Katie's Story - Type 1 Diabetes
- Katie Bushing
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Living with type 1 diabetes means managing a condition that never takes a break. From the moment I was diagnosed, my life changed in ways I could never have imagined. This blog post shares my personal experience, the daily challenges I face, and the strategies I use to live well with type 1 diabetes.
The Day My Life Changed
At age 9, I received a diagnosis that changed my life. For months, I had been feeling sick—weak, exhausted, achy, nauseated, and constantly thirsty. My parents took me to the doctor, and bloodwork showed my blood sugar was 360, far higher than normal. Soon after, my mom received a phone call: I had type 1 diabetes.
I didn’t understand why she was crying. I had never heard of diabetes before, and I assumed it was no worse than a cold. But suddenly I was thrown into a new reality—learning how to manage a serious, lifelong condition. At an age when most kids were running around and playing, I was learning to prick my finger to check my blood sugar and give myself insulin shots.
Within about a year, I got my first insulin pump. It made daily management easier in many ways, but I still struggled with the pain of inserting and changing the infusion site. As the years went on, new technology became available. I got my first continuous glucose monitor when I was 15. While I have learned various coping strategies, having type 1 diabetes is complex and has been challenging to handle.
What is Type I Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas and destroys them.
Insulin is a hormone the body needs to keep blood sugar in a safe range. Without insulin, blood sugar can become dangerously high, which may cause intense thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, blurry vision, headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue. If blood sugar stays very high for too long, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency that can cause vomiting, stomach pain, deep or rapid breathing, fruity-smelling breath, and confusion.
If too much insulin is taken (or if there isn’t enough food or the body is more active than expected), blood sugar can drop too low. Low blood sugar can come on quickly and may feel like shaking, sweating, a fast heartbeat, hunger, dizziness, anxiety or irritability, trouble concentrating, and confusion. Severe lows can lead to seizures or passing out and need immediate treatment.
Because people with type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin, they must get insulin from outside the body—through injections or an insulin pump—and check their blood sugar regularly.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet, exercise, or lifestyle. It is not anyone’s fault. It likely happens because of a mix of genetics and environmental triggers, like illness or stress.
Technology and Tools That Help
People with type 1 diabetes use a variety of tools to manage their blood sugar every day, including:
Glucometers: A finger stick test that uses a small drop of blood to check glucose levels.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): Devices that track glucose in real time and can reduce the number of finger sticks needed.
Insulin pens: Used to inject insulin for meals or to correct high blood sugar.
Insulin pumps: Deliver insulin continuously and can allow for more precise dosing. Pumps replace most daily injections, but infusion sites typically need to be changed about every three days.
At this time, there are no oral medications approved to replace insulin for people with type 1 diabetes.
Even with these tools, technology isn’t perfect. Devices can malfunction, sensors can fail, and alarms can be disruptive—especially at night or in public. Because of this, I always carry backup supplies and have a plan in place for when technology doesn’t work as expected.
Emotional and Social Challenges
Living with type 1 diabetes isn’t just a physical challenge—it affects my mental health, too. I often feel anxious about sudden blood sugar changes or the possibility of severe hypoglycemia. That constant worry can be exhausting. There’s a mental burden that comes with always paying attention: checking my numbers, keeping snacks or juice nearby, and making sure my devices are working—charged, functioning properly, and stocked with supplies like insulin. It’s a daily responsibility I can’t skip. There are no breaks, no cheat days, and no pause button.
When I was younger, people frequently asked about my insulin pump or CGM. At the time, those questions made me feel uncomfortable and deeply insecure. I wore long sleeves to hide my devices and tried to keep my diabetes private. I didn’t want coworkers to know, because I worried they would judge me or think less of me. It took years to feel comfortable sharing this part of my life and to realize that needing medical support doesn’t make me “less”—it’s simply part of how I take care of myself.
Benefits of Having Type I Diabetes
Even though type 1 diabetes is a constant part of my life, it has taught me a great deal. I used to hide my diagnosis, but now I proudly wear my medical devices where others can see them. I welcome conversations in public about my experiences—especially with people who are newly diagnosed—because I know how overwhelming those early days can feel.
Living with type 1 diabetes has helped me build confidence, resilience, and strong self-advocacy skills. I’m no longer afraid to speak up about what I need to stay safe and healthy, whether that’s taking time to treat a low, asking for accommodations, or setting boundaries without apology. It has also made me more aware of my body and more intentional about daily habits like planning ahead, problem-solving, and staying organized. While I would never choose the challenges that come with this condition, I’m proud of the strength, empathy, and leadership it has helped me develop.
Tips for Others Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips for managing type 1 diabetes:
Stay organized: Keep your supplies, medications, and emergency snacks in one place.
Learn your body: Pay attention to how different foods, activities, and stress affect your blood sugar.
Communicate openly: Don’t hesitate to explain your condition to friends, coworkers, or teachers.
Build a support network: Connect with others who have diabetes for advice and encouragement.
Keep regular medical appointments: Work closely with your healthcare team to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Type I Diabetes Resources
To learn more about type 1 diabetes, check out these resources:
Breakthrough T1D: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
Information for newly diagnosed, resources, and local (and virtual) events.
Beyond Type 1: https://beyondtype1.org/
Information about type 1 diabetes, resources for caregivers of type 1, and lived experiences.
American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/type-1
Information regarding diet, fitness, mental health, device technology, and more.
Comments