World Diabetes Day - Lauren Shares Her Life With Type 1 Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are too high. It happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, doesn’t make any at all, or the insulin it does make doesn’t work properly.

There are different types of diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t make insulin at all. It's an autommune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It can't be cured, and the main treatment is taking insulin as a medication.

Alongside insulin therapy, learning how to carb count, staying active and eating a healthy balanced diet are important tools to help to manage blood glucose.

In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or the insulin it does make doesn’t work effectively. Managing type 2 diabetes involves eating well, staying active and sometimes diabetes medications. There’s no cure, but some people with type 2 diabetes may be able to put their diabetes into remission.

Type 1 diabetes affects 8% of people living with diabetes and type 2 diabetes affects 90% of people living with diabetes. Other forms of diabetes make up the remaining 2%.

What's it like living with diabetes?

There are lots of misconceptions about life with diabetes, so this World Diabetes Day we’re sharing Lauren's story of life with type 1 diabetes

1. When were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes?

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 24. It was a huge shock at the time. I went from not really thinking about my health to suddenly having to understand blood sugar levels, insulin, and carb counting almost overnight.

2. What impact has it had on your life?

It’s changed how I approach everything, from food and exercise to travel and even sleep. Managing diabetes can be demanding, but it’s also made me more aware of my body and more disciplined. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and to plan ahead, but also to stay flexible when things don’t go perfectly (which they often don’t).

3. How do you manage your diet day-to-day with type 1 diabetes?

I try to keep things balanced and predictable. I focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and slow-release carbs like oats, quinoa, and sweet potatoes. I also read labels carefully and weigh or measure portions when needed.

Technology helps too, I use the Dexcom G1+ (a continuous glucose monitor) to easily monitor my blood glucose levels to see how different foods affect me in real time, which really helps fine-tune my choices.

Do you have a favourite go to snack?

My go-to snack is usually something with a good balance of carbs and protein like apple slices with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with a few nuts.

What about our healthy ready meals, do you have a favourite?

I love the teriyaki Salmon, because it’s delicious, filling, and the carbs are steady, which makes it easier to manage my blood sugar. 

What are some common misconceptions people have about type 1 diabetes?

A big misconception is that type 1 diabetes is caused by poor diet or lifestyle. It’s actually an autoimmune condition and nothing you can prevent. Another one is that insulin “fixes” everything, when in reality, it’s a constant balancing act that requires a lot of monitoring and decision-making.

I wish people understood how much mental energy it takes. It’s 24/7 management, even when you’re tired, busy, or sick. 

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about diabetes, what would it be?

Don’t let diabetes define or limit you. It’s part of your life, not your whole story. You’ll make mistakes and that’s okay, learn from them, move on, and remember you’re doing your best. Also, connect with others who live with T1D, community makes a huge difference.