Week 1: Establishing Your New Normal
This week is about creating sustainable routines, returning to regular activities, and building confidence in your diabetes management skills. Focus on consistency and gradual independence.
Week 1 Goals
Focus on these key objectives to build a strong foundation for long-term success
Establish Routines
Create consistent daily patterns for testing, eating, and insulin
Return to Activities
Safely resume school, work, and normal family activities
Build Confidence
Gain comfort with diabetes management tasks and decision-making
Expand Support
Connect with T1D community and build your support network
Sample Daily Schedule
Use this template to establish consistent daily routines
Wake Up & Test
Check blood sugar, record in log
Breakfast & Insulin
Count carbs, give insulin, eat within 15 minutes
Post-Meal Check
Test blood sugar 2 hours after breakfast
Lunch Routine
Test, count carbs, insulin, eat
Afternoon Snack
Test if needed, low-carb snack if hungry
Dinner Routine
Test, count carbs, insulin, eat
Bedtime Check
Test blood sugar, snack if needed
Returning to School/Childcare
Step-by-step plan for a safe and successful return to educational settings
Documentation
- Complete Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)
- Submit 504 Plan or IEP request
- Provide emergency action plan
- Share contact information for medical team
Supply Preparation
- Pack school diabetes supply kit
- Label all supplies with child's name
- Include backup supplies
- Provide glucagon kit with instructions
Daily Check-ins
- Call school nurse daily first week
- Review blood sugar logs together
- Address any concerns immediately
- Adjust plan as needed
Gradual Independence
- Start with shorter school days if needed
- Have child practice self-advocacy
- Build confidence with routine tasks
- Celebrate successful days
Physical Activity & Exercise
Learn to safely manage blood sugar during physical activities
- Check blood sugar - Test 15-30 minutes before activity
- Have supplies ready - Glucose tablets, water, testing kit
- Inform coaches/supervisors - Share diabetes management plan
- Consider snack - If blood sugar is under 150 mg/dL
- Monitor for symptoms - Watch for signs of low blood sugar
- Stay hydrated - Drink water regularly during activity
- Test after exercise - Check blood sugar immediately after
- Monitor for hours - Blood sugar can drop up to 24 hours later
Exploring Diabetes Technology
Learn about tools that can make diabetes management easier
Devices that track blood sugar 24/7 without finger sticks
- • Real-time glucose readings
- • Trend arrows and alerts
- • Reduced finger sticks
- • Better overnight monitoring
Devices that deliver insulin continuously throughout the day
- • Precise insulin delivery
- • Programmable basal rates
- • Bolus calculators
- • Fewer daily injections
Mobile apps to track blood sugar, carbs, and insulin
- • Blood sugar logging
- • Carb counting tools
- • Trend analysis
- • Data sharing with doctors
Week 1 Success Checklist
Track your progress with these key milestones
Daily Management
Support & Activities
You're Doing Great
Remember to celebrate your progress and be patient with yourself
- • You survived the hardest week
- • Your child is safe and healthy
- • You're learning new skills daily
- • Your family is adapting together
- • You're building a support network
- • Overwhelmed by information
- • Anxious about making mistakes
- • Tired from constant vigilance
- • Sad about the diagnosis
- • Worried about the future
Looking Ahead
You've completed your first week! The foundation is set. Now focus on refining your skills, building confidence, and living fully with Type 1 diabetes.