Empowering Families Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Group photo, 20 June Diabetes Workshop

When a child or young person is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the diagnosis often comes with uncertainty, fear, and countless questions. Understanding the condition, learning essential self-management skills, and finding a supportive community can make all the difference in transforming that fear into confidence.

With this vision in mind, Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Diabetes Clinics successfully hosted a comprehensive Type 1 Diabetes Education Workshop on 20 June 2026 at the UNICEF Zimbabwe Offices in Harare.

Designed primarily for newly diagnosed individuals living with type 1 diabetes and those who had not previously attended structured diabetes education, the workshop brought together approximately 80 participants, including children, adolescents, young adults living with diabetes, parents, caregivers, and family members. They were supported by a multidisciplinary team of 15 facilitators, comprising clinicians, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, diabetes educators, advocates, and partner representatives.

This initiative was powered by Sanofi's Global Health Unit for Sustainable Impact, in partnership with Lilly Grace Foundation and SolidarMed, alongside the dedicated teams from Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Diabetes Clinics.

Far more than a classroom experience, the workshop created an environment where participants could learn, ask questions, practice essential diabetes management skills, connect with peers, and draw strength from one another's lived experiences. It was a day dedicated to education, empowerment, and hope.

Building Strong Foundations in Diabetes Care

The workshop opened with an engaging clinical session led by Dr. Prisca, who guided participants through the fundamentals of diabetes. Families gained a better understanding of the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, common symptoms, diagnosis, blood glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, and prevention of life-threatening emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycaemia.

Dr. Prisca Matyanga-Mureriwa

One of the strongest messages throughout the session was clear: type 1 diabetes requires insulin. While myths and misconceptions continue to exist, participants were reminded that insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment and cannot be replaced by herbal remedies or alternative therapies.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of recognising early warning signs such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and bedwetting in children—symptoms that are often overlooked but can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Participants actively engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions about glucose monitoring, exercise, insulin use, and long-term diabetes management.

Nutrition: Making Healthy Eating Practical

Healthy eating is often one of the biggest concerns for newly diagnosed families. Dietitian Ruvimbo Dande helped simplify this complex topic by demonstrating that healthy eating for someone living with diabetes is, in fact, healthy eating for the entire family.

Registered Dietician, Ruvimbo Danda

Rather than focusing on restrictions, the session emphasized balance, portion control, and understanding how different foods influence blood glucose levels.

Participants explored:

- Carbohydrates and their impact on glucose levels.

- Identifying foods containing sugars and starches.

- Healthy snack choices.

- Fruit and vegetable recommendations.

- Individual differences in food responses.

- Monitoring blood glucose after meals.

One of the most appreciated practical demonstrations was the "Hand Portion Method," which showed families how to estimate food portions using their own hands—an easy, affordable approach that can be applied every day without specialised equipment.

For many caregivers, this session transformed nutrition from something intimidating into something manageable and realistic.

Looking Beyond Blood Sugar: Prioritising Mental Health

Managing diabetes involves much more than insulin and glucose readings.

Clinical Psychologist Walter Beta led an impactful session exploring the emotional realities of living with diabetes. Participants learned about diabetes distress, burnout, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of seeking support before emotional challenges become overwhelming.

Clinical Psychologist, Walter Beta

Importantly, families discovered that diabetes distress is different from clinical depression, although the two may appear similar. By recognising emotional warning signs early, individuals and caregivers can seek timely support and maintain healthier long-term diabetes management.

The discussions also addressed stigma, self-confidence, and creating supportive environments both at home and in schools—topics that deeply resonated with participants.

Building Confidence Through Practical Skills

One of the workshop's most interactive sessions was delivered by the SolidarMed nursing team, who provided practical demonstrations on insulin injection techniques and safe insulin storage.

Sr. Annastacia Makudo

Participants learned about:

- Correct injection techniques.

- Injection site rotation.

- Preventing lipohypertrophy.

- Proper injection angles.

- The 10-second rule after injecting insulin.

- Safe storage of insulin in different environments.

These demonstrations gave newly diagnosed families an opportunity to ask practical questions and gain confidence in skills that they will use every day.

Sr. Joyline Chihota

For many participants, handling insulin correctly shifted from being a source of anxiety to becoming a manageable part of daily life.

The Power of Lived Experience

Perhaps the most emotional and inspiring part of the day came from the testimonies shared by people living with diabetes and caregivers.

Hilder, Kristian, Laura, Gabriel's Caregiver, Ms. Chitsa, Tsitsi, Praise Manyangadze, and Dr. Mitchell courageously shared their personal journeys—stories of diagnosis, challenges, resilience, advocacy, and hope.

People with lived experience of T1D

Some described surviving diabetic emergencies and lengthy hospital admissions. Others reflected on learning to live confidently with diabetes despite setbacks and uncertainty.

A message echoed throughout every testimony:

"Listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and remember that life gets better."

For newly diagnosed families, these stories served as living proof that type 1 diabetes does not define one's future.

Strengthening Community Support

Doris Moyo from Lilly Grace Foundation highlighted the organisation's continued efforts to support children living with diabetes, including assistance for children facing insulin access challenges in Gweru.

Lili Grace Foundation, Doris Moyo-Zinjenah

Her message encouraged young people to see themselves not through the lens of their diagnosis, but through their potential.

Participants were reminded that diabetes should never limit their ambitions, dreams, or future.

Listening to the Voices of Participants

Small-group discussions created a safe environment where participants openly shared their realities. The interactive group discussions were coordinated by Rufaro Gororo-Norumedzo, Heather Koga, Silent Manyere, George, and Dr. Nyaradzai Mitchell Garakasha—all experienced diabetes educators and advocates—with valuable support from the nursing team. A dedicated caregivers' discussion group was facilitated by our Clinical Psychologist, providing parents and caregivers with a safe space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and receive psychosocial support tailored to their unique needs.

Group discussions

Common themes included fear of the future, financial challenges, stigma, insulin access, emotional exhaustion, disclosure concerns, school-related difficulties, and worries about long-term complications.

Young people described the challenges of injecting insulin at school, explaining diabetes to classmates, accessing meals during school hours, and navigating misconceptions about their condition.

Caregivers emphasised the need for greater family education, stronger emotional support, and improved public awareness about type 1 diabetes.

These conversations reinforced that effective diabetes care extends well beyond the clinic and requires supportive families, schools, healthcare systems, and communities.

A Lasting Impact

The feedback received after the workshop reflected the profound impact of the day's activities. Participants described the programme as informative, empowering, practical, encouraging, and life-changing. Many caregivers shared that they left feeling more confident in supporting their children, while young people living with diabetes expressed renewed hope, increased confidence, and reassurance that they are not alone on their journey.

Masters of Ceremony: Rejoice & Jayden

The overwhelmingly positive responses highlighted the continued need for structured diabetes education programmes that combine clinical knowledge with practical skills, emotional support, and peer connection.

Looking Ahead

The success of this workshop demonstrates that diabetes education is far more than the transfer of information—it is an investment in confidence, resilience, independence, and better health outcomes.

By bringing together healthcare professionals, people living with diabetes, caregivers, advocates, and partner organisations, we continue to strengthen a community where every child and young person living with type 1 diabetes has the opportunity to thrive.

As we continue expanding access to diabetes education across Zimbabwe, we remain committed to ensuring that no child or family faces type 1 diabetes alone.

Acknowledgements

This Type 1 Diabetes Education Workshop was powered by Sanofi's Global Health Unit for Sustainable Impact and implemented in partnership with Lilly Grace Foundation, SolidarMed, UNICEF Zimbabwe, and the dedicated teams from Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Diabetes Clinics.

Project Coordinator: Ambassador Tino

Their collective commitment made it possible to provide high-quality diabetes education, practical skills training, psychosocial support, and peer learning opportunities for children, young people living with type 1 diabetes, and their caregivers.

Disclaimer: The views, experiences, and reflections shared in this article are intended for educational and awareness purposes. They do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of Sanofi's Global Health Unit, Lilly Grace Foundation, SolidarMed, UNICEF Zimbabwe, Sally Mugabe Children's Hospital, or Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.