In episode 110 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Anna Sabino and Dana Roseman help families navigate one of the biggest back-to-school questions for children with type 1 diabetes: how much independence is realistic at each age and stage? For many families, a new school year feels like a fresh start—a chance to reset routines, build confidence, and help kids gradually develop the self-advocacy skills they will need both in and out of the classroom. In this conversation, Anna and Dana break down what children can reasonably manage from kindergarten through college, and how parents can support independence without constant texting, overcorrecting, or chasing perfect numbers. They also share practical guidance for getting through the messy first six weeks of school, avoiding big diabetes-management changes too soon, and letting kids learn from mistakes in a safe, supportive way. If you are parenting a child with type 1 diabetes, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and realistic strategies for helping your child grow into greater independence—one school year at a time. SPONSORED BY: SAB Bio. Learn more about the SAFEGUARD clinical study at SafeguardStudy.com or call 1-844-763-1890 MEET YOUR HOSTS: Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist who has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D. Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress. Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Type “You” Diabetes—Everyone will manage diabetes differently. Moms will deal with things differently than Dads. Dads will manage differently than the child. No one is necessarily “wrong”, it is just different. ✔️ Do NOT make major changes to your child’s diabetes care during the first six weeks of school. This is a time of learning and re-establishing routines. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Fresh Energy of a New School Year 03:04 Age and Stage Expectations: What Children Can Realistically Handle. 09:27 The Shifting of Diabetes Care is Child Specific 13:59 Guiding Problem-solving 15:59 Managing the First 6 Weeks of Back-to-School 21:34 Your Child Will Manage Their Diabetes Their Way 23:36 They Will Make Mistakes 25:00 Empowering Your Child with Type 1 Diabetes 30:07 Final Tips RESOURCES: https://integrateddiabetes.com/its-back-to-school-for-parents-too/ Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.
