Written by people living with diabetes. Medically reviewed where it counts.
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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I’m a dancer, and I was diagnosed at the age of 6 with type 1 diabetes. I have my own Instagram account @t1d.cece and am a JDRF youth ambassador. I grew up with type 1 diabetes since I was 6.
Living with diabetes for 10 years
I was born and raised in South Carolina. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on January 13th, 1988, attended college in North Carolina, was a golf professional for 10 years, got married to my now husband in July 2013. I am in the process of adopting 2 kids through our local County Agency.
Living with diabetes for 32 years
I was diagnosed at 5 years old, so I had to grow up with it. My mom made sure to inform everyone she met about my condition (teachers, restaurant staff, cashiers, random people in public, etc.) However, I tried to be a bit more discreet with it.
Living with diabetes for 22 years
I was diagnosed when I was 32 years old with type 2 diabetes. It is hereditary and has affected half of my family. I didn’t hide my diabetes, but I also didn’t grow up with it.
Living with diabetes for 10 years
I was diagnosed when I was nine years old. It has been a really tough journey throughout the years, especially because of the complications I got. I’m fighting severe neuropathy, a permanent feeding tube over the smaller intestines due to gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), and I’m wheelchair-bound.
Living with diabetes for 14 years
I grew up with diabetes. It was easy at first because my mom was helpful for the first few months. Then my cousin, who was also a type one diabetic, gave me so many tips and helped a lot along with my aunt. I tried to hide it for a while.
Living with diabetes for 14 years
I was diagnosed when I was 19 years old. I love writing, traveling, meeting new people, sports, and the outdoors. I especially love interacting with the T1 community! I didn’t grow up with diabetes—but even at 19/20 years old, it took me a long time to not hide my diabetes.
Living with diabetes for 3,5 years
I was diagnosed when I was 15 years old. I didn’t hide my diabetes, but I also didn’t grow up with it. It was mostly emotional, and realizing I was going to have a disease with me for the rest of my life. I had planned to join the military.
Living with diabetes for 9 years
I was diagnosed when I was 11 years old. In the beginning, it was really difficult, because all my friends could eat and drink what they wanted and I couldn’t. I did not hide my diabetes at all. It is very important that everyone in your nearest surroundings is aware of the pros and cons.
Living with diabetes for 29 years
I was diagnosed when I was 23 years old. I did not grow up as a child with diabetes. Emotionally was the hardest part. I live in a society where healthcare is free at the point of access, and people with diabetes do not have to pay for prescriptions. “Emotionally was the hardest part.
Living with diabetes for 5 years
I was diagnosed when I was 22 years old. I believe it may have been LADA, so I had it unknowingly a long time and it kind of crept up more prominently. I managed (not very well) at first by just following the doctor’s guidance.
Living with diabetes for 15 years
I was diagnosed when I was 7. I was often embarrassed that I was different from all the surrounding kids. I didn’t want people to know because then they would always ask me, “Oh, how’s your sugar?” or “Oh, did you eat too much candy when you were little?”. They are such frustrating questions.
Living with diabetes for 10 years
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.
Personal stories from people navigating life with type 1 diabetes, from diagnosis to daily management, medication decisions, technology, and mental health.
Real experiences from individuals living with type 2 diabetes, sharing lifestyle changes, nutrition choices, physical activity routines, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
Stories from people who caught prediabetes early and are working to prevent progression through lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset shifts.
Your story could help someone feel less alone today.
If you’re living with diabetes and want to share your journey, challenges, or insights, we’d love to hear from you.
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