Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires 24/7 monitoring to keep it under control.

For children with the condition, the job of tracking blood sugar levels, counting carbs and just generally monitoring things falls to their parents.

However, according to Heidi Boyachek, the mother of an 11-year-old daughter,  Hayley,  with diabetes, she has to rely on others to help her family.

“These days, my team is quite big and I’m so proud of it. I can send her to school during the day and know that there’s multiple people watching what her numbers are, multiple people checking the time table and knowing “Oh, she’s going to be going outside to play soon, let’s make sure she’s okay” or “Oh, it’s almost gym class” or “We are getting close to lunch or snack time”. I have so many thoughtful, watchful eyes over her and it’s such a good feeling because it really does take a village.”

April 1st is acknowledged as National Caregivers Day, a day to shine a light on the people who care for those with diabetes, as they often can go unnoticed in the daily stresses that come with the condition.

Catch the full interview with Boyachek on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.