Mental Health Resources.

“When I was just diagnosed at 27 - 1 tried to imitate strategies that I saw with T1D influencers and expected it to work exactly how they did. So I think my advice would be to not be scared of learning strategies from other people with T1D but always be aware it's not one size fits all and that over time you'll learn to know what your body feels like and what it needs.

Learning to be aware of what's happening, what strategy can be used for next time, and adapting is wonderful. Be gracious to yourself and know that those hard days are not a reflection on you, T1D is ever changing and it's not easy to take on a full time job of being your own pancreas. Be proud of every day you take the time to take care of yourself. Don't be scared to reach out to other people with T1D for advice, help, or friendship. Community means a lot for us w/ T1D!”

“Be gracious with yourself! You can do the same thing every day and your sugars will be different for no reason, so be patient.”

“I was diagnosed at 26 (almost 10yrs ago) and just last night cried because I was sick of having diabetes. My advice: its okay and normal to mourn the before times.

But know that as you're on this journey you'll find community and connection and rediscover the joy of eating foods you once enjoyed before your diagnosis. It took me about 4 years to figure out how pizza affects my blood sugar, but I finally did it and that's something to celebrate

You are strong and smart, and you'll figure it all out-just remember to rely on your medical team and those who have similar experiences with type 1!”

“I work in an ICU and whenever I'm taking care of a newly diagnosed 18+ year old, I always give it to them straight: it sucks. There's going to be days that are so tough but you'll get through it. Connect with social media accounts, reach out to your friends or whomever and normalize diabetes in your surroundings. You'll learn so much from seeing what other people do, and you'll find tons of tips/tricks that will make it easier. I always end with this: take the insulin. Don't skip insulin be you're sick or vomiting or just don't feel like it. I see people that are 30 and on dialysis because they didn't take care of themselves when they were younger, they didn't realize the impact that blood sugar swings, DKA, and poor management can have. Take the insulin always, and if you're afraid, take at least a small dose and call your endocrinologist. It'll get easier over time but there are so many ways to make it better!”

“Don't google!! At least not too much. The main things I wish I heard was: you are not alone, please know you never will be alone with this even when it feels like it. T1D is a huge pain in the ass and it pushes you to be more vulnerable than you may want to be and that can be an uncomfortable yet beautiful thing. It's ok to be upset about it.”

“Be kind to yourself! Your numbers will never be 100% perfect and that is MORE than OK!”

“Stay connected to the community. They are always there for you ! And us T1 moms are always here to adopt other Ts as far as looking out.”

“I was diagnosed as an adult! I wish I knew the wide range of medical technology options I had, seeing a REAL day in the life of a T1D, understanding my medical plan options and things like FSA or HSA), finding accounts on simple HOW TOs: change dexcom, fix errors, what to do if I bleed a lot etc, loop holes, or tips and tricks Dr won't tell you! Basically seeing the reality of living with typel via social media or meeting other diabetics and how it's not as scary as it sounds in the hospital/with DRs.

Lastly, it's SO overwhelming in the beginning but I hope they know: they know best for their body and as time passes you will be your biggest advocate for your body and know what it needs.”

“I'm a mom of a T1D kid and advice l'd pass down would be... don't let your diagnosis scare you from living. You are still able to do what you have dreamed of.”

“You can change the setting on your lancet so it hurts less!!”

"Don't be afraid to ask (anything), it's like learning to walk or talk, it takes time, and you WILL need help, so don't be hard on yourself.

Stay away from pizza & fried rice dishes, for a while, until you're more familiar with how insulin & carbs/fats affect you & your blood sugar.

Get a CGM, it will help so much (even just seeing how food & exercise affects you & how fast)"