Written by people living with diabetes. Medically reviewed where it counts.
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and impacts daily life in different ways. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed, are managing diabetes long-term, or are supporting someone you care about, understanding the condition is essential for protecting your health and quality of life.
Diabetes includes a group of conditions that affect how the body regulates blood glucose. Differences in causes, treatment approaches, and long-term risks make it important to understand the specific type of diabetes involved, as well as how diagnosis, treatment, and daily management work together to support long-term health.
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News
As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, I write this to help others in our community understand what’s changing—and what it means for daily life. People living with diabetes using certain MiniMed insulin pumps are being urged to take a simple precaution following a recent safety notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ely Fornoville 1 min read
Mental Health
Living with diabetes doesn’t have to feel like a nonstop calculation. Between checking blood sugar, tracking meals, and fitting in exercise, small adjustments can make your days smoother and your glucose levels steadier. These diabetes “hacks” are based on real-world habits that work for many people managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 1.
Ely Fornoville 4 min read
Diabetes
Managing diabetes requires more than daily glucose checks—regular lab tests give a complete picture of your health. These screenings track blood sugar control, kidney and heart function, and early complications, helping doctors adjust your treatment before problems worsen.
Ely Fornoville 8 min read
Everything else in Diabetes, newest first.
Diabetes
Baqsimi nasal spray is a life-saving treatment for severe hypoglycemia, delivering a 3 mg glucagon dose through the nose without an injection. It works within about 15 minutes and is designed for quick use by caregivers during emergencies. Understanding proper usage before an emergency happens is crucial for you and your caregivers.
Ely Fornoville 8 min read
Diabetes
Preparing questions for your endocrinologist ensures you get the best care and leave your appointment with clear next steps. Endocrinologists help people with diabetes fine-tune treatment, review labs, adjust medications, and discuss lifestyle strategies. Asking the right questions improves blood sugar control and helps you stay proactive between visits.
Ely Fornoville 6 min read
Medication
When someone with diabetes experiences dangerously low blood sugar and can’t eat or drink, a glucagon emergency kit becomes a life-saving tool that can prevent unconsciousness, seizures, or worse outcomes. Many people feel overwhelmed by the idea of giving an emergency injection, but glucagon kits are designed for non-medical caregivers to use during critical situations.
Ely Fornoville 8 min read
Mental Health
I don’t usually complain. Honestly, I don’t. I try to just get on with it most days — handle the highs, the lows, the tech, the planning, the unpredictability… all the lovely chaos that comes with type 1 diabetes. I try to stay positive. But sometimes — just sometimes — I complain.
Ely Fornoville 5 min read
Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes affects millions of Americans, with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes being the most common forms. While both lead to high blood sugar levels, they differ in causes, symptoms, and management. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body stops insulin production, often diagnosed in children.
Ely Fornoville 15 min read
Diet & Nutrition
Managing blood sugar levels is a priority for millions of Americans with diabetes or prediabetes. Around 84 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, with 90% unaware of their condition. Left unmanaged, prediabetes can progress to diabetes in 70% of cases, increasing risks for heart disease, kidney issues, and more. The good news?
Ely Fornoville 18 min read
Nutrition
Imagine ordering a Diet Coke, taking a sip, and instantly wondering if it’s actually diet. Ordering a diet soft drink but receiving a regular one can be dangerous for a diabetic, as consuming sugar by mistake may cause high blood glucose and lead to serious health emergencies.
Ely Fornoville 6 min read
Complications
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a common issue that can lead to serious health risks if not managed properly. It occurs when blood glucose levels exceed normal thresholds – typically over 125 mg/dL for those without diabetes or above 180 mg/dL after meals for individuals with diabetes.
Ely Fornoville 14 min read
Diet & Nutrition
Learn how to effectively count carbohydrates to manage blood sugar levels and improve diabetes control through informed meal planning and insulin adjustments.
Ely Fornoville 14 min read
Community stories, not case studies.
I’m Antonio, I’m 29, and I live in Italy. I’ve been diabetic since 2014. I love sport, with road cycling as my first choice and then lifting weights. I love tattoos (they’re like a drug), and I work in IT. I definitely don’t hide my diabetes.
Living with diabetes for 6 years
I’m Gabriel, I’m 32, and I live in Miami. I’m passionate about fitness and healthy eating, and I love reading and coffee. I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for eight years. I never hid my diabetes. Emotionally, it’s been hard at times, but it has made me a better human in every way.
Living with diabetes for 8 years
I’m Sophie, I’m 18, and I live in Wickford in Essex, England. I love to dance, sing and go to the gym, and I’ve recently started running. I love going to parties, shopping, the cinema and hanging out with my friends and family. I’m due to start university soon to study psychology.
Living with diabetes for 5 years
I’m 24 and live in Washington State. I’m a college student at Washington State University, and I work as a broista at Dutch Bros Coffee. I have two golden retrievers, and they are my absolute best friends. My favourite hobbies are working out and hanging out at coffee shops with my friends.
Living with diabetes for 10 years
Diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Each type has different causes, treatments, and challenges.
Understanding which type of diabetes you’re dealing with is the foundation for effective care and long-term health.
Diabetes symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity. Some people experience clear warning signs, while others may live with diabetes for years before diagnosis.
Common topics covered in this section include:
Learning to recognize symptoms early and understanding diagnostic tools can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Living with diabetes involves daily decisions that affect blood sugar, energy levels, and overall well-being. Effective management looks different for everyone, but common areas include:
Our guides focus on practical, realistic strategies to help you manage diabetes in everyday life, not perfection.
Diabetes doesn’t define who you are. Many people live full, active, and meaningful lives while managing the condition.
Explore resources focused on:
You can also find inspiration and real-world insight in our Diabetes Stories, where people share their personal journeys living with diabetes.