Together Type 1 is my lifeline and single-handedly put me on the map to be given opportunities such as this one to share my experiences with others – I’m so grateful.

"The thing I like most about the programme is simply that, even though we don’t see each other a lot in person, I feel like the people in that group are friends that I’ve had for over 10 years. I know that if I messaged one of them, even though I hadn’t seen them in over six months, they would still answer me without a second thought. It’s that trust and non-judgemental attitude from everyone that really keeps me going."

The Wales Youth Team is amazing, and I’m always guaranteed a good laugh no matter what event we do. It’s just so comfortable and the best feeling in the world – I leave every event feeling empowered, fulfilled and happy. 

Everyone deserves to have a friend in life, and I definitely found my people in Together Type 1 – they have given me the confidence to try and make friends elsewhere.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 forum – to connect with others affected by diabetes (minimum age 13). For more information, see our 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.

I returned home initially for the first five weeks and then went back to university. My friends were super supportive, which was lovely, and coincidently there was another girl in the orchestra with me who was also type 1 so we spent a bit of time together, and having her there was a great support in helping me to understand my diabetes.

For the first few months, the university was great. They put my student support programme in place, and I was able to get adjustments and extensions on deadlines and exams.

A few months on from my diagnosis, I found out about the Diabetes UK Youth programme Together Type 1 and within that you have Young Leaders and so I joined the group and that’s been an ongoing support network for me. We’re all aged between 16-25 and living with type 1 diabetes.

I joined mostly to help other people going through a diagnosis experience like me, and also to hopefully meet other people who understood what I was experiencing. It was important for me to learn all I could about diabetes, in particular type 1, so I could feel more secure and confident about my condition.

Diabetes UK – especially the North team – have become more than just a charity – they’ve become friends to us over the years. Early on, their guides helped explain diabetes to our family and the nursery staff. Later, they supported us in fighting for a CGM, engaging with clinical teams and helping us reach a positive outcome. In our view, this support snowballed into the position we are in now nationally, with changes to CGM eligibility guidance. 

The North office is almost Gracie’s second home, and she has been so inspired by the incredible staff there, including those who live with diabetes themselves. We’ve been to many of the charity’s events now, and they’re always excellent opportunities to meet other families – Gracie has also made some lifelong friends.

"Our family has been so privileged to be so closely involved with the charity. They have supported us at our lowest points with Gracie’s diabetes care. Crucially, they’ve allowed Gracie to speak about her condition to those who call the shots within the healthcare systems – creating this platform for her and other people living with diabetes to speak about their own experiences has been a huge highlight for us."

Looking forward

When Gracie was diagnosed, we never imagined reaching a point where diabetes sometimes fades into the background. That’s been down to the speed of progress in diabetes treatment and care, particularly with technology. Following Gracie’s diagnosis, a nurse told us, “In Gracie’s lifetime, we will see massive changes in diabetes technology.” Seven years on, that’s already true.

Research may one day bring a cure or preventive treatments, but even now, understanding how people live and grow with diabetes is vital. This all comes from dedicated clinical and science teams continuing to push the boundaries of what we know.

When I [Gareth] was a student studying diabetes in the early 2010s, no one was talking about a cure or prevention, but now it’s a real possibility. 

"We’ll always fight for Gracie and others, supporting research – research that might one day stop other parents feeling like we did when Gracie was diagnosed or potentially losing their child to this condition."

Today, Gracie is thriving. She loves books, football, cooking, and has even started a YouTube channel to share her “best days”, singing and dancing to her favourite music. She is inquisitive, bright, and full of personality. Whether or not a cure comes in her lifetime, we know it’ll be okay because she’s already proving that diabetes doesn’t define her.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.
 

When I was first diagnosed, my parents were told about the British Diabetic Association (BDA, now Diabetes UK). While it was a long time ago and my memory isn’t great, I remember that leaflets and Balance magazine were a constant presence in our house. I remember that no matter what happened, my parents always seemed to have access to some kind of material that held the answers, usually from the BDA. In particular, The Diabetes Handbook: Insulin Dependent Diabetes (how type 1 diabetes was referred to previously), which was produced in collaboration with the BDA, was always within reach.
 

It’s really important that people understand what type 1 diabetes is – an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. I hope that greater awareness of the signs and symptoms will lead to earlier detection and getting medical help sooner. This is why I supported Diabetes UK with my own fundraising activity at work and by taking part in a charity walk to help increase awareness of diabetes and raise funds for their vital work.

For others finding themselves in a similar situation to me, my advice would be to educate yourself as much as possible. Reach out to support groups, use your medical team, and ask all the questions.

Don’t feel alone. Knowledge is power, and understanding your diabetes can help you make better decisions and feel more in control.  It’s also important to recognise that managing diabetes involves both physical and mental health. Remember to prioritise self-care.

For family members and friends – being there, being supportive, and also broadening your understanding of the condition is the best thing you can do. Your encouragement and positivity can be incredibly uplifting. Offering to join in activities or help with meal planning means a lot – your involvement shows that you care and that we’re in this together.