When Stacey’s toddler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, her family’s world turned upside down. In this episode, she shares the early warning signs, the struggle of those first two weeks of injections, and how humor and community turned fear into resilience. Parents will gain hope, advocacy tips, and coping strategies for managing a chronic illness diagnosis.
How Stacey recognized the 4 Ts of diabetes: Thirsty, Tired, Thinner, Toilet
The reality of hospitalization, finger sticks, and injections with a toddler
Coping strategies: medical play, humor, and routines that work
The power of community and rejecting “perfect parenting”
Building advocacy through Diabetes Connections and The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom
Stacey Simms is an award-winning broadcaster, speaker, and author of The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom. Since 2015, she has hosted Diabetes Connections, offering real stories and resources for the Type 1 community.
🔗 Diabetes Connections
🔗 Instagram @staceysimms
Advocate for more than a finger stick when symptoms appear
Medical play & humor ease children’s anxiety about procedures
There’s no “perfect parent”—safe and happy is enough
Community matters, but it’s okay to choose your people wisely
00:00 – Introduction & Stacey’s background
02:00 – Early signs of Type 1 diabetes (the 4 Ts)
06:00 – Hospital stay and first injections
10:00 – The hardest two weeks: shots, tears, and routine
15:00 – Teaching kids about diabetes as they grow
18:00 – Humor, medical play, and coping strategies
22:00 – Building Diabetes Connections & Moms’ Night Out
25:00 – Lessons Stacey learned about herself
27:00 – The myth of perfect parenting
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