Wondering how to truly support a friend with type 1 diabetes? Meaningful support isn’t about fixing—it’s about understanding, patience, and showing up in the ways that matter most.

Type 1 diabetes is often invisible—but the effort to manage it never stops. A reflection on unseen labor, misconceptions, and why being understood matters more than being seen.

Resilience with type 1 diabetes isn’t about having it all together—it’s about showing up, even on the hard days. A personal reflection on what resilience really looks like when you live with T1D every day.

When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ten years old in the late 1990s, there were no CGMs, smart pumps, or online communities. What once felt isolating has now transformed into a world of real-time tech, global support, and advocacy. I’ve seen this evolution firsthand—and it gives me hope for the future of type 1 diabetes.

In this heartfelt letter, Elizabeth Forrest—founder of Touched by Type 1 and someone diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child—shares encouragement and perspective for parents navigating their child’s recent diagnosis, reminding them they’re not alone.

After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just ten years old, Elizabeth Forrest faced a lifetime of unknowns. Now, years later, she reflects on the lessons she wishes she could share with her younger self—and with anyone navigating a new T1D diagnosis.

At ten years old, Elizabeth Forrest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes—and her world changed overnight. What began as a backyard dance performance to raise awareness eventually grew into Touched by Type 1, empowering thousands to thrive with T1D.