“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!”

- Deneica Glenn

“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!”