Six Essential Truths to Help You Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes

Managing Type 1 Diabetes feels like holding a full-time job without any breaks. The constant carb counting, mental calculations, and planning required just to start the day can easily make one focus solely on the medical aspects. However, diabetes does not define you; it is merely a part of your rich and adventurous life. Whether you were diagnosed recently or many years ago, here are six tips to help you thrive with Type 1 Diabetes.

1.     It’s not all about the numbers

Diabetes is complex and it demands mental toughness and resilience. But never forget that there is more to your existence than day-to-day management; you have a wonderful life to live. Think of diabetes as a passenger on your journey—it is always in the car, but you are the driver. Your path will look different than anyone else’s. Please don’t compare your struggles that nobody sees with someone else’s public success. Remember, no one has diabetes figured out perfectly and your progress is personal to you.

When you miss the mark, don't beat yourself up. Rather, make the correction, give yourself grace, and keep moving forward. Take time to celebrate every win no matter how small. Seeking perfection can stall progress, so make every little step count.

2.    You can do everything you love to do

Diabetes doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you love. Some activities may take extra planning or effort, but they’re still within reach. Worry and anxiety can easily get in the way, especially when anticipatory anxiety shows up—the kind of worry that makes you fear something will go wrong before it even happens. This can lead to second‑guessing yourself or backing out of something you truly want to do.

When anxiety starts to creep in, pause and look at the situation as a whole. It can help to write down the things you’re afraid might go wrong and then think through practical solutions for each one. Be prepared and accept that things may not always go perfectly, but don’t let that stop you from trying again.

There’s real power in accomplishing something challenging. Give yourself permission to do hard things if they bring you joy. Live fully. Pursuing activities and hobbies you enjoy can support good mental health

and boost your mood.

3.     Burnout is real but you are not alone

Most people living with diabetes experience burnout from time to time. Burnout can lead to negative outcomes such as poor emotional well-being, missed appointments, and elevated A1c. If you feel the weight of diabetes is impacting your management, please seek professional help. Also, find ways to unwind and relieve stress. Some things include:

·         Take a walk

·         Talk to a trusted friend or family member

·         Seek support from your healthcare provider or a diabetes educator

·         Make time to do the things you love

·         Be kind to yourself

Diabetes is a journey not a destination. There may be times when it is more difficult than others and that is ok. Set small goals one at a time and work toward a happier YOU!   

4.     Create your own diabetes team

There’s nothing more powerful than having a strong team to support you. Your team can start with the people closest to you—family and friends—and grow to include extended relatives, teachers, health care professionals, diabetes educators, and your pharmacist. The more those around you understand your diabetes, the better they can support you.

You truly can’t have too many people on your team. Diabetes looks different for everyone, so take time to explain what you do to manage it. It’s especially important to help others understand what hypoglycemia is, how you treat it, and what they can do to assist you if your blood sugar drops. Inviting others into your care can make a meaningful difference in your daily life, offering support that helps you feel safer, more confident, and more connected.

5.     Use the technology that is best for YOU

There are many tools available today that can help lighten the burden of diabetes. Thanks to ongoing research and modern technology, diabetes care has advanced in ways that make blood sugar management more effective and more flexible. Explore the options and choose the technology that best supports your lifestyle. Availability, insurance coverage, and personal preference will all play a role, but with time you’ll discover what works best for you.

Take the opportunity to learn about different diabetes management tools, listen to others’ experiences, and then make the decision that feels right. As new advancements emerge, stay open to trying updated technologies that may improve your daily routine.

6.     You are amazing!

Always know that YOU ARE AMAZING!! Living with diabetes creates resilience and discipline. The daily rigors foster compassion for others, teach meticulous planning, and promote confidence for self-advocacy. Allow the struggles to make you a better person, one that can push forward and be an example to those around you who may also be struggling.

It can be rewarding to look beyond yourself and get involved in the diabetes world. Volunteer for a diabetes youth group or local chapters of national diabetes organizations. Seeing that others are going out every day just like you and facing their diabetes head-on can be emotionally worthwhile.

Regardless of where you are on the journey, you are AMAZING!

Living with diabetes is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and incredible strength. Remember that it’s not just about the numbers—you are so much more than your daily management. You can still pursue the things you love, even when anxiety or uncertainty tries to hold you back. Burnout may happen, but you never have to face it alone; support is all around you. Build a team that understands your needs, embrace the tools and technology that work best for you, and continue to show yourself compassion along the way. Above all, recognize the resilience, courage, and determination you demonstrate every single day. Your journey is uniquely yours, and you are doing an amazing job living it with purpose and heart.

 SaRene Brooks is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She is a mom of 3 adult sons who are now married which added 3 girls to her family. 2 of her sons live with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She specializes in helping families who are impacted by type 1 to adjust and make it a part of their everyday life, while enjoying the things they love.

She is the wife of an avid outdoorsman and loves spending time with him in the mountains. She is a grandma, creative cook, educator and loves to help individuals and families meet their health and nutrition goals.