Adolescence is a time of rapid growth, independence, and self-discovery. For teens with diabetes, it brings added challenges as they navigate the complexities of adolescence while managing a chronic condition. As a parent, understanding what your teen is going through and offering support can give your teen the confidence to thrive through these changes.

Challenges for Teens with Diabetes

The changes occurring during adolescence that impact all teenagers present additional challenges for those managing diabetes in teens. The hormonal changes that occur during puberty can cause swings in blood sugar levels. This can lead to increased insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body to utilize insulin effectively

Effect of Stress, Anxiety, and Menstruation on Blood Sugar in Teens

Menstruation can also further impact insulin resistance and complicate blood sugar management, as hormonal changes can lead to unpredictable blood sugar levels. In response to these changes, teens with diabetes need to learn how to monitor their blood sugar more frequently and make adjustment plans for their insulin dosages as needed. 

Stress, anxiety, and other strong emotions are also common in adolescence and can trigger the release of hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Jenise Wong, MD, PhD, a Pediatric Endocrinologist and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF School of Medicine, explained in an interview with NIDDK that “Growing up is stressful, and stress affects blood-glucose levels thanks to cortisol, which tells the liver to release stored sugar. This is a normal part of life, but extra tricky with T1D. A stressful exam or social challenges at school can easily lead to sudden spikes.”

Additionally, the desire to fit in with their peers can complicate diabetes management plans. Jenise Wong added to the interview, “They don’t want to stand out. That’s a normal feeling at this age. Now you layer on diabetes, which is asking you to be different than everyone else, and this can be very challenging.” Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and having a strong support system is crucial for teens to manage their emotions.

Testing A1C During Time of Rapid Body Changes

Regular A1C testing is also especially important during adolescence, as it provides a long-term view of blood sugar control by reflecting average glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. This helps assess the risk of diabetes-related complications and is a key marker for evaluating treatment effectiveness. 

Monitoring A1C during this period allows healthcare providers to make informed treatment adjustments during a time of rapid physical and hormonal changes, helping to prevent long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.

How to Support Your Teen

To help teens build the confidence and skills needed to manage their diabetes independently, parents and guardians can foster a supportive environment through emotional encouragement, regular check-ins, and open dialogue. Additionally, parents and guardians can introduce practical tools and strategies that empower teens to take ownership of their health.

Building Your Teen’s Diabetes Toolkit

A diabetes toolkit has all of the everyday supplies that your teen will need to manage their diabetes. Here are some items to include in your teen’s toolkit:  

  • Blood glucose meter
  • A1C meter
  • Insulin (if prescribed)
  • A cooler (optional to keep insulin cool)
  • Syringes or pen needles
  • Numbing cream
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Bandaids/medical tape
  • Lancing device and lancet
  • Fast-acting carbohydrate
  • Ketone test strips (for T1D or as directed by doctor)
  • Glucagon emergency kit (if high hypoglycemia risk or T1D)
  • Extra batteries for meter
  • Medical identification
  • List of prescriptions

Offering Encouragement and Emotional Support

Navigating diabetes as a teenager comes with emotional ups and downs, and parental support plays a big role in helping teens feel confident and capable. Encouragement and understanding go a long way, especially when it comes to managing expectations. Remind them that you’re not looking for perfection—just thoughtful effort and a willingness to keep trying. 

Check-ins are another great way to support your teen with diabetes without making diabetes the focus of every conversation. Constant questions like “What’s your blood sugar?” can feel overwhelming or even intrusive. Instead, try scheduling regular check-ins—maybe once a day or a couple of times a week—to give your teen space while still showing you care. This approach helps them feel more in control and less like they’re being monitored 24/7.

And finally, be mindful of the stigma that surrounds diabetes in teens. Whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they might deal with misinformed assumptions or judgment from others. Help your teen navigate these moments with compassion. Make it clear that diabetes is not their fault and that needing support or experiencing setbacks doesn’t mean they’re doing something wrong. Your understanding can make a big difference in how they see themselves and manage their condition.

Resources for Support

Learning how to support and provide your teen with the necessary tools can be a difficult task, but luckily, there are plenty of resources and support groups that can help you and your teen navigate the process together. Check out the resources below to learn more about how to support your teen adjusting to managing their diabetes:

  • DYF provides educational and recreational programs for children, teens, and families affected by diabetes. 
  • Breakthrough T1D is a non-profit dedicated to research and advocacy for type 1 diabetes. 
  • The Diabetes Foundation provides education, social support, and financial assistance to people impacted by diabetes. 
  • T1D Strong is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and empowering individuals living with it.
  • The Diabetes Link is a nonprofit specialized in helping teens and young adults navigate their diabetes.

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