“No more gummy bears?!”

What a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis means for children and parents—
and what tools can help make daily life feel normal


When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, it feels to you as a family as if someone has suddenly turned everyday life upside down. Routines change, new terms and devices appear, and there is often a deep sense of worry: What will our child’s life look like now?

The good news: Living with type 1 diabetes is very manageable today. With the right knowledge, modern technology, and supportive tools, children can grow up independently, maintain friendships, play sports, celebrate—and yes, even eat candy.

“When I was diagnosed, my first question was: Does that mean I’ll never be able to eat gummy bears again? Today I know: With type 1 diabetes, almost anything is possible—you just have to know how.”

 Lena, 38 years old, has had diabetes since she was 12

 

Diabetes Kind

What is childhood diabetes?
 

The most common form of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes. About 95% of all diabetes cases in children and adolescents are due to this autoimmune disease. In Germany, there are currently about 35,000 children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes.

In this condition, the body’s own immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The result: The body produces little to no insulin. However, this hormone is vital because it transports sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise—with serious health consequences.

Important to know: Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with poor diet. The condition is incurable, but highly manageable. With age-appropriate support, children learn early on to take responsibility for their bodies. And parents gradually grow into their new roles.

 

Daily life with diabetes: between routine and freedom
 

Checking blood sugar, administering insulin, estimating meal portions, factoring in physical activity—the daily life of children with diabetes is often more structured than that of other children. At the same time, it is crucial that diabetes does not become the all-consuming focus.


“From the very beginning, my parents encouraged me to try everything—from pizza and chocolate to different sports.
For me, diabetes isn’t a limitation, but an invitation to take good care of myself and still enjoy life.”

Lena, 38

 


“I never wanted to be ‘the sick kid.’
Today, I just explain to my friends what I need—and then we carry on as usual.”

Lennart, 17

 

Education is especially crucial in daycare, school, and during leisure time. Caregivers, teachers, coaches, and friends should know what diabetes means—and how to respond in an emergency. Openness creates a sense of security for everyone involved.

 

What supplies do children with diabetes need?


The availability of medical devices has advanced tremendously in recent years. Modern technology takes the burden off families and helps children integrate their diabetes safely and as unobtrusively as possible into their daily lives.


Key medical devices at a glance


Blood glucose monitoring & CGM systems

  • Traditional blood glucose meters with test strips
  • Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which measure blood sugar levels around the clock via a sensor worn on the body
  • Alarm functions for low or high blood sugar—especially valuable at night
  • Parents can also view their child’s readings remotely via apps, e.g., during school hours or when their child is staying overnight

Insulin therapy

  • Insulin pens, similar to a pen, some with a memory function
  • Insulin pumps that continuously deliver insulin and are usually worn on the abdomen
  • Hybrid closed-loop systems (“artificial pancreas”), in which the monitoring system and pump are connected and partially automate insulin delivery

Everyday aids

  • Carbohydrate tables or apps for estimating meal content
  • Diabetes ID card or emergency ID card
  • Small pouches for a glucose meter, glucose tablets, etc.
  • Glucagon nasal spray for treating severe hypoglycemia
  • Adhesive bandages or tape for CGM sensors or insulin pods
  • Frio cooling pouches for keeping insulin cool without electricity

Puberty & Independence – A Special Phase

“Sometimes I just didn’t feel like dealing with diabetes.
But I know: Ignoring it doesn’t help.
Technology helps me keep track of things.”

Lennart, 17

“I used to snap at my mom a lot when I had low blood sugar…
She stayed patient and still gave me a Coke.
Thanks, Mom.”

Lena, 38


For parents, the same principles apply here as with all teenagers: stay understanding, show trust, and instead of strict rules, allow for joint experimentation. Sometimes additional support can be helpful, such as from diabetes teams or psychological counseling. The important thing is: no one has to go through this alone.


Conclusion


Type 1 diabetes changes everyday life—but it doesn’t define a child. With modern technology, the right tools, and a supportive environment, children with diabetes can confidently forge their own path. And sometimes, that includes gummy bears.