What Teens and Parents Really Worry About Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Living with Type 1 diabetes involves far more than blood sugar checks and insulin. A new study published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare examined the emotional and psychological burden—called diabetes distress—experienced by six adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and five parents.

The findings were striking: all the teens in the study reported high levels of diabetes distress, with distress scores well above the threshold where concern begins. Most of the parents, by contrast, reported lower levels of distress. This gap matters because it shows that the emotional burden of managing Type 1 diabetes falls most heavily on the young people who are living with it day to day.

When researchers asked adolescents and parents what caused the most stress, several patterns emerged. Teens described how diabetes distress can lead to burnout and indifference—a kind of emotional exhaustion that makes it harder to stay engaged with daily management. They also spoke about how Type 1 diabetes disrupts normal activities, whether that's sports, social events, or simply being spontaneous with friends.

A major concern for teens was the lack of peer support. Many felt isolated or misunderstood by friends who don't live with Type 1 diabetes. They also expressed frustration that society doesn't fully understand what managing Type 1 diabetes actually involves—the time, the planning, the mental energy required.

Parents carried their own significant concerns. A key worry was the transition of diabetes management responsibilities to their teens. As children grow into adolescence and young adulthood, parents must gradually hand over day-to-day management tasks. This shift creates anxiety about whether their teen is ready, whether they'll remember to check blood sugar, and how to let go while still staying involved.

Both parents and teens also shared worries about the long-term financial burden of living with Type 1 diabetes—a concern that reflects real costs of insulin, supplies, and ongoing care.

The study found that while adolescents and parents are accessing some mental health and emotional support, they want more. The types of support currently available aren't always meeting their specific needs. Researchers concluded that understanding these sources of distress is an important first step toward designing mental health interventions that actually address what teens and parents are experiencing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with diabetes distress, talking with a mental health professional experienced in Type 1 diabetes—such as a therapist or counselor—can be valuable. Many diabetes care teams can provide referrals or recommendations for support resources in your area.

Source: Frontiers in clinical diabetes and healthcare. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.