The Diagnosis No Parent Is Ready For | Susan’s Type 1 Diabetes Story

In this episode of Changing Lanes, Rachel sits down with Susan as she shares the story of her daughter Ella’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.Susan talks about what life looked like before August 2025, when she was growing her business, building the retreat business and feeling like she was starting to get more freedom as her children got older. Then, one phone call from the doctor changed everything.Susan shares what diagnosis day was like, from the early symptoms they nearly brushed off to the hospital stay that followed. She also reflects on Ella learning to inject insulin on her 11th birthday and the daily reality of managing Type 1 diabetes, including blood sugar, insulin, carb counting and glucose levels. The conversation also explores the mental load of Type 1 diabetes, the impact it has on the whole family, the misconceptions people still have about diabetes and the resilience Ella continues to show. This is for anyone wanting to better understand what Type 1 diabetes really looks like for families, and for any parent navigating a diagnosis, a new normal or a life-changing season with their child.In this episode, we cover:Ella’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosisEarly symptoms and diagnosis dayHospital, insulin injections and blood sugarCarb counting and glucose levelsCGMs and insulin pumpsThe mental load of Type 1 diabetesDiabetic ketoacidosis and early diagnosisCommon Type 1 diabetes misconceptionsParenting through diagnosisThe impact on the whole familyElla’s resilience and strengthAdvice for newly diagnosed families CONNECT WITH USChanging Lanes Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/changinglanesthepodcastPilates Retreat Club Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pilatesretreatclubThe Pilates Retreat Club → https://www.thepilatesretreatclub.com.auIf you are a busy woman, mum, professional, business owner or someone figuring out your next chapter, subscribe to Changing Lanes for honest conversations, real stories and practical encouragement to support you as you navigate change.