Shikha, is an entrepreneur from Mumbai, India, who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 15. For years, Shikha struggled with her diagnosis, exploring alternative treatments, which led to repeated health crises. It wasn't until recently that she fully embraced managing her condition, realizing that acceptance is a gradual process. Family support has been crucial. Her parents and younger brother have been there for her, though the emotional burden affects them all. Despite their support, Shikha often felt isolated, believing she was alone in her experience. Finding a community transformed her perspective, providing the understanding and support she needed. Shikha emphasizes the importance of emotional support, noting that the mental aspects of diabetes are often overlooked. CGM's have played a crucial role in her management, helping her make informed decisions about her health. Despite the challenges, Shikha remains hopeful. She advises others with T1D to seek community support and live fully, embracing their dreams and managing their health with resilience. Her story highlights the power of acceptance, community, and hope in overcoming adversity.

Follow Shikha on mShikha.Singhal7

Renee was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 7 years old, 22 years ago today! HAPPY DIAVERSARY SUNRAYYYY!! She recently had her first child. She was told for years that she wouldn't be able to have her own kids.

Most people living with type one diabetes feel alone in the fight until they meet someone who truly understands. Renee, a sunshine in the T1D community, shares her remarkable

journey from diagnosis at age seven to becoming a new mother at 28, all while managing Type One Diabetes. Her smile, unwavering in the face of life's challenges, reveals a depth of strength that will inspire anyone navigating similar struggles.

During our conversation, Renee breaks down what it’s really like growing up with T1D, from early diagnosis to battling DKA and high-stress moments during adolescence. Her family’s unwavering support shaped her outlook, why community and connection are vital, and how modern diabetes technology like insulin pumps and CGMs keep her moving forward. She candidly discusses the emotional toll of living with T1D, the importance of advocacy, and the hope for a future when a cure might finally become a reality.

Renee is someone we all should get to know

Follow Renee on m@sunrayy97

In this episode, we hear from Eva, a dedicated advocate for the type 1 diabetes community. Eva shares her journey from working at a diabetes camp to pursuing a career in endocrinology. When we recorded in October 2025, Eva was pursuing her NP in Endocrinology. As of this past week, she has graduated with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and is a Board-Certified Family Nurse, highlighting her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes.

This episode underscores the power of advocacy and the impact of compassionate care.

Follow Eva and her journey to continue lessening the burden of T1D, Instagram @evakat

Living with diabetes isn’t just a medical condition — it’s a journey of resilience, understanding, and unfiltered strength. Mo Milli’s story will shatter misconceptions and reveal what it truly means to navigate life with type 1 diabetes from childhood to adulthood. If you think it’s all about sugar levels and insulin, think again. This episode dives into the raw, real experiences only those living it can tell — trauma, triumph, and everything in between. Mo Milli, a passionate artist and advocate, shares her powerful journey from being diagnosed at age five with a sugar level of 1200, to becoming a voice for countless others misunderstood by society and even healthcare professionals. She reflects on the trauma of her early diagnosis, the mental and emotional toll of managing her condition, and the unrelenting resilience that keeps her thriving despite the odds. Her story isn’t just about diabetes — it’s about purpose, faith, and turning adversity into advocacy.

Follow Mo Mill on instagram @m.ocahontas

Unlock the resilience of Dalyce and discover how advocacy, art, and community can revolutionize living with chronic illness. Dalyce was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at the age of 7. Dalyce’s story isn’t just about surviving; it's about reclaiming agency in a society built on systemic oppression and medical injustice. From childhood fears to decades of pushing her body to prove societal assumptions wrong, Dalyce shares an unfiltered look at what it truly means to live with a disability in America. She vividly recounts her diagnoses, the mental and physical toll of managing health in a system that often neglects or dismisses POC, and how her journey abroad in Ireland and Thailand offered a glimpse of freedom that she fights to reclaim every day. Dalyce reveals the trauma of medical neglect, the heartbreak of food and insulin insecurity, and the emotional weight of isolating systemic barriers, all while embodying fierce creativity and advocacy.

Follow Dalyce on instagram @black_bird_photo

Rachael Celine @thechronicallyillest has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 12 years young. Rachael launched thechronicallyillest with the intent to fight diabetes and chronic illness stigma, foster REAL community an,d create unapologetic products for those who are sicker than the average!

From the age of 12, Rachael has been the captain of her diabetes ship, and 20 years later, she continues to keep little Ray Ray afloat while giving hope to other young people and their caregivers that living with diabetes today can be better than anything of the past.

Bebe⁠ is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.

Follow Bebe on instagram ⁠@iamimanistarcor

Bebe is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.

Follow Bebe on instagram @iamimanistarcor