Have you ever wished for someone to be in your corner who truly understands your goals, helps you navigate challenges, offers a safe, non-judgmental space, and supports you in reconnecting with yourself—all while you navigate the type 1 diabetes journey?

Someone who can help you prioritize your own health and well-being along the way? Luckily, such support is available for T1D caregivers, and it comes in the form of health coaching!

As a T1D mom, you’re juggling so much. You carry the weight of caring for your T1D child, offering constant support as they manage their diabetes. At the same time, you’re making sure they enjoy the fun of being a kid while having every chance to thrive!

On top of that, you’re balancing countless other responsibilities. From caring for loved ones and managing school schedules to planning meals, working, or running a household, your life is full.

And while every T1D caregiver’s journey is unique, one thing is universal—you care deeply.

When it comes to diabetes, it’s not just about blood sugar levels or carb counting. Diabetes touches every aspect of life. At Type Won Coaching™, we believe that a successful diabetes journey—one where you feel good and your loved ones are thriving—is all about finding a rhythm that works for you and your family. That’s where health coaching comes in!

Think of health coaching like being part of your favorite sports team. When you partner with a health coach, you gain a close, motivated teammate. A health coach works to understand your unique journey, while offering support, tools, and resources to ensure you thrive, not just survive while navigating diabetes.

So today, let’s explore how health coaching benefits T1D caregivers like you, and why it might be the missing piece in your journey. Let’s get started!

Let’s Define Health Coaching

Health coaching is a collaborative partnership where your needs come first. It’s centered around supporting you as you build on your strengths and take steps toward your ultimate health goals – whatever that looks like for you!

Health coaching is also all about forward movement. I meet you where you are, and together we’ll determine where you want to go. This positive, collaborative approach touches every aspect of life—from self-care, mindset, and food, to sleep, stress management, and relationships.

Unlike a medical professional who may diagnose or treat specific conditions, a health coach works alongside you to help clarify your vision for health. Together, we’ll set achievable goals and create an action plan that fits your lifestyle.

How Health Coaching Came to Be

Although health coaching may feel like a relatively new concept, its roots go back several decades! The idea of health coaching began gaining traction in the 1980s and 1990s as healthcare professionals recognized the need for more personalized, holistic approaches to health.

While doctors, nurses, and dietitians play critical roles in managing specific aspects of health and disease, the growing complexity of chronic conditions, including diabetes, revealed that many patients need more ongoing support to make healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes. This support needed to extend beyond doctor’s visits.

In 2009, the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC) was established to provide standards, certification, and professionalization to the field. This certification ensures that health coaches are well-trained, adhere to evidence-based practices, and maintain the highest ethical standards.

After earning my Master’s degree in Integrative Health and Well-Being Coaching from the University of Minnesota, I spent the last six months preparing for the NBC-HWC board exam. I’m happy to share that I’ve passed and am now a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach!

How Health Coaching is Different from Other Support Professions

It’s important to outline how health coaching differs from doctors, therapists, or dietitians. Below is a high-level overview. While these professions have much more to them, I’ve kept it short and to the point to respect your time!

Doctors:

Diagnose and treat medical conditions, including prescribing medications and monitoring clinical markers.

Therapists:

Focus on emotional and mental health, helping clients process their feelings and work through challenges.

Dietitians/Nutritionists:

Provide expert advice on nutrition, creating specific meal plans and dietary guidelines.

While each of these roles is essential, health coaching focuses on behavior change and mindset. A health coach helps you identify habits and thought patterns that might be holding you back, then supports you as you make gradual, sustainable changes.

Here’s what a health coach does:

• Asks powerful questions to help you gain clarity on your values and health goals.
• Helps you identify challenges and barriers, but always from a place of non-judgment.
• Supports you in creating realistic, actionable steps toward your goals.
• Holds you accountable in a way that feels encouraging, not overwhelming.

And here’s what a health coach doesn’t do:

• We don’t diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
• We don’t give you a one-size-fits-all plan.
• We don’t make decisions for you or tell you what to do—we empower you to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.

For T1D caregivers, this approach can be transformative. You’re already the expert on your child’s needs. A health coach helps you own that you’re the expert of your own health, too.

How Health Coaching Can Help You as a T1D Caregiver

Now that we’ve explored what health coaching is and how it differs from other support professions, let’s bring it back to you as a T1D mom.

You already know the importance of managing your child’s blood sugar, insulin doses, and dietary choices—but what about managing the emotional toll, stress, and potential burnout that can come with being a primary caregiver? That’s where health coaching comes in.

Health coaching isn’t just about addressing immediate challenges. It’s about helping you and your family thrive in a sustainable, healthy way.

As your health coach, my role is to empower you to cultivate a lifestyle that supports your child’s needs while prioritizing your own well-being. Here’s a few ways coaching can benefit your life:

Benefit #1: Create a Balanced Routine

Life with T1D can be unpredictable. A health coach helps you create a routine that takes into account both your child’s care and your own self-care. From meal prepping and stress management to making time for movement, coaching helps you build a structure that works for everyone.

Benefit #2: Manage Stress and Burnout

Did you know one study found 36% of T1D caregivers experience burnout at some point? A health coach provides you with a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your challenges. We also offer strategies like mindfulness practices, time management techniques, and stress-reduction tools to help you cope.

Benefit #3: Prioritize Self-Care

It’s easy to put your needs on the back burner. A health coach helps you see self-care not as selfish, but as something that’s essential. When you take care of your own health, you’re better equipped to care for your family in the long run.

Benefit #4: Offer Support That’s Unique To You

Every family’s journey with T1D is unique. A health coach offers personalized support tailored to your specific needs. This can help you create a plan that fits your family’s lifestyle and goals.

Final Thoughts

Health coaching is a powerful, supportive tool for T1D caregivers. The growth of health coaching has been especially beneficial for those managing long-term health conditions like T1D, where consistent, empathetic support is key.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your values, focus on what matters most, and work toward your goals, health coaching may be the perfect fit for you. It can help you gain confidence and clarity on your diabetes journey while empowering you to feel your best.

Your journey is about more than just achieving specific health goals—it’s about building a lifestyle where you and your family can thrive. Health coaching helps you step back, assess where you are, and build a roadmap to where you want to go. It’s not about just surviving—it’s about thriving.

Whether you’re developing healthier habits, managing stress, or prioritizing self-care, coaching offers the kind of life-giving changes that can transform your family’s well-being.

Curious about how health coaching can support you? Feel free to reach out here to get started! Know I’m always here to help, and would be honored to support you on your journey.

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

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.