A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can affect your entire family. Brothers and sisters may experience a range of emotions and questions as everyone adjusts to new routines and responsibilities. Supporting siblings can help them feel included, understood and connected during this time.
How siblings may feel
Siblings often have mixed feelings about diabetes. They may:
- Feel left out when attention is focused on their brother or sister with diabetes
- Worry about their sibling’s health and wellbeing
- Wonder if diabetes is contagious or whether they will develop diabetes too
- Feel confused about diabetes and what it means for family life
- Feel jealous, frustrated or resentful at times
- Feel responsible for helping their sibling manage diabetes
- Experience sadness, anxiety or changes in behaviour as they adjust to family changes.
Strategies to support siblings
There are many ways parents and carers can help siblings feel supported and included:
Keep communication open
Explain diabetes in simple, age-appropriate language and encourage questions. Children are often reassured when they understand what is happening and know they can talk about their worries.
Spend Individual Time Together
Try to regularly spend one-on-one time with your child without diabetes, even if it is only for a short period. This helps them feel valued and connected.
Maintain Family Routines
Where possible, keep family life as normal as you can. Consistent routines and expectations can help all children feel safe and secure.
Share Responsibility Appropriately
It is important that siblings do not feel responsible for managing diabetes. While they can learn about diabetes and be supportive, diabetes care remains the responsibility of parents, carers and the child with diabetes as they grow and develop self-management skills.
Make Healthy Eating a Family Approach
Healthy eating is beneficial for the whole family. Try to avoid making one child feel different because of diabetes and focus on shared family meals and healthy food choices.
Building Positive Family Connections
Many families discover that living with diabetes encourages greater teamwork, empathy and resilience. Open communication, patience and understanding can help strengthen family relationships over time.
When to Seek Extra Support
If a sibling seems particularly worried, withdrawn, anxious or overwhelmed, talk to your diabetes healthcare team. They may recommend additional support, such as a social worker, psychologist or peer support program.
Peer Support for Siblings
Meeting other families living with type 1 diabetes can help siblings realise they are not alone. Peer support programs, family events and activities such as DiaBuddies may provide opportunities to connect with others who understand the challenges and experiences of living with type 1 diabetes.
Talk to your diabetes team if you are concerned about a sibling, they may refer them to a social worker or psychologist. Some services may offer “Sibling Days” for brothers and sisters of children with diabetes, these are usually small group education and support days.