Type 1 Diabetes: Finding Community and Humor After Diagnosis

When Stacey's toddler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her family's world turned upside down. In this episode, she shares the early warning signs, the struggle of those first two weeks of injections, and how humor and community turned fear into resilience. Parents will gain hope, advocacy tips, and coping strategies for managing a chronic illness diagnosis.

 What You'll Hear

• How Stacey recognized the 4 Ts of diabetes: Thirsty, Tired, Thinner, Toilet
  
  

• The reality of hospitalization, finger sticks, and injections with a toddler
  
  

• Coping strategies: medical play, humor, and routines that work
  
  

• The power of community and rejecting "perfect parenting"
  
  

• Building advocacy through Diabetes Connections and The World's Worst Diabetes Mom
  
  

About Stacey

Stacey Simms is an award-winning broadcaster, speaker, and author of The World's Worst Diabetes Mom. Since 2015, she has hosted Diabetes Connections, offering real stories and resources for the Type 1 community.

🔗 Diabetes Connections
🔗 Instagram @staceysimms

Key Takeaways

• Advocate for more than a finger stick when symptoms appear
  
  

• Medical play & humor ease children's anxiety about procedures
  
  

• There's no "perfect parent"—safe and happy is enough
  
  

• Community matters, but it's okay to choose your people wisely

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Stacey's background
02:00 – Early signs of Type 1 diabetes (the 4 Ts)
06:00 – Hospital stay and first injections
10:00 – The hardest two weeks: shots, tears, and routine
15:00 – Teaching kids about diabetes as they grow
18:00 – Humor, medical play, and coping strategies
22:00 – Building Diabetes Connections & Moms' Night Out
25:00 – Lessons Stacey learned about herself
27:00 – The myth of perfect parenting

Support the Host & Show

If you found value in this conversation, please check out host Katie Taylor's work and community resources:

• Join Katie Taylor's Substack for in-depth insights and articles: Join here

• Get the SupportSpot App—a helpful tool to support your child through their healthcare journey: Check it out

• Listen & Subscribe! 

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.