Sammy the Sloth: Helping Children Feel Safe, Confident and Connected After a Diabetes Diagnosis

A new diabetes diagnosis can feel frightening and overwhelming for children and their families.

After diagnosis, children are supported by the Paediatric Diabetes Team at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) through a busy 10-week programme of clinic visits, inpatient stays, home visits and school training. It’s a lot for young people to take in and process, especially when they don’t know anyone else living with diabetes, or with a diabetes monitor.

Thanks to your donations, the team now has a small, cuddly companion to help children feel less alone: Sammy the Sloth, a soft toy fitted with a libre sensor, the same continuous glucose monitor many young patients wear.

A Comforting Companion During a Scary Time

For many children, Sammy becomes an instant source of comfort. Transitional objects like Sammy as proven tools for emotional grounding during stressful moments, as the soft, calming feel of the toy helps reduce anxiety and fear. As one staff member explained:

The mere feeling of cradling something soft and relaxing can soothe young children, as well as help ebb anxiety and fear.“

One family shared how much this small soft toy has meant to them and their eight year old son, Finn, who was diagnosed in April 2025:

When Finn was diagnosed, he was scared and didn’t know what was going on. At his first visit to the hospital, he was told he would have to stay for a few days which was difficult and scary for him. The nurse kindly gave him the soft toy and told him he was very special to get this, and it became his pal in the hospital while he was there. Finn named him ‘Slothy’ and has since become a wee part of the family and is one of the privileged teddies that stays in bed with him!”

Making Diabetes Feel Less Isolating

When Finn did go back to school, the school staff were keen for him to explain his new diagnosis to his class so they would understand his condition and be able to look out for him. Finn’s dad explained how the soft toy helped him do this:

Finn took Slothy with him to share with his class and showed the disc on Slothy’s arm rather than his own disc. All the children were able to hold Slothy and look closely at the device which was much less intimidating for him.”

Creating Space for Children to Express What They’re Feeling

Sammy also acts as a communication tool, helping children talk about their experiences more easily. When young people don’t yet have the language to explain their worries or discomfort, they can express it through Sammy.

Parents and staff have found that this opens conversations, strengthens trust and helps children process difficult emotions.

A Gentle Way to Learn and Talk About Diabetes

Education is another important part of diabetes care. Sammy allows children, parents and healthcare professionals to demonstrate monitoring and treatment in a safe, low pressure way. Being able to practise and ask questions using a toy makes the process less scary and helps children build confidence at their own pace and feel more in control of their care.

A Small Gift Making a Big Difference

The introduction of Sammy the Sloth has transformed the way many young patients and their families experience the early stages of diabetes care. He helps reduce anxiety, eases isolation, supports learning and communication, and gives children a sense of comfort and control during a very challenging time.

As Finn’s dad summed up:

It’s such a great initiative and has made a real difference to Finn and to our family.”