Real Diabetes Stories From Our Community

Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially after diagnosis or during difficult periods related to diabetes complications. Hearing real stories from others who understand the daily challenges helps reduce that sense of loneliness. These personal journeys offer emotional support, practical insight, and reassurance that you’re not alone. By sharing experiences, setbacks, and wins, our community helps others feel seen, understood, and empowered.

Meet members of our community and read their stories below.

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Matt Vande Vegte 0009 Screenshot 20200722 130324 Instagram
Type 1 Los Angeles

Matt Vande Vegte, 30 years

I am a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, author, and speaker. None of these things would have ever been possible without type 1 diabetes, which has allowed me to see the silver lining in some of life’s most difficult times and remain grateful.

Living with diabetes for 10 years

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Type 1 India

Jazz Sethi, 25 years

I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 11 years now! I am a professional dancer and choreographer and the founder of The Diabesties Foundation! When not working on diabetes or dance, you can find me reading, listening to music, or writing!

Living with diabetes for 11 years

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Type 1 Puerto Rico

Natalia Angelica Luciano, 18 years

I’m a sophomore at college, and I’m majoring in General Biology with a minor in Human Biology. I have two dogs, which I love, and I’m a vegetarian. I’m the youngest sibling out of five, and I love spending time with my family.

Living with diabetes for 7 1/2 years

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Type 1 Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Cerise Thoor, 23 years

I’m French, and it’s been 5 years since I moved to Montreal, Canada. I moved here to go to university and study business. Now, I work in digital marketing. I got diagnosed a few months after I arrived in Montreal, so my diagnosis story is a bit of a wild one.

Living with diabetes for 5 years

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Type 1 Andhra Pradesh, India

Sravani Rajput, 25 years

I grew up with type one diabetes during my teenage years, and I never felt the need to hide it. As I was staying away from my family to continue my college, it was necessary for me to be vocal about my situation. In case I need any help from others in any emergency situation.

Living with diabetes for 11 years

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Type 1 Tasmania, Australia

Andrew Burgess, 29 years

I’ve faced a lot of hurdles throughout my life. The biggest thing is to stay less stressed, not care about anyone else’s drama, be yourself, be a diabetic, and you will live a great diabetic life. Don’t be in denial when you have time to overcome things.

Living with diabetes for 23 years

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Type 1 Santa Monica, CA, USA

Christel Oerum, 41 years

I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997. I was born and raised in Denmark but moved to the United States with my husband in 2009. Today, we run www.diabetesstrong.com from our home in Santa Monica, CA, where we enjoy hiking and hanging out with our fur baby, Zoe. I didn’t grow up with diabetes.

Living with diabetes for 23 years

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Type 1 Maine

Anastasia Lipp, 18 years

No…I DON’T like lobstahhh. Ekkk, I think they look like giant beetles. BUT, they are a free food! I don’t remember life without diabetes. I was diagnosed when I was four years old. I am living a life fueled by insulin and design.

Living with diabetes for 14 years

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Type 1 California

Mariana Marquez, 31 years

I’m Mexican, a first-generation American, and a type one diabetic for 19 years. I love the outdoors and working out. My best friend is my Diabetic Alert Dog, Lady Bear 🙂 I got diagnosed at the age of 12! I didn’t manage it at all.

Living with diabetes for 19 years

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Type 1 Istanbul, Turkey

Oguz, 29 years

I am part of the T1D runner team. Running, playing basketball, and swimming are big parts of my life. Traveling, doing multiple sports, and my interest in business are also a big part of it. I’m an electrical engineer with an MBA degree. Currently, I’m working as a sales manager.

Living with diabetes for 11 years

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Type 1 Denver, Colorado

Dylan Smith, 30 years

I did not grow up with my diabetes. However, my brother was diagnosed as a type one diabetic in his teens. My endocrinologist believed that I had diabetes for 18 months before being diagnosed and treated.

Living with diabetes for 9 months

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Type 1 Australia

Natalia Skuza, 22 years

I was diagnosed just after my 21st birthday. I had been sick for years and doctors did not pick up on me having diabetes, until after my 21st I said; “enough is enough”. I went back for more checks, and I finally was diagnosed. It felt like a long time coming.

Living with diabetes for 1 year

Diabetes Stories by Type

Everyone’s experience with diabetes is different. Explore stories based on the type of diabetes people are living with to find journeys that resonate most with you.

Type 1 Diabetes Stories

Personal stories from people navigating life with type 1 diabetes, from diagnosis to daily management, medication decisions, technology, and mental health.

Type 2 Diabetes Stories

Real experiences from individuals living with type 2 diabetes, sharing lifestyle changes, nutrition choices, physical activity routines, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

Prediabetes Journeys

Stories from people who caught prediabetes early and are working to prevent progression through lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset shifts.

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