Let’s be real: living with Type 1 Diabetes is a full-time job you never applied for. Some days it feels like you're absolutely nailing it. Your blood sugars behave, your tech is working, meals go to plan, and you almost forget you have diabetes.
But then there are the other days.
You know the ones — when your blood sugar shoots up for no reason, insulin doesn’t seem to work, your CGM is being dramatic, and you’re tired of thinking 24/7 about carbs, corrections, and ketones. Maybe you forgot your insulin pen. Maybe you rage bolused. Maybe you just cried in a supermarket car park. And hey — that’s okay.
This blog is for those days.
Diabetes Isn’t a Math Equation
We’re told that diabetes is about balancing insulin, food, and activity. But if that were truly all it took, we’d all be cruising with perfect Time in Range and unicorn blood sugars. The truth is: diabetes is a human condition, not a science experiment. Hormones, stress, illness, sleep, weather (yes, really), menstrual cycles — they all affect blood sugar.
So when things go off-track, it’s not always because you did something wrong. Sometimes, it just happens.
You Are Not a Failure
A high blood sugar reading doesn’t mean you’ve failed. A hypo doesn’t mean you’re bad at managing your diabetes. These are numbers, not judgments. The language we use with ourselves matters — instead of saying "I was bad today," try “Today was tough, but I handled it.”
Because you did handle it. You corrected. You treated. You kept going.
Reset, Don’t Ruminate
One of the best habits you can build into your T1D life is the "reset button." Maybe that’s a walk, a podcast, a fresh Libre sensor, or just some deep breaths and a snack that won’t spike you.
Bad days don’t need to become bad weeks. Give yourself permission to start again at any point.
Track Patterns, Not Perfection
Yes, keeping logs can help you spot trends — but don’t fall into the trap of obsessing over every data point. If your sugars have been more chaotic than usual, ask:
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Have I been sleeping differently?
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Am I more stressed lately?
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Have I changed up my meals or exercise?
Use data as a tool, not a weapon.
Ask for Help
Whether it’s your diabetes team, a friend who “gets it,” or an online T1D community — reaching out when you’re feeling burnt out can make a huge difference. Sometimes, just hearing “Yeah, me too,” can help you breathe a little easier.
Celebrate the Wins (Even the Tiny Ones)
Did you treat a hypo without eating the entire kitchen? That's a win.
Did you remember pre-bolus today? That’s a win.
Nail a carb count? Win.
Did you survive a frustrating diabetes day without throwing your CGM in the bin? That’s a win too.
Recognising these moments is how you stay motivated through the chaos.
Final Thought: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Diabetes is demanding. It’s okay to have off days. What matters is that you keep showing up. Give yourself the grace to be human. You’re not alone, and you’re not failing — you’re managing, and that’s a full-on superpower.
Got a go-to way to deal with a bad diabetes day?
Drop it in the comments or tag us — your tip might be exactly what someone else needs today 💙
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