T1D Lifestyle

I was only nine years old when I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. At that age, you’re still learning who you are and where you fit in. Suddenly, I was also learning how to count carbs, check my blood sugar, and give myself insulin. While other kids were worried about homework or what game to play at recess, I was learning how to manage a chronic illness. From that moment on, I often felt different, and for a long time, that feeling affected my confidence.

As I grew up, that feeling of being different sometimes made it difficult to fully feel like I belonged. Living with Type One Diabetes became a big part of my everyday life, and it shaped how I saw myself in ways I didn’t always understand at the time. I was trying to figure out who I was while also learning how to navigate the responsibilities that came with a chronic illness. In many ways, it felt like I had to grow up faster than everyone else around me.

In elementary school, it started with having to get my lunch separately and going to the nurse’s office to make sure I was taking the right insulin doses and counting my carbs correctly. Even at that age, it made me feel different from the other kids.

Then in high school, it sometimes felt like diabetes controlled my life. I would have to leave class to treat low blood sugars, and people would wonder why I was constantly going to the nurse’s office. It could be frustrating and, at times, embarrassing.

As I got older, into college and my twenties, new insecurities came up. I became more aware of the wires from my insulin pump peeking out from my clothes or my Dexcom sensor visible on my arm. People would make jokes or ask questions like, “Is that a walkie-talkie?” or “What’s that on your arm?” I know most of the time people were just curious, but hearing those comments over and over again started to affect how I saw myself. Sometimes I felt like a robot with all these machines attached to me.

So how did I overcome these feelings? Honestly, I don’t know if I completely have. There are still days when the weight of living with a chronic illness feels heavy. But little by little, every day, I’m learning to face those fears and build confidence in myself.

One thing that helps me is telling myself that if I can handle Type One Diabetes, I can handle almost anything life throws my way. Managing diabetes takes strength, resilience, and patience every single day. When I think about it that way, it shifts my perspective. Instead of seeing diabetes as something that holds me back, I start to see how much stronger it has made me. It motivates me every day to keep pushing forward and to believe in myself a little more.

Another thing that has helped me build confidence is learning to be open about my diagnosis. For a long time, I felt like I had to hide parts of my experience or pretend everything was easy. But the more I talked about it, the more I realized that sharing my story can actually help others and remind me that I’m not alone. Connecting with other people who understand what living with Type One Diabetes is like can be incredibly empowering.

I’ve also learned the importance of giving myself grace. Living with a chronic illness means some days are harder than others, and that’s okay. Confidence doesn’t mean having everything perfectly under control. Sometimes it simply means getting through the day, taking care of yourself, and reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can.

If you’re a fellow Type One reading this, please remember that you are strong, resilient, and inspiring. Or if you have someone in your life with Type One, send them some encouraging words because it can truly make a difference.

So let’s continue finding our confidence together. Share in the comments what helps you feel confident!