11 Real-World Tips For Adults Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes

Adult-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Means Learning A Whole New Playbook

Getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult is a lot. It’s unexpected, overwhelming, and—let’s be real—downright frustrating at times. One day, life is normal, and the next, you’re learning how to count carbs, inject insulin, and manage something that suddenly has way too much influence over your day-to-day. But here’s the thing: You’re not alone.

While this new reality comes with challenges, it also comes with an incredible community, life-changing technology, and, most importantly, the ability to still live an adventurous, fulfilling life.

Right now, your brain is probably running in overdrive with a million questions. What do I eat with diabetes? How do I travel, especially abroad or long-term? How does my exercise routine change with diabetes? (Yes, you can do all those things!) These tips are here to help you cut through the noise and ease (quickly) into your new normal.

Tip #1 – Be Ready To Be Overwhelmed: Bring Support To Your Doctor Appointments

Your diagnosis will come with a flood of new information, and it’s easy to feel lost. Bring a family member, friend, or significant other to your early appointments. They can help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support when you need it most.

New Diagnoses: Each year it’s estimated that over 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. 

The American diabetes association

Keep in mind that the prevalence of adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is much different than years ago. Upwards of half of new type 1 diabetes diagnosis are in adults. 

Tip #2 – Find A Specialist: Endocrinologists & Type 1 Diabetes Management

Keep in mind that studies show that upwards of 40% of adults eventually diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are actually misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes initially. Your primary care physician means well, but a specialist in diabetes care—specifically an endocrinologist—has expertise well beyond your generalist primary care physician. They’ll help you understand insulin management, new technologies, and personalized care options, making the process much smoother. 

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the body’s hormonal systems, including the pancreas, which produces insulin.

Their expertise is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes effectively and ensuring you get the best possible treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Tip #3 – Embrace Modern Diabetes Technology

Diabetes care has advanced tremendously. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens make tracking and managing blood sugar levels easier than ever. These tools reduce the burden of constant finger pricks and manual insulin dosing, helping you feel more in control.

Diabetes Technologies

• CGMs provide real-time data and alerts for high and low blood sugar, reducing the guesswork
• Insulin pumps can offer precise insulin delivery and can help reduce the frequency of injections
• Smart insulin pens track dosage history and connect to apps for better management
• Diabetes apps sync with devices to help log food intake, exercise, and glucose levels

Tip #4 – Block Extra Time Monthly: Management Takes Time

One of the biggest hidden challenges of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is just how much time it takes to manage everything. Between scheduling appointments, waiting on hold with providers or insurance companies, sorting through bills, ordering supplies, and researching alternative management options, it can easily add up to 10–15 extra hours per month—especially in the first year.

• Set aside dedicated time in your schedule for diabetes-related tasks to avoid last-minute stress.
• Keep a running list of questions for your doctor so you can make the most of your appointments. You can do this in a cloud document, or even in your calendar.
• Use a calendar or reminder app to track medication refills, insurance paperwork, and upcoming medical visits.
• Consider using an online diabetes management tool or app to streamline your tracking and reduce admin time.

Tip #5 – Ask About Free And Low-Cost Diabetes Resources

Diabetes management can be expensive, but many companies and organizations offer free or discounted resources. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator about free samples of CGMs, insulin pens, and other essential supplies.

You may also qualify for additional financial assistance programs due to the rarity of type 1 diabetes.

Tip #6 – Compare Medication Costs: Insurance Matters

Not all insulins and diabetes medications are covered equally by insurance. One brand may be significantly cheaper than another, even if they function similarly. Call your pharmacy before picking up a prescription to check pricing, and ask your doctor about switching to a more affordable option if needed. Many CGM companies also offer discount programs—especially for people with type 1 diabetes.

Tip #7 – Say Yes To Help: Support Makes A Huge Difference

Accepting help from friends and family doesn’t make you any less independent. Whether it’s emotional support, assistance with grocery shopping, or just someone to listen when you need to vent, having a support system makes a huge difference. Also, say yes to new experiences—your diagnosis doesn’t mean life has to stop. Keep exploring, trying new things, and living fully.

Tip #8 – Be Patient With Yourself: Adjusting Takes Time

It’s okay to feel frustrated, scared, or even angry. Learning to manage type 1 diabetes takes time, there’s no perfect way to do it.

The means and methods will change along with the way your body responds or changes over time.

Stress can impact blood sugar levels, so prioritize self-care and mental health. Therapy, meditation, or simply giving yourself grace on tough days can help keep you balanced.

Tip #9 – Learn To Count Carbs & Read Labels

Understanding how different foods affect your blood sugar is crucial. Learn to read nutrition labels, count carbs, and estimate portion sizes. Apps like MyFitnessPal, Carb Manager, or diabetes-specific tools can simplify this process and help you make informed food choices.

Tip #10 – Carry Small, Low-Carb Snacks

Keeping small snacks on hand that contain increments less than 5 grams of carbs—like glucose tablets, fruit snacks, or dextrose candies—is very important, especially during cardio workouts or even just long walks.

Exercise can cause unexpected blood sugar drops, and having quick, measured sources of glucose can help you stay safe without overcorrecting. This is particularly important for endurance activities like running or cycling, and when long, sustained energy is being used.

Diabetes Snacking

• Consider keeping snacks in your car, bags, or desk so you’re always prepared 
• Test your blood sugar before and after exercise to better understand how your body responds
• Most CGMs have alerts for low glucose, particularly useful for workouts and cardio exercise

Tip #11 – Connect With The Diabetes Community

There’s a whole world of people living with type 1 diabetes who get it. Whether it’s online forums, local meetups or camps, or social media groups, connecting with others can be incredibly helpful. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement makes the journey a lot less overwhelming and a lot less isolating.

Very few people around you that don’t have type 1 diabetes will “get it,” so empathizing with others that do have and understand the literal highs and lows of the disease can be really important.

Final Thoughts – You’re Still In Control

As an adult diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it can feel like you’re being dropped into a whole new world—one full of new medical jargon, routines, and unforeseen and unexpected challenges.

You’re going to have hard moments, hours, and entire days. Sometimes those hard days will turn into weeks.

There will be moments of frustration, exhaustion, and trial-and-error. But you’ll also have victories—the first time you successfully count carbs without overthinking, the moment you figure out how to keep your blood sugar steady during a workout, or the day you realize diabetes is just another thing you manage, not something that defines you.

Living with type 1 diabetes is about progress over perfection and the long game. Celebrate the wins to help you get through the hard moments, lean on your support system, and don’t be afraid to live life on your own terms. You’ve got this.