Why a T1D Community?

Take a moment to consider how you share your diabetes with others. Do you seek support from friends and family in any way? Do you close in on yourself and refuse help or even fail to take care of yourself because you don’t want to feel like a burden or stand out? Have you made the effort to become part of a T1D community? 

Communication with Friends and Family

When I was diagnosed at the age of ten, my mom assisted me daily. In the first several months, she helped me a lot with carb counting and long-acting insulin injections, and she prompted me to write in my log book so I was more prepared for endocrinologist appointments. As time wore on, I became more independent. I remember appreciating that she was willing to help, but I didn’t mind doing most of the work. Over time, I began to feel alone in my diabetes, and I eventually found value in asking for help, explaining my diabetes to others, and joining coaching communities.

Maybe you don’t need help with daily management, like physically injecting yourself with insulin or ordering more supplies. I think it is worth considering though how others can assist or encourage you as you face the daily demands of this condition. This will look different for each individual, as some people will thrive with consistent support whereas others will just need a little boost from others here and there.

I encourage you to come up with at least one way to include your friends and family in your diabetes management. Have them join you at a diabetes conference or a JDRF walk, help you look at the nutrition info online for a restaurant before going, make sure they know how to assist you in the case of severe hypoglycemia or ask if they could double-check your supplies before embarking on a trip. These are just a few examples; think about what brings about the most anxiety or frustration with your diabetes and find ways to seek help in that area!

Moral Support

No matter how good of a handle you may have on your diabetes, I think it is always worthwhile to seek support from others because diabetes can be a mental burden at times since it must be dealt with daily. 

While family and friends are certainly there for you, there is something special about being part of a type one diabetes community. Whether you meet other diabetics at a diabetes event such as a camp or walk, or connect with others via platforms online, it can be a great way to make friends, learn from others, and ultimately feel uplifted.

T1D Community

Several organizations host diabetes events and conferences throughout the year. On the JDRF website, you can search for the chapter that's closest to you, and from there you can see what events are happening in your area. There are online platforms such as Beyond Type 1 and Diabetes Daily and plenty of diabetes blogs to explore. On these forums, you can ask questions of others and share wins or struggles you are experiencing. 

Click the image below to join the free FTF Warrior support group!

Click here to join the FTF Warrior Facebook Community!

Coaching Community

Forming a relationship with a type one diabetes coach is an incredible way to engage with the diabetes community. In programs with FTF Warrior, not only do you have the opportunity to learn from an expert diabetes coach, Matt Vande Vegte, but you also have the chance to interact with other diabetics in the programs. Whether it's on the Facebook page or more notably on the live coaching calls, you are surrounded by other dedicated individuals who are taking the time and effort to focus on their diabetes. In a coaching community, you can make “diabuddies,” friends who also experience the ups and downs of diabetes.

In the end, it's up to you how much you want others, whether or not they have diabetes, to support, guide, and encourage you as you deal with diabetes. It's your choice; you could go about your life closed off from others and feel alone, or you could seek the support of family, friends, and the diabetes community.

Keep up the Fight,

Annie Elfelt

T1D and Diabetes In Action Program Graduate