Scripts for Real Life

Free PDF · 11 pages · 491 KB · No signup

The Family Scripts Pack

Eight printable scripts in one calm, branded PDF: new partner, grandparent, school, family, work, burnout, AID ask, MDI return.

Enter your email to receive the Family Scripts Pack in your inbox within seconds. Free, no spam, unsubscribe any time.

The conversations Type 1 keeps making you have.

Word-for-word scripts you can adapt. Drop the bits that don’t fit you. Use the bits that do. None of this needs to be hard.

“I’m going through diabetes burnout.”

Use with: your diabetes team, a partner, a close friend.

“I want to flag something that’s been building. I’m in diabetes burnout. It’s not that I’ve stopped caring it’s that I’ve been caring this hard for too long and I’ve run out of energy for the visible parts. I’m still safe. I’m still doing the basics. I just want you to know it’s heavy right now, and I’d like some help to make it lighter for a bit. Can we talk about what that could look like?”

Telling a new partner about Type 1.

Use with: a new partner. After the second or third date, when it feels right.

“I want to tell you something about me. I have Type 1 diabetes. It’s not the same as Type 2 it’s an autoimmune condition, I take insulin every day, and I’ll have it for life. I manage it pretty well. The main things you’d notice are this device on my arm (a CGM, it checks my glucose), and sometimes me eating something quickly to treat a low. If you ever see me looking pale, shaky, or confused, ask me if I need sugar. That’s the practical bit. The emotional bit is it takes work, and sometimes I’ll just be tired. Ask me anything you want.”

Asking your diabetes team for an AID system.

Use with: your endocrinologist or diabetes educator.

“I’ve been thinking about Automated Insulin Delivery. I’d like to understand the options. Specifically: what systems do you have experience with? What might suit my pattern of life? What does the funding pathway look like for me? What would I need to do over the next six months to be a good candidate? I’m not asking for a decision today I’d like to understand the landscape and decide together over the next couple of appointments.”

Talking to your child’s school about Type 1.

Use with: the school principal, classroom teacher, school nurse.

“Our child [name] has Type 1 diabetes. We want to work with the school to keep them safe and supported. The three things that matter most: (1) [name] needs immediate access to fast-acting sugar at all times please make this normal, not exceptional. (2) If they tell you they’re low, believe them and treat don’t make them wait or ‘finish the lesson’. (3) They have a CGM that may alarm during class. The alarm is information, not a disturbance. We’ll provide a full management plan and the diabetes team’s contact details. Who’s our main point of contact? and what training does the staff need from us?”

Telling a grandparent without panic.

Use with: a parent, in-law, or older relative who is anxious but trying to help.

“Type 1 is not the same as Type 2. Sugar didn’t cause it and food won’t fix it. What it means is [name]’s body doesn’t make insulin, so we give it via injection or pump. The most useful thing you can do is treat [name] like the kid they were before same love, same expectations, same sense of humour. The thing to know in emergencies: if they’re confused, pale, sweaty or unconscious, that’s likely a low blood sugar, give them juice or jellies fast and call us. We’ll teach you the rest gradually. There’s no test. You don’t have to memorise everything. We’ve got this together.”

“Please don’t comment on my food or my numbers.”

Use with: a parent, partner, sibling, or anyone whose ‘help’ isn’t helping.

“I know you mean well. But when you comment on what I’m eating or what my number is, it doesn’t help me it adds a layer. Diabetes already makes me think about food a hundred times a day. I’d love your support, just not in that form. What would actually help: ask how I’m doing, not how my numbers are. Trust that I’ve got a clinical team for the medical bit. and if you ever see me struggling, just ask ‘do you need anything?’ that’s the line that helps.”

Disclosing Type 1 to an employer.

Use with: a new manager, HR, or in a job interview if asked.

“I have Type 1 diabetes. It’s well-managed and doesn’t affect my ability to do the work. Two practical things: (1) I may need to step away briefly to treat a low blood sugar usually under five minutes. (2) I may have annual or quarterly appointments I’ll schedule around our calendar. That’s it. Happy to answer anything you’re curious about.”

“I’d like to try MDI again.”

Use with: your diabetes team, when you’re tired of the pump.

“I’d like to talk about switching from pump to multiple daily injections, at least for a season. I’m not unhappy with my care I’m tired of the device burden. I want to know what the trade-offs would look like in my situation, what we’d watch, and how we’d evaluate after three months. I’m open to staying on the pump if that’s safer, I just want to think this through with you rather than alone.”