With Valentine's Day here, I know some of you might see it as just another commercial holiday—one that can feel more lonely or generic than heartfelt. But beyond the flowers and chocolates, I think it’s a reminder to show love not just to others, but to ourselves. And when you live with type 1 diabetes, self-love isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s part of acceptance.
Loving yourself with T1D means showing up every day, through the highs and lows (literally), and treating yourself with the same kindness and patience that you’d give to a loved one. It’s about recognising that you are so much more than your diabetes, while also honouring the work you put in to manage it.
So, here are my ways to practice self-love with type 1 diabetes—because you deserve it.
6 Ways to practice self-love with type 1 diabetes
Believe in Yourself
You are more than your condition. More than the numbers on your CGM, more than the carb counts and insulin doses. Diabetes is part of your life, but it doesn’t define your potential. I used to think certain things were out of reach for me because of my type 1 diabetes—things like cycling across the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Central America.
I remember the thought at the bottom of one very steep mountain thinking to myself I am not capable. When I reached the top, I remembered that I was so much capable.
But each time I proved to myself that I could take on new challenges, my belief grew stronger. Even becoming a mother felt like something I wasn’t sure I could handle, but little by little, I built confidence in my body and my ability to manage my condition alongside life’s biggest milestones.
Believing in yourself starts small. It’s pushing through self-doubt, setting goals, and reminding yourself that T1D doesn’t have to be a roadblock—it can be part of the journey.
Hold Space for Healing
Type 1 diabetes is relentless. It’s pricks, pokes, site changes, doctor appointments, and the mental load of 24/7 decision-making. It’s burnout. It’s invisible scars, as well as the visible ones. And sometimes, we don’t give ourselves enough space to acknowledge just how much we carry.
Holding space means allowing yourself to process the hard parts. It’s okay to feel frustrated, to grieve the version of life you once imagined, or to get tired of the daily grind of T1D management. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the way others perceive diabetes—the stereotypes, the unsolicited advice, the misunderstandings.
Giving yourself permission to feel those emotions without guilt is an act of self-love.
Forgive Yourself
Let’s be real—we’re human. We are not walking insulin pumps, and we don’t always get things right.
Maybe you miscounted carbs and ended up sky-high. Maybe you forgot to bolus for lunch. Maybe you left your insulin pump at home while it was charging (been there). These things happen. And beating yourself up over them doesn’t help.
Forgiving yourself is about recognizing that type one diabetes is trial and error, not perfection. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, adjust, and move forward. Self-compassion is key.
Accept Your Condition
Acceptance doesn’t mean loving type 1 diabetes. It doesn’t mean it’s fair. It doesn’t mean it’s easy.
What it does mean is that you make peace with the fact that diabetes is here, and that fighting against reality only drains you. Acceptance helps you step into your power—because once you stop resisting what is, you can focus on living fully.
No, it’s not your fault.
Yes, it is your responsibility.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
The more you allow yourself to share, connect, and open up, the lighter the weight becomes.
Love Yourself (Robot Parts and All)
CGMs, insulin pumps, scars, calloused fingertips—these things are part of you, and they are proof of how strong and resilient you are.
There is no shame in the tools that keep you alive. No shame in the way your body looks or functions. No shame in the journey you’ve been on.
Loving yourself with T1D means embracing exactly where you are right now, while also allowing yourself to evolve into whoever you want to be. It means looking at your reflection and seeing someone powerful, not broken.
Be Kind to Yourself
There are so many ups and downs with type 1 diabetes. Some days feel like a win, others feel like a mess. But through it all, one of the most important things you can do is be kind to yourself.
Take breaks. Find things that bring you joy. Don’t let guilt steal your happiness. Diabetes doesn’t mean you have to restrict everything—allow yourself to enjoy food, moments, and experiences without unnecessary self-judgment.
And most importantly, soak up the good times.
Because despite the hard parts, there is so much to love about life—including yourself. 💙
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