As a type 1 diabetes mom, you’re doing an incredible job! And as any T1D caregiver knows, we didn’t choose this journey; it chose us.

But it is one of the most important roles we hold. We are fierce advocates for our loved ones, and our attitude toward diabetes profoundly impacts the entire family.

In fact, a recent study found that parents’ diabetes distress scores significantly affected their child’s HbA1c levels, even more than the child’s own stress!

This is a powerful reminder to reflect on how we approach this journey. What attitudes, emotions, and beliefs do you hold?

While there needs to be a tremendous focus on the individual with diabetes, it’s equally essential to support caregivers. At Type Won Coaching™, we believe T1D caregivers should take center stage too.

When we feel vibrant and grounded, a positive ripple effect spreads throughout the entire family. I’ve witnessed these transformations with my clients and in my own experience as a T1D caregiver.

Health coaching can be the secret weapon that makes the diabetes journey smoother and more successful.

Today, I’d like to highlight 4 game-changing reasons every type 1 diabetes mom should try health coaching. You deserve to feel your best and brightest on this journey!

Reason #1: Put the focus back on you!

Health coaching puts the spotlight back on YOU. During coaching sessions, we’ll explore your family’s dynamic and your T1D warrior’s journey, but the main focus will be on you.

Too often, T1D caregivers’ needs are overlooked. Managing type 1 diabetes can feel like a rollercoaster at times, and you deserve all the support you can get!

Health coaching is a unique partnership where the coach walks alongside you, offering a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect on your needs. You remain in the driver’s seat, determining the topics that matter most to you.

Oftentimes, I’ll begin coaching sessions by asking, “What’s top of mind for you today?” This ensures we address your most pressing needs.

So whether it’s focusing on diabetes, improving sleep, or navigating tough conversations, coaching supports your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Reason #2: Lasting support and accountability

We all know change can be hard, and that’s where health coaching comes in! A health coach provides a supportive space for both short and long-term changes. As trusted accountability partners, coaches help you explore your deepest needs.

Once you uncover your desired changes, whether it’s revamping your diabetes care team or improving your diet, a health coach helps you craft goals that feel true to you.

Trained as behavior change specialists, health coaches walk beside you as you make improvements to your life. Your changes deserve to be celebrated!

And when you encounter hurdles, which are inevitable on the diabetes journey, health coaches offer support without judgment.

If you don’t meet a goal, there’s no shame – only reflection and adjustment. A coach helps you understand why a goal wasn’t met, whether it needs tweaking, or if it no longer feels important.

Reason #3: Explore new perspectives

One of the greatest benefits of health coaching is the opportunity to explore new perspectives. The coaching relationship is like examining a piece of abstract art.

Sometimes we’ll zoom in on a specific part, while other times we’ll step back to get a bird’s eye view. We might even flip the picture around or use different lenses to see things in a new light.

Just like appreciating art, coaching helps you examine and appreciate your life. It’s powerful to ask questions like: What’s working on your diabetes journey? What do you wish to change? And as a type 1 diabetes mom, what are you most proud of?

Health coaching helps you harness your creativity to see different perspectives and new ways of being. So, what’s one area of your life where you feel a change in perspective is needed?

Reason #4: Expand your health toolbox

As a health coach, I’m passionate about all things health and wellness! Throughout my training, I’ve explored various integrative modalities, offering them within our coaching partnership when appropriate and desired.

Health encompasses mind, body, and spirit, and it’s always evolving. What worked in one chapter of our lives may not flow well in another.

Health coaching helps you honor where you are on your journey and expand your definition of health – this is essential for powerful diabetes care.

A health coach is always helping you identify new practices to add to your health toolbox. For instance, one client struggled to manage her stress levels. Meditation didn’t work for her despite trying countless times.

Rather than getting frustrated and beating herself up, we worked to expand her health toolbox. She was able to let go of meditation, and instead discovered journaling and getting together with friends were her favorite ways to unwind.

Final thoughts for today…

Health is all about discovering what works best for you and your family, and a health coach is there to support you every step of the way.

Coaching meets you where you are and helps spark the motivation to reach your goals. It all begins with focusing on YOU.

As a type 1 diabetes caregiver, you do so much. Yet, when was the last time you prioritized your own needs? Investing time and energy in working with a health coach can transform your approach to diabetes.

It becomes a journey of discovery, empowerment and transformation rather than fear, overwhelm, and exhaustion.

So it’s time to prioritize yourself, and feel your best. You’ve got this, Mama!

And if you’re interested in starting your health coaching journey today, please email me at hello@typewoncoaching.com. I’d be honored to walk alongside you!

Until next time, sending tons of love to your and your family!

Allee

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.