My 23rd Diaversary 🎈

Diabetes Is More Than Numbers — yet I’m still counting the years…

I remember when I used to count how many finger-pricks and injections I had done over the years every time February 11th rolled around. I didn’t call it a “diaversary” back then. I think I cried for the young girl that knew what it was like to live without diabetes until my 11th diaversary hit — after that, I had lived more than half my life with type 1 diabetes. While I can still be brought to tears thinking of every version of me that has persevered through the challenges of living with T1D, many of those tears are in celebration and honor of my strength and perseverance. Now, I’ve lived just over two-thirds of my life with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes requires resilience.

It’s about learning to navigate a world that doesn’t understand the complexities of what it means to have your survival tied to the 6th most expensive liquid in the world;

for that liquid to be life-saving — but also fatal — with a minute margin of error;

for your efforts of staying alive be compared to a “full-time job,” when really — it’s a lifetime job;

to accept your condition as a chronic disability, but face disability stigma and bias;

It’s about advocating for ourselves in medical settings and pushing for better access, support, and technology for everyone living with this condition.

It’s about integrating T1D into every transition of life and version of yourself — while also navigating those transitions and versions with grace.

It’s about honoring your existence as separate from a condition that affects every aspect of your life — while every aspect of your life also affects the condition.

A New Chapter Ahead

This year, my 23rd diaversary coincides with significant transition in my life. While unsure what lies on the road ahead, I am ready to step into new opportunities and continue expanding my efforts in diabetes advocacy.

I don’t know what the next 23 years will look like, but I know this: I will continue to show up, for myself and my community. I will continue to advocate for better care, better access, and better understanding for people living with diabetes.

I will continue to build a life not defined by this condition, but enriched by the resilience it has taught me.

To Everyone Walking This Path With Me

If you are living with Type 1 diabetes, I see you. I see the invisible weight you carry, the battles you fight, and the silent victories you celebrate. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or decades in, always know that your story matters.

On February 11th, I honor every blood sugar check, every math equation, every insulin dose, and every moment of perseverance. I honor the incredible diabetes community that is united in resilience and advocacy. And I honor the version of myself who, 23 years ago, had no idea how much she would overcome.

Here’s to another year of resilience, advocacy, and thriving—on my terms.

💙 Sabella