MODULE 1

Making sense of type 1 diabetes

NEXT: Teaching Tools

Please read the guidelines of the module below before accessing the Teaching Tools.

Module Overview

“Making sense of type 1 diabetes” introduces the emotional, physical and practical realities of a new type 1 diabetes diagnosis through clear, visual storytelling.

This module helps patients – children, teens, adults and families understand:

  • What type 1 diabetes is
  • Why insulin is needed
  • What changes immediately after diagnosis
  • What feelings and worries are normal
  • How to begin building confidence and life with diabetes
  • What support systems exist

Educators can use this module to guide gentle, structured conversations to reduce overwhelm and help patients feel seen, validated and supported.

This is a foundational module for the Miss Diabetes Education Hub.

All future modules build from the core concepts introduced here.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, patients and families will gain:

Understanding

  • Explain in simple terms what type 1 diabetes is
  • Understand why insulin is essential
  • Recognize common symptoms and early experiences
  • Describe the role of blood glucose monitoring

Emotional Support

  • Identify common feelings after diagnosis
  • Understand that distress, confusion or fear are normal
  • Begin articulating questions or worries
  • Recognize when and how to seek support

Confidence and Skills

  • Begin using visual tools to remember key concepts
  • Identify their care team and sources of guidance
  • Feel more grounded in the early stages of diagnosis
  • Build the mindset for long-term diabetes learning

Educator Goals

  • Establish rapport and trust
  • Use visual tools to simplfy complex ideas
  • Normalize patient fears and worries
  • Lay the foundation for future modules

Quick Session Guide

Every clinic is different. This module works whether you have 5 minutes, 15 minutes or a full session.

Option A – 5 Minute Micro Session

For rushed appointments, drop-ins, follow-ups or overwhelmed families.

  • Show one comic
  • Ask one simple question
  • Share the QR code for patients and families to view the full module at home

Option B – 10-15 Minute Short Session

  • Hero comic (quick overview)
  • Select 2-3 one-page comics
  • Ask 1-2 reflection questions
  • Hand out the worksheet
  • Provide the QR code for home review

Option C – 20-30 Minute Short Session

For structured education or group sessions.

  • Hero comic (quick overview)
  • Select 3-5 one-page comics
  • Guided discussion
  • Worksheet activity
  • Closing reassurance + QR code

Clinical Alignment

This module has been developed to support people living with type 1 diabetes and their families. Content is aligned with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standard of Care in Diabetes – 2025 and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Guidelines, ensuring consistency with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and self-management education.

Alignment to US Guidance

What is type 1 diabetes?

  • Explains autoimmune cause, insulin dependence, symptoms of diagnosis.
  • Aligned with ADA Standards of Care Section 5 (Diagnosis & Classification) and Section 6 (Glycemic Targets).
  • Consistent with ISPAD recommendations for education at diganosis in children and adolescents.

Insulin explained

  • Explains insulin action, glucose uptake, ketone risk.
  • Aligned with ADA Section 9 (Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment).
  • Consistent with ISPAD insulin therapy recommendations for pediatric type 1 diabetes.

Blood Sugar Basics

  • Covers meters, CGMs, flash glucose monitoring, HbA1c.
  • Aligned with ADA Section 6 (Glycemic Targets & Monitoring).
  • ISPAD guidance on CGM/ SMBG use in children included.

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