got home, I wouldn’t even check my blood sugar.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I’m here to tell you that things can get better. My A1c has been 6.2% for over a year! So, let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to help your child overcome it.

Why Do Kids with Type 1 Diabetes Sneak Food?

Understanding the reasons behind the behavior can help you respond with more patience and compassion. Kids with Type 1 diabetes sneak food for a variety of reasons, including:

1. They’re Tired.

Managing Type 1 diabetes is exhausting. Checking blood sugar levels, counting carbs, giving insulin—these tasks never end. Imagine if you felt like you were constantly on duty. For kids, that feeling of always having to manage their diabetes can be overwhelming. They just want to feel normal, even if it’s just for a moment.

2. Emotional Eating.

Kids are dealing with a lot: school, social challenges, figuring out who they are, all while managing a life-threatening condition. Food can become a source of comfort or rebellion. If a kid feels left out at a birthday party or teased at school, they may turn to food to cope. And if they’re mad at their condition, sometimes they just don’t care about the consequences.

3. Rebellion & Frustration.

Living with Type 1 diabetes is frustrating. Your child might feel angry at the world, at their body, even at you. Sneaking food can feel like a way to take control or push back against all the rules they have to follow.

Why This Behavior Is Dangerous

Sneaking food without taking insulin can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels, which can cause:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition.

• Long-term complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease.

• Feeling unwell and discouraged, which only adds to the cycle of burnout.

Addressing this behavior early is essential. The good news is, there are ways to help your child break this pattern and feel more in control.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child

The best approach is one of understanding, patience, and practical solutions. Here’s how:

1. Take Them to Counseling.

Kids with Type 1 diabetes are dealing with a lot more than most of their peers. Therapy can help them work through their feelings and frustrations. And sometimes, it’s just helpful for them to have someone to talk to who isn’t Mom or Dad.

2. Invest in Technology That Makes Management Easier.

If possible, consider getting them a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) or an insulin pump. A CGM can help you both track blood sugars more easily, providing more data with less effort. It also makes those “sneaky snacks” less of a secret because you’ll be able to monitor their levels in real-time.

3. Don’t Nag Them.

It’s hard, I know. But constant nagging or scolding will only push your child away and make them feel like they’re failing. Instead, try to be supportive and compassionate. If things aren’t going well, let their doctor be the “bad guy” when it comes to giving tough advice. That way, your role can stay one of support and encouragement.

4. Gently Remind Them of Their Future.

When your child is old enough to start thinking about their future, try helping them make the connection between their health today and their dreams tomorrow. Whether it’s going to college, traveling the world, or having a family—those dreams are more achievable if they take care of their health now.

5. Make Small, Achievable Goals.

Just like with any behavioral change, starting small is key. If your child has been skipping insulin doses or avoiding blood sugar checks, don’t expect them to turn it all around overnight. Instead, set small, realistic goals like:

• Checking blood sugar at least once or twice a day.

• Taking insulin with snacks even if they’re “just a little something.”

• Celebrating small successes with positive reinforcement.

Moving Forward

It’s not easy to watch your child struggle with the daily grind of Type 1 diabetes. And sneaking food is just one way that frustration can show itself. What matters most is how you respond. With kindness, understanding, and the right tools, your child can find their way back to healthy habits.

Want more tips on how to help your child navigate Type 1 diabetes? Check out my book, The Type 1 Life, where I share more personal stories, insights, and practical advice for living well with Type 1 diabetes.

You’re not alone in this journey, and you’ve got what it takes to help your child feel healthy, happy, and in control.