What advice does a certified diabetes educator and D-mom have for parents of children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?

### Tips for Parents of Children Newly Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes **1. Understand the Emotional Impact:** It's normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, and emotional. You are not alone, and these feelings are part of the process. **2. Get Educated:** Learn as much as you can about diabetes care. Attend seminars, read books, and join support groups. Knowledge is power. **3. Find a Good Diabetes Team:** Your team should include an endocrinologist, a certified diabetes educator (CDE), a dietitian, and possibly a mental health professional. They are there to help you. **4. Embrace Technology:** Use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps to help manage your child's diabetes more effectively. **5. Focus on the Positive:** Your child can still do almost everything they want to do. Encourage them to participate in activities and live a full life. **6. Don't Stress Over Numbers:** High or low blood sugar numbers are part of diabetes. Learn from them and move on without placing blame. **7. Create a New Normal:** Life will change, but you will find a new routine that works for your family. It gets easier with time. **8. Seek Support:** Connect with other parents and families dealing with diabetes. Support groups and online communities can be invaluable. **9. Take Care of Yourself:** Parents need breaks too. Find someone who can help care for your child so you can rest and recharge. **10. Look to the Future with Hope:** Diabetes research is ongoing, and new treatments are continually being developed. Stay hopeful and positive. Hang in there, you can do this! And when you need help, just ask! There are lots of us who know what you are going through and are here to help and be supportive.