Abeeda’s story: Living with diabetes has shaped me – but it doesn’t define me

My diagnosis period was an extremely difficult time in my life. While I was 17 when diagnosed, I already had impaired glucose regulation – also known as prediabetes, or higher than normal glucose levels – from 13 years of age. Physically, I remember the symptoms – feeling constantly thirsty, exhausted, and needing to use the bathroom often. 

The thirst was unimaginable – no matter how much water I drank, it never went away. I had been experiencing symptoms for at least a year before my official diagnosis, but felt too scared to face the truth. Deep down, I knew it was diabetes, yet the fear and denial kept me from going to the GP. 

"I avoided seeking help initially because I didn’t feel ready to deal with the reality of it, which meant I lived with these symptoms far longer than I should have."

When I was diagnosed, I felt hopeless and completely lost my sense of meaning and drive. Unfortunately, looking back, I felt I didn’t receive the emotional or practical support I needed, both from family and my healthcare team. 

My GP at the time seemed quite judgemental in his view of my diabetes, often comparing me to others who had put their type 2 diabetes into remission. This only deepened my feelings of failure. 

"This lack of empathy I experienced pushed me further away from seeking help. I eventually stopped attending check-ups with both my GP and hospital team – avoiding them out of fear of judgement and not wanting to be reminded of how I felt I’d failed my body and my health."

A real turning point for me was when I moved from London to Norwich and was supported by the team at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 

The consultant and nurses there have always treated me with kindness, respect, and without judgement. For the first time in over 10 years of living in fear and anxiety, I felt empowered to take control of my diabetes. It gave me greater hope for a good and meaningful life. 

I sometimes feel on edge in social situations because of fears of being judged or told what I “should or shouldn’t eat”. 

Stigma has felt like a constant background noise in my life, and sometimes it’s been right in my face. I’ve worked hard to distance myself from people who make me feel negative about it – but the comments are still hurtful. 

Unfortunately, some of the harshest comments haven’t come from strangers, but people closer to me. They feel they can make a judgement very quickly on why I’ve developed diabetes – over time, I’ve learned that these views are far from the truth. In my case, I believe a combination of factors contributed to my diagnosis at a young age. 

It’s frustrating to see how many people view diabetes as black and white, without understanding the complex, nuanced factors involved. 

"I wish people understood that type 2 diabetes is far more complex than the stereotypes make it out to be. It’s not simply about sugar or weight – living with a lower body weight doesn’t protect you from it, and having diabetes isn’t a moral failing. It’s often reduced to oversimplified ideas, which can feel really stigmatising and frustrating."

Because of these experiences, I actively avoid disclosing my diabetes to most people. I don’t want to be reduced to a label, because I am so much more than just “diabetic”. I’m a creative and bubbly individual – the resilience and strength from what I’ve endured defines me – not diabetes, and certainly not the stigma around it.

The impact of unpredictability 

Diabetes has had a significant impact on many areas of my life. One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability – even when I try to do my best and do all the ‘right’ things, my glucose levels can sometimes have a mind of their own. This affects my energy levels, mood and, concentration – which can make work and day-to-day self-care more difficult. 

Socially, diabetes can feel like an extra weight that I carry with me. Work-wise, I’m fortunate that my current job is remote and flexible, which works really well for my diabetes care. In the past, I struggled with more rigid environments where the unpredictability of my glucose and energy levels wasn’t understood or accommodated. 

Travelling and engaging socially can feel stressful, as I’ve often worried about knowing what my glucose levels were doing and how that might affect me in front of others. 

But that being said, the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) I use has made a great difference in these situations. In a way, it’s lifted a huge emotional burden for me, and I feel more confident going out, working, or travelling because I know I can monitor and respond to my glucose easily. This has made me feel freer and less anxious, and my mood has improved significantly.

My treatment and how I handle my diabetes has changed drastically since my diagnosis. 

In the early years, I was prescribed oral medication, but it did little to improve my glucose levels. My HbA1c remained extremely high, and finger-pricking gave me constant fear and anxiety, feeling like I was failing without knowing how to help myself. 

Despite changes to my diet and trying to walk more frequently, my glucose levels rarely dropped below 10 mmol/L.

Things changed when I moved to Norwich – they quickly started me on insulin, which I inject daily. Over the past two years, I’ve learned to accept insulin – not as a defeat, but as a kindness to my body. 

Overall, the move to Norwich itself has had a noticeable difference in my physical health and wellbeing. The slower pace of life – access to nature walks and being able to prep my own meals has made a real difference. I walk regularly, make balanced food choices, and have developed a much clearer understanding of how carbohydrates affect my body. My HbA1c has improved significantly. 

Another major change is that I’ve been provided a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through a clinical trial.

 "Having constant, real-time glucose readings has been empowering and life-changing. It’s given me a much fuller picture of my glucose patterns without the stress and discomfort of finger-pricking. It’s been invaluable in helping me make informed, timely decisions about my diabetes care."

My diabetes team in Norwich have been a wonderful support – it has made all the difference for me. 

They even organise youth support groups and coffee meet-ups with other young people living with diabetes, which has helped me feel less alone. Overall, having a healthcare team that see me as a whole person with emotional needs as well as physical ones, has been life-changing. 

"Outside of the medical teams, I’ve accessed support in smaller but meaningful ways. I occasionally visit the Diabetes UK website to read about meal ideas and see other people’s perspectives, which has been really helpful."

What matters to me 

As I continue to navigate my journey with diabetes, one of the most valuable habits has been practicing kindness towards myself. Diabetes involves so many numbers – weight, HbA1c, glucose readings every day – and it’s very easy to get lost in them. 

"As I said, even when I’m doing all the 'right' things, there is still sometimes that element of unpredictability, and that’s not my fault. Telling myself 'It’s okay, you’re trying your best – tomorrow is a new day' has been essential."

For me, I’ve also found that finding the right support team is critical – having healthcare professionals who listen and help adjust treatment makes a huge difference, and it’s so worth advocating for yourself until you get that support. 

Another big mind shift for me has been around food. I try not to demonise or cut out whole food groups. Carbohydrates and fats aren’t the enemy – they all play an important role, and it’s all about balance and moderation, not restriction. That shift has been really healing for me. 

Helping others 

My advice to others in a similar situation to me and looking for support is to: try everything and see what works for you – whether that’s Diabetes UK’s website, forums, or peer support groups. 

Research what helps, and be proactive, as support unfortunately doesn’t always come if we just wait for it. I’d also suggest being mindful of your limits – sometimes those spaces could feel overwhelming – I tend to dip in when I have the right energy for it. Most of all: it’s all about baby steps – for me, managing diabetes isn’t about perfection; it’s about small, sustainable things you can do each day. 

I’d try not to be too hard on yourself. Many of us feel denial, hopelessness, or even wanting to run from it, sometimes. No one asks to have diabetes, and accepting it is a big emotional step. 

"I think that practicing kindness towards yourself is crucial, and trying to seek support from someone who holds no judgement. No one has the right to make you feel ashamed of your diagnosis, including health professionals." 

I hope my experience can help others feel less alone with what they’re going through and hopefully offer a better understanding of what living with diabetes is really like day-to-day. 

At the same time, I want to be seen beyond my diagnosis. Living with diabetes has shaped me, but it doesn’t define me – it’s just one part of a much larger, fuller story. I hope others can feel that way too.

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Reach out for support

If you are affected by the topics highlighted within this story or other stories on our website, you can access support from our helpline team on 0345 122 2399, Mon- Fri, 9am- 6pm, or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk.

You can join our free Support Forum – to connect with others affected by diabetes (minimum age 13). For more information, see Forum FAQs.

For those aged 11-25 living with type 1 diabetes, check out our youth programme Together Type 1 for a supportive community of people who understand what it’s really like juggling the ups and downs of life with diabetes.