164. Becoming Your Child’s Pancreas: The Emotional Toll of T1D Parenting

In this episode of Reclaim Your Rise, Abby is back for a heartfelt conversation with the Smith family. We met Tyler and Callie after their son Wally’s T1D diagnosis at age 4. They came to us feeling lost trying to function as their child’s pancreas and needing more support than they were getting from their doctor. While Callie and Tyler’s experience will especially resonate with other parents, this episode is for everyone who wants to understand what T1D parents are really going through. 

Quick Takeaways:

• Importance of knowing the signs & symptoms of type 1 diabetes
• The mental & physical toll a T1D diagnosis takes on the entire family 
• How family dynamics play a significant role in managing & finding a balance in parenting roles 
• Maintaining your relationship as parents while still caring for your T1D child 
• The need for better communication with healthcare providers about care expectations

Timestamps:

• [01:45] Meet the Smith Family 
• [02:30] Wally’s diagnosis 
• [07:07] Emotions post-diagnosis & learning their new life 
• [09:24] The standard of diabetes care 
• [11:00] Deciding they needed more support 
• [15:27] “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” 
• [16:43] Balancing parenting roles & dynamics: Knowing when to ‘tap out’ 
• [18:00] Self care: The key to family well being 
• [20:00] Finding Risely 
• [27:05] “We were sick of just getting a pat on the back and a gold star, every time we went to the endo…we weren't getting what we needed.” 
• [29:40] Words of encouragement for T1D parents 

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.