You’re probably thinking, “Love? Are you joking? Have you lost your mind?” And honestly, I get it. Living with Type 1 diabetes isn’t exactly what most people would call a romantic experience. It’s 24/7, unpredictable, and let’s be real—sometimes downright infuriating. If we could break up with it, we absolutely would. 😅
But hey, it’s Valentine’s Day, so let’s flip the script. What if we focused on the things that Type 1 diabetes brings into our lives that we actually do love? I know it sounds crazy, but stick with me—let’s have a little fun with this. I’ll start…
1. The Community 💙
There’s something special about the T1D community. The friendships formed through shared experiences, the support from people who just get it, and the strength we see in each other—it’s a bond unlike any other. Whether it’s an online forum, a diabetes camp, or just a chance meeting with another T1D, the connection is real. Oh, and let’s not forget the excitement of spotting another fellow T1D out in the wild and giving them the nod that we see them.
2. The Unstoppable Resilience 💪
Living with Type 1 diabetes teaches resilience like nothing else. Seriously. Want to learn how to roll with the punches? Try managing T1D for a day. No, scratch that—try managing it for an hour. We troubleshoot, adapt, and keep going—even on the days where everything goes wrong. Insulin pump issues right before bed? No problem, we’ll sort it out in the middle of our Netflix binge (priorities, right?).
We juggle numbers, technology, emotions—and let’s face it, sometimes our own sanity—all while trying to live our everyday lives. But here's the kicker: it makes us stronger. Every challenge we face becomes a victory we can carry with us. Every setback teaches us how to move forward, and let’s be honest, how many people can say that? Not many. That’s the power of resilience, folks, and T1D gives us a master class in it every single day. 💪
3. VIP Access and Airports ✈️
Now, let’s talk airports. We all know how much fun those long lines can be, right? Well, guess who gets to skip them? That’s right—us T1Ds! With the sunflower lanyard (which signals a hidden disability), we get to glide through the chaos of security like absolute pros. ✨
And the perks don’t stop there. Priority boarding? Yep. But the real win is when we get to breeze through passport control on the way back home. While everyone else is stuck in long, grumpy lines, we’re walking right to the front.
The confused stares? Priceless. They ask, “What’s that for?” and we just smile and wave, like, “Step aside, losers—VIP is coming through.” 😂
4. The Tech Perks 📱⌚
Tech, anyone? The latest Apple phone and watch aren’t just for Instagram selfies—they’re critical for running our diabetes and our lives. Seriously. From tracking blood sugar to managing insulin and making adjustments on the go, these gadgets are life-saving. And since we use them constantly, I say we deserve the best. I mean, who’s going to argue when we say, “It’s not just for fun, it’s life-saving tech!” Yeah, we could be a little flashy, but we’re certainly functional.
5. The Perspective Shift 🌍
Living with Type 1 diabetes changes how we see the world. The little things that used to stress us out? They don’t stand a chance. You quickly realise that the annoying coworker’s email or the minor hiccup in your day doesn’t matter nearly as much as, say, dealing with a low blood sugar at the most inconvenient time. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff when you’ve had to navigate the big stuff daily.
We celebrate small wins—like when our blood sugar is finally in range for an entire day—and learn to appreciate the simple joys that many people take for granted. We get to a place where we’re grateful for the little victories, because managing Type 1 teaches you just how precious those moments are.
6. The Excuse to Always Have Snacks 🍫
Oh yes. Snacks. All the snacks. We can eat in class, we can eat at work, we can eat on the go—and no one can stop us! Nah nah nah. 😆 Whether it’s a juice box, or a little bag of Haribo we’ve got a medically-approved excuse to snack anytime we want. Take that, snack-shamers!
7. Type 1 Memes—Laughing Through the Lows 😆
And then there are the memes. Oh, the memes. They bring much-needed humour to our lives. Honestly, the only way to survive a rough day with T1D is to laugh at it. The jokes, the relatable moments, the absurdity of it all—it’s the perfect distraction.
One of my favourites? A baby in a crib, shaking its fist, shouting, “My diabetes ain’t like your grandma’s!” 😂 It’s that perfect mix of sass and truth that makes me laugh every time. It’s a reminder that while T1D might throw some serious curveballs, we might as well laugh at the craziness because, hey, we’ve got this.
8. VIP Access at the Louvre 🎨📸
Now, onto my personal favourite—the Louvre. Imagine this: My son, being whisked past the massive crowds at the Mona Lisa, straight to the front, where he had the chance to snap selfies, completely separated from the madness. Behind a nice, peaceful barrier, untouched by the chaos, while the rest of the crowd was crammed in like sardines, elbows flying, fighting for a glimpse of the masterpiece. But him? He was just chilling, living his best life, snapping pictures with the Mona Lisa as his backdrop.
Let’s be real: if you’ve got Type 1 diabetes, you might as well enjoy a few perks. VIP access at the Louvre? Yes please!
Let’s Hear Your T1D Perks! 💬
So, as we wrap up this Valentine’s Day celebration of all things T1D, I want to hear from you. What perks have you found along the way? Whether it’s sneaky snacks, VIP airport treatment, or just the unshakable resilience you’ve built over time, share your experiences with us! Let’s keep spreading the love (and the perks) together. 💙
