T1D Doesn’t Take a Holiday — The Invisible Load Behind Every Family Trip
T1D Doesn’t Take a Holiday — And Neither Do We
Going on holiday as a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes isn’t really a break.
You don’t just pack a suitcase — you pack a survival kit.
While most worry about forgetting a toothbrush, I’m counting insulin vials, backup sensors, glucose tabs, batteries, glucagon, even a doctor’s note to get through airport security with needles.
We make memories, just like other families. But behind every smiling photo is a constant state of hyper-awareness.
We guess carbs at buffets. We stress over food with no nutrition labels.
We prep for blood sugar spikes and crashes like it’s our full-time job—because it is.
🏖️ Even by the pool, we’re not relaxing.
Water interferes with diabetes tech. CGMs stop reading.
So while others unwind, we’re alert. Watching. Wondering.
“Are they dropping?”
“Should I check?”
“Is it safe to take my eyes off them?”
At 2AM we’re still treating highs or lows.
Even at a villa. Even at a resort. Even on “holiday.”
We don’t get to clock out.
💔 It’s not just about diabetes — it’s about judgement.
On a recent trip to Bali, I stayed back to supervise my son at the pool while two friends took my teenage daughter out.
I was grateful for their help. But later, I was judged:
“Why didn’t you come with us?”
“You weren’t there for your daughter.”
“Couldn’t your partner handle it?”
The truth? I wanted to go. I needed a break.
But I couldn’t step away — because safety comes first.
Not everyone is trained.
Not everyone understands the tech.
And even if they do, I can’t turn it off — the mental load, the fear, the responsibility.
✨ This is what support really looks like:
Don’t assume we’re “just being dramatic.”
Offer help — but don’t judge when we say no.
Watch our other kids. Let us breathe.
Don’t downplay the invisible load we carry.
Tell us: “It’s okay to step back.”
That is real support.
That is love in action.
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