Parenting a child with Type 1 diabetes is never simple, and when school enters the mix it can feel overwhelming.

In this episode of The Diabetic Mammy, I explore the role of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in Irish primary schools and what that support really looks like for families managing Type 1 diabetes.

From those fragile first weeks after diagnosis to the longer journey of helping our children grow in confidence and independence, I share my own stories of both supportive and challenging school environments. We’ll talk about how the SNA system has changed, why not every child with diabetes automatically needs full-time assistance, and how we as parents can strike the delicate balance between protecting and empowering.

Whether you’re navigating school meetings, advocating for resources, or simply wondering how to prepare your child for more independence, this conversation will help you see school as one piece of the bigger picture in parenting with Type 1 diabetes.

The Diabetic Mammy is the heartfelt, no-nonsense podcast where type 1 diabetes meets motherhood, community, and a whole lot of real talk. Hosted by Catherine, a mammy navigating the highs and lows of type 1 diabetes, each episode blends personal insight with practical wisdom, offering support for parents, carers, and anyone living with or loving someone with diabetes. From tech transitions and hospital diagnoses to school lunches and stolen sleep, this podcast embraces the messy, meaningful moments that make up life with chronic illness. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned warrior, The Diabetic Mammy is your space to feel seen, supported, and never alone.

Connect with Catherine by email on catherine@abundantlydiabetes.com or reach her on Instagram: abundantlydiabetes

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