Children with type 1 diabetes can thrive and reach developmental milestones just like other children. Diabetes management works best when it is adapted to your child’s age, stage of development and individual needs, while supporting them to enjoy all the experiences of childhood.
There are several behaviours and stages that any child goes through regardless of whether or not they have diabetes. It is important as a parent to understand these behaviours as well as how they may impact on your child’s diabetes.
Ages 0-2 years
At this age your child is completely dependent on you for all care. Many infants begin to develop patterns around feeding and sleeping, although routines vary greatly between children
They learn about the world through their senses, including touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. Secure relationships with parents and carers help babies feel safe and supported as they grow
From about 2 to 4 months of age, smiles and gurgles will reward you for your efforts with sounds and movement providing increasing pleasure.
From 6 to 12 months of age your child responds to different facial gestures, speech and interactive behaviour.
From around 9–12 months, babies begin to express a wider range of emotions and may show frustration, distress, curiosity and enjoyment more clearly
Actions become deliberate rather than reflex. For example, a cry from your child gets you to run. Socialising has begun.
Ages 2-4 years
Your child wants to be in control, wants to “do”, to be in charge and they start to achieve tasks. They learn by repetition, gradually becoming more competent.
Their imagination grows and daydreams, the use of magic and pretend-play are common in their day-to-day life.
They may have an imaginary ‘friend’ who is very real to them and with whom they have long conversations! Language skills start developing and vocabulary grows.
Your child is curious about the world and may constantly ask “Why? Why?”
They start to develop a range of gestures to express themselves. Your child will be very intuitive and will seem to be able to ‘read’ you like a book.
This is the age when they start testing the waters, so they may throw (and recover from) tantrums frequently and easily.
Young children are still developing reasoning skills and often view situations in simple, concrete terms.
Diabetes Management during infancy
Managing type 1 diabetes in babies can be challenging because feeding, activity and sleep patterns are often unpredictable.
Parents and carers may need to:
- Monitor glucose levels frequently, often with the support of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
- Adapt insulin doses around changing feeding patterns.
- Be prepared for glucose levels to vary due to growth, illness, teething, and developmental changes.
- Be prepared to work closely with their diabetes healthcare team to adjust diabetes management as their child grows.
- Plan ahead for sick days and know when to seek medical advice.
Although diabetes care can feel overwhelming at times, babies benefit most from loving, responsive caregiving, opportunities to play and explore, and participation in normal family activities.
Diabetes management during toddler and preschool years
Toddlers and preschoolers are becoming aware of their diabetes, but they are not yet able to manage it independently.
Common challenges include:
- Unpredictable eating habits and changing food preferences.
- Variable activity levels that can affect glucose levels.
- Resistance to diabetes tasks such as finger-pricks, sensor changes or injections or pump cannula changes.
- Fear, frustration or anxiety related to diabetes procedures.
- Increased independence combined with limited understanding of safety.
Parents and carers continue to take primary responsibility for diabetes management while encouraging children to participate in age-appropriate ways. For example, a child may help choose which finger to test or assist with selecting a site for their glucose sensor.
It is important to remember that challenging behaviour is usually a normal part of development rather than a result of diabetes. Maintaining clear routines, consistent boundaries and realistic expectations can help support both your child’s emotional wellbeing and diabetes management.
Updated: August 2026