How I’ve Seen Type 1 Diabetes Evolve—And What Gives Me Hope
When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at ten years old, the world around the disease looked very different than it does today. It was the late 1990s, and while I had incredible doctors and a supportive family, the tools, technology, and community we rely on now simply didn’t exist.
There were no continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar in real time. No smart insulin pumps that could predict and adjust dosing. No phone apps to analyze trends or alert caregivers. I was pricking my fingers multiple times a day, writing numbers down in a notebook, and doing my best to interpret what they meant with limited context. It was a lot for a ten-year-old. It was a lot for any of us.
What stands out most from those early years, though, wasn’t just the lack of technology—it was the feeling of isolation. I didn’t know anyone else with type 1 diabetes. There weren’t social media communities, awareness campaigns, or nationwide programs offering support. It felt like I was managing something incredibly big in a very quiet, private way.
Fast forward to today—and it’s a different world.
Not only do we have wearable tech that gives us instant insights, but we have communities, voices, and visibility. We’re no longer whispering about type 1 diabetes—we’re building platforms, creating movements, and telling our stories out loud.
I’ve seen this evolution firsthand—not just in my own life, but through the work we do every day at Touched by Type 1. I’ve met newly diagnosed children who are introduced to CGMs before they even leave the hospital. I’ve met teens using hybrid closed-loop systems that adjust insulin in real time. I’ve met parents who are connected to online support networks within hours of diagnosis. And I’ve seen the incredible impact that education, awareness, and advocacy can have—not just on individuals, but on entire families.
Yes, managing T1D is still hard. It still requires vigilance, preparation, and strength. But the progress we’ve made gives me so much hope.
I’m hopeful because research is moving forward—faster and with more promise than ever before. Screening tools now exist to identify the risk of T1D before symptoms appear. Clinical trials are exploring ways to delay onset or preserve beta cell function. And emerging therapies are focusing not just on treatment—but on prevention and cure.
I’m hopeful because the next generation is not only living with diabetes—they’re leading with it. They’re sharing their stories online, raising money for research, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where others feel seen. I meet so many young people through Touched by Type 1 who inspire me with their courage, creativity, and determination to make this world more informed and more compassionate.
I’m hopeful because I’ve lived through the before. And I’m standing in the now. And I can clearly see the difference that progress, community, and advocacy make—every single day.
If you or someone you love was recently diagnosed, I want you to know: This disease is still serious. It will always require care. But it is no longer something that has to be faced in silence or in fear. There is a growing network of people and resources ready to walk this road with you. There is help. There is community. And there is hope.
We are living in a new era of type 1 diabetes—one where you can not only manage this disease, but build a beautiful, empowered life alongside it.
And that’s something worth holding on to.
— From The Founder, Elizabeth Forrest
