Do you mark your diaversary? When I first saw the idea floating around on social media, I found it a bit strange. Who would want to mark the day they were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes? Wouldn’t you want to just forget about it and move on?
To be honest, I don’t even know my exact diagnosis date. When I asked my mom about it a few years ago, she recalled, "It was definitely after Halloween. You were all dressed up, and you actually looked like a ghost." So, I’ve chosen November 1st as my diaversary. But I don’t treat it like a birthday or anything celebratory. For me, it’s a moment of reflection—on my diabetes journey, on what I’ve been through, and on what I’ve accomplished.
"Living with type 1 diabetes has so many daily battles."
With the rise of mindfulness and mental health conversations, it’s become even more important to remember that diabetes care is about so much more than checking glucose, counting carbs, and acting like your own pancreas. Instead of avoiding your diaversary, you can make it a time to honour yourself and your progress.
Here are three ways you can make your diaversary meaningful and use it as a moment of self-reflection.
1. Celebrate Your Wins, Big or Small with your Diaversary
We often get caught up in the challenges of managing type 1 diabetes. Our glucose numbers feel all over the place, and we tend to focus on the negatives. But it’s important to see the positive side of the journey too. Sometimes, a win can be as simple as waking up in range. I know it might seem like a small victory, but these moments matter. They show that despite the ups and downs, you’re doing something right.
Diabetes can be overwhelming, and burnout is real. But when you start looking for the bright side, you realise just how much strength and resilience it has built in you. It’s made you capable of things you never thought possible. Maybe diabetes has even fuelled you to do things you wouldn’t have done otherwise—whether that’s learning how to advocate for your health, pushing your limits in new ways, or becoming more mindful of how you nourish your body.
For me, using diabetes technology like the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor and Tandem T-Slim insulin pump has been part of improving my overall quality of life. It’s helped me feel more in control and has given me peace of mind, especially on those days when diabetes feels unpredictable. But your wins don’t always have to be related to tech—they can be anything from sticking to a workout routine to trying a new hobby that makes you feel joy. Celebrate the unique parts of your diabetes life that bring some goodness along with the challenges.
2. Lean Into Your Support System
Diabetes isn’t something you have to go through alone, and reflecting on the people who have supported you along the way can be incredibly powerful. Your diabetes support team might include role models who inspire you, people in the diabetes community who share their experiences, or even someone right beside you every day.
"A diverse and multi-faceted T1D support system is the best kind."
My parents were always supportive—even when I didn’t always involve them in my journey. I was self-centered about my condition at times, assuming they didn’t care as much as I did. But they never treated me differently. They’d check in, ask about my glucose levels, "are you low," and make sure I was okay. It’s part of their job, and looking back, I realise how important that was. And then there’s my husband, Joe, who has been my rock. He’s encouraged me when I felt like I couldn’t go after certain things because of my diabetes. He’s my cheerleader.
When you think about your own journey, reflect on your cheerleaders. Who has been there for you, encouraging you and helping you push forward? These people are a huge part of your diabetes journey, and acknowledging them can make your diaversary feel like a time of gratitude as well.
3. Set Intentions for the Future
Think about where you want to go from here. Living with diabetes isn’t something you can leave behind, but it’s something you can integrate into your life in a way that works for you. Use your diaversary as a time to set new goals, whether they’re related to your health, fitness, or personal growth. These don’t have to be huge, life-changing goals—sometimes the smallest goals can make the biggest difference. Maybe it’s trying out a new recipe, making time for a walk, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
"This next year of my it's about me."
This upcoming year is about focusing on me. As a mother, I’ve spent so much time and energy giving to others, but this next chapter is about nourishing myself and exploring where I want to go with my life and health. Whether it’s trying out a new exercise routine, focusing on a personal passion, or just making more time for myself, these are the kinds of goals that help me feel more balanced and energised.
On your diaversary, think about what you want to accomplish, both big and small. It’s not about being perfect or achieving everything at once, but about recognising that you’re always moving forward. Diabetes is part of your life, and it’s shaped you into the strong, resilient person you are today.
So, whether or not you choose to "celebrate" your diaversary, make it a time of reflection. Be kind to yourself, appreciate how far you’ve come, and look ahead with confidence. Happy Diaversary. 💙
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