The strength behind the smiles: a mother's journey through her son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis.

LOD Diaviews
Jun 28
4 min read

Meet Sarune, mother to the positively energetic Jokubas, who lives with type 1 diabetes.

"Over three years ago, our world changed forever when my son Jokubas was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just five years old." Sarune opens up in this DiAview on her family's story - the diagnosis, the grief, the daily battles, and most of all, the resilience.

Diagnosis Day: The Moment Everything Changed

"It started with small signs; Jokubas was always hungry, drinking more water, and waking through the night. He had mood swings that didn’t make sense. Like many mums, I turned to Google, which suggested a growth spurt... or type 1 diabetes.

I didn’t believe diabetes could happen to a child so young. But when I mentioned it to my sister, she urged me to act fast - she’d seen a student at her school with type 1 and recognised the symptoms.

That night, we were at the emergency walk-in centre. A finger prick. A urine test. And then the number: 26.7 mmol/L. We were rushed to A&E. In an instant, everything changed."

Grief, Guilt, and Going Through the Motions

"The next five days in hospital were a blur of fear, information, and heartbreak. Doctors, nurses, dietitians... everyone explained what our “new normal” would look like, but I wasn’t ready.

I watched my child cry through blood tests and injections. I questioned everything. Did I miss the signs? Could I have prevented this?

The early days were survival mode. I was counting carbs; learning how to give insulin; watching blood sugars. All while mourning the carefree childhood Jokubas had seemed to have lost.

Three years later, the routine is easier. We’ve adapted. But the grief? That lingers. And yet, we keep going. Because we have to.

Living with the Unpredictable: Tech, Trust, and Tears

"Type 1 diabetes is full of contradictions. You do everything “right,” and still get unpredictable results.

At first, Jokubas refused to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), so we relied on finger pricks and injections. After eight months, he gave CGM a try. There were lots of tears at sensor changes—sometimes there still are.

Two years later, he tried an insulin pump. Now we use a closed-loop system, something we couldn’t imagine in those early months. It doesn’t make life normal, but it makes it more manageable.

Diabetes at School: Building a Second Family

"Jokubas is the only child with type 1 diabetes in his school. The staff have been amazing.

A diabetes nurse trained the teachers early on. I visited daily at first to administer insulin until staff felt confident. I’ve since trained more teachers and continue offering refreshers, especially as his care plan evolves.

We communicate constantly throughout the day - texting, checking in, problem-solving. It’s a true partnership, and I’m incredibly grateful.

My advice to other parents? Speak up. Advocate. Be proactive. Your voice matters more than you know.

Letting Kids be Kids - Especially with Type 1

"From day one, we decided diabetes wouldn’t define Jokubas.

He plays football, runs, goes to parties, just like any kid. But it takes planning: checking blood sugars, carrying snacks, adjusting insulin.

Sometimes, diabetes gets in the way. A low can bench him during playtime. A high can leave him tired when he wants to join the fun. It’s heartbreaking, but we try never to let it stop him.

Type 1 is part of his life, but it does not control his life.

Clinic Days and Real-Life Routines

"We attend every diabetes clinic together. Jokubas finds them boring (unless they ask about football!), but they keep us on track.

We review his blood sugar trends, HbA1c, insulin doses — everything. It’s not fun, but it’s vital. And now, it’s just part of our routine.

What I've Learned as a Type 1 Diabetes Parent

"This journey has taught me so much. I’ve learned to adapt and embrace unpredictability. I’ve learned to trust my instincts. And I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought possible.

What I’m Most Proud of Your Son for?

"I am most proud of Jokubas for his strength and resilience.

He has faced so many challenges with type 1 diabetes and despite it all he continues to be brave, determined, and he never lets it define him. He manages his condition while staying positive, and keeps up with his daily life. He amazes me every day.

At such a young age, he handles it all with a smile on his face. I admire him.

I couldn't be prouder of how he's growing into such a strong-willed, independent person.

To Other Parents: You Are Not Alone

"Here’s what I want every parent of a child with type 1 diabetes to know: