What the book covers (themes & key ideas)

Stabilize after diagnosis: build a simple operating plan - Freeman normalizes the shock and information overload, then urges parents to assemble the basics: insulin delivery, glucose monitoring, hypoglycemia treatment, and a small circle of trained adults. She reinforces that "cookie-cutter" plans don't exist—your child's regimen is personalized.

Communicating the diagnosis—family, friends, caregivers - Freeman offers scripts and strategies for telling others, setting expectations, and reducing stigma. The goal is a consistent message and clear task lists (who treats lows, who watches trends, who calls parents).

School and sports without compromise - A major focus is navigating teachers, nurses, coaches, and administrators so your child participates fully and safely. The book encourages formal accommodations (504 plan in the U.S.) and routine practice for handling mealtimes, tests, field trips, and athletics.

Building independence by age and stage - Parents gradually transfer skills: reading CGM values, counting carbs, pre-bolusing, troubleshooting highs/lows, and self-advocacy. Freeman connects these skills to milestones (sleepovers, camps, part-time jobs, driving, college). The destination is a confident teen who can self-manage and a family who knows how to backstop.

Mental and emotional health - Freeman calls out diabetes distress for both children and parents: fear of lows, decision fatigue, and social friction. She encourages routines, honest family dialogue, and professional help when needed.

Keeping up with technology & "what's new" - The updated edition highlights staying current on CGMs, pumps, and techniques that evolve quickly. Treat the book as a solid foundation and verify device specifics with your care team or current clinical guidance.

Preparing for college & adulthood - Freeman closes by mapping the handoff: health care transition planning, campus disclosure/accommodations, supply logistics, and managing life events (travel, late nights, exams) without losing safety.

What's excellent about this book

Practical, not theoretical: It's packed with lived-experience tips for school, sports, and daily family life.

Permission to individualize: It rejects one-size-fits-all management, which is the right mindset for T1D.

Whole-child framing: Independence and emotional health are treated as core outcomes—not extras.

Where you'll want to supplement

Clinical details age fast: Devices, targets, and language evolve. Use current clinical resources (ISPAD pediatric guidelines; ADA school/504 guidance) to keep numbers and policies current.

Country differences: School accommodations (e.g., U.S. 504 plans) vary by jurisdiction; translate the principles to your local laws.

Parent-ready guide (inspired by the book)

The first 72 hours at home:

Assemble the go-bag: meter/strips or CGM supplies, insulin + backups, glucagon, ketone test strips, fast carbs, pump/pen consumables

Write the low plan (all caregivers): how to recognize, how to treat, when to recheck, when to escalate (including glucagon and calling emergency services)

Write the high/DKA plan: when to check ketones, correction dosing per your team's instructions, fluids, when to call

Choose two trusted adults who can be trained immediately (grandparent, friend, neighbor)

School & activities (start of term checklist):

Request accommodations: In the U.S., a 504 plan that covers testing/treatment anywhere, anytime; trained staff; access to supplies; participation in all activities; emergency glucagon; communication protocols

Coach's briefing: symptoms of lows/highs, where supplies live during practices/games, who treats in the moment, and when to pull the athlete

Share a one-page "T1D at school" sheet (photo, basics, what to do first, parent contacts)

Building independence (by stage):

Early school age: child says when they feel "low" or "weird," carries fast carbs, knows who to ask for help

Tweens: basic carb counting, reading CGM, treating lows, checking ketones when sick

Teens: dose decision-making, supply logistics, driving/sports protocols, consent and transition planning for adult care

Emotional health rituals:

Family debriefs (10 minutes, weekly): what worked, what's hard, one change to try

Name the feelings: fear of lows, frustration with numbers—normalize them and seek support if they persist

How this book fits among other trusted resources

Use The Type 1 Life for: Lived-experience tactics (school, sports, independence) and clear parent language.

Pair it with: Current clinical guidance for targets, technology updates, and sick-day protocols (ISPAD 2022 pediatric guidelines; ADA/CDC/NIDDK primers).

Leverage school-specific resources when drafting accommodations: ADA 504 guidance; Breakthrough T1D & Beyond Type 1 school pages.

Best for: Parents of newly diagnosed children who need practical, day-to-day guidance on navigating school, sports, and building independence.

Verdict

If you're parenting a newly diagnosed child, The Type 1 Life is a strong, empathetic starter map for the non-clinical parts of T1D—how to live, organize, communicate, and gradually hand off responsibility. Treat it as the day-to-day playbook, and pair it with your care team's directions and current pediatric diabetes guidelines so your numbers, devices, and policies are up to date.

Freeman writes from lived experience and distills the early months and school-age years into plain-spoken, practical guidance. The book's through-line is: there's no one "right" way to manage T1D, so parents need a clear orientation, a steady routine, and age-appropriate independence for their child.

The Type 1 Life: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes

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