21 Lessons on Sep 21 (My Birthday): Dietitian Insights from a Life with Type 1 Diabetes

 Today I’m turning another year older—and I thought, what better way to celebrate than by sharing 21 lessons I’ve learned as a dietitian living with Type 1 Diabetes on the 21st night of September (cue Earth, Wind, and Fire)? If you caught my recent post on my “anniversary” as a dietitian last month, you’ll remember these first four. 

In case you missed it, here they are again:

1. True Empathy Comes from Experience

Living with T1D taught me compassion that textbooks can’t truly teach. My own highs, lows, and mis-boluses give me real-world stories to support clients non-judgmentally.

2. Nutrition Is Never One-Size-Fits-All

Daily insulin sensitivity shifts—from stress to menstrual cycles—have shown me the power of personalized plans over rigid “cookie-cutter” diets.

3. Carb Counting Is a Tool, Not a Tyrant

Accurate carb counting matters, but perfection isn’t practical. I teach “good enough” strategies—visual estimates and apps—to keep it sustainable.

4. Self-Compassion Fuels Long-Term Success

Burnout is real. Rest days, celebrating small wins (like a week without a major hypo), and setting diabetes-free boundaries keep me energized for clients and myself.

Since you loved those, here are 17 more lessons that guide my practice and my life with T1D:

5. Data Is Your BFF

CGM trends and food logs aren’t just numbers—they reveal patterns. Analyzing data weekly helps me—and my clients—anticipate highs and lows before they happen.

6. The Power of Small Tweaks

Tiny insulin or meal timing adjustments often yield the biggest gains. If something isn’t working, change one variable at a time and track the result.

7. Hormones Are Game Changers

From periods to perimenopause, hormonal waves can shift insulin needs dramatically. Logging cycle phase alongside glucose helps uncover hidden patterns & make WTF moments finally make sense. 

8. Travel Demands Extra Planning

I’ve learned to pack triple supplies, manage jet-lagged insulin sensitivity, and anticipate altitude-induced pump glitches. Preparation turns travel from stress to adventure.

9. Community Helps with Resilience

Whether it’s an online T1D group or a local support network, sharing triumphs and failures reminds us we’re not alone in this journey. I’m always here for you via Instagram, TikTok or YouTube. 

10. Advocacy Starts Small

Speaking up with friends, in classrooms, or at a workplace about your diabetes needs, or diabetes in general—like snack breaks or pump access—builds confidence and paves the way for broader systemic change.

11. Food Is Joy, Not Guilt

Balance matters. Celebrating a piece of chocolate cake with accurate bolusing teaches clients that they can enjoy life’s flavors without fear.

12. Boundaries Protect Your Energy

It’s OK to say “I need a moment (or an hour, or a day).” Protecting your mental space sustains long-term health.

13. Technology Isn’t a Silver Bullet

CGMs and smart pumps help, but they can also “alarm fatigue.” I coach clients to use tech wisely and not let it replace intuitive self-care. Proactive > Reactive. 

14. Mind-Body Connection Matters

Stress, sleep quality, and emotional state directly affect blood sugar. Techniques like meditation, gentle yoga, or even a nightly gratitude journal can smooth out glucose swings.

15. Embrace Trial & Error

Every body is unique. What works for a friend or book may not work for you. I model curiosity—experiment, track, adjust, repeat—without self-judgment.

16. Clear Communication Is Key

Whether it’s a restaurant server or a coach, clearly stating your needs (e.g., “I need 10–15 minutes to test and bolus”) sets expectations and avoids mishaps.

17. Celebrate ALL Wins

A single day in range, a pump site that works perfectly, a low avoided during a workout, or literally just surviving—these victories matter and deserve recognition.

18. Food Labels Only Tell Part of the Story

Ingredients, cooking methods, and portion drift can throw off carb counts. I teach my clients to combine labels with experience-based adjustments, and if you can, I encourage you to do the same.

19. Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

Poor sleep can raise dawn phenomenon spikes. Prioritizing 7–9 hours—and consistent bedtimes—boosts insulin sensitivity and mood.

20. Humor Heals

Sometimes a well-timed joke about “hypo brain” or “pump beeps” breaks tension and builds rapport with clients, reminding us all to lighten up.

21. Keep Learning and Evolving

Diabetes science and nutrition guidelines change constantly. I commit to staying curious—reading new research, attending conferences, and updating strategies.

Overall, diabetes is tough, but so are you. & remember, you’ve got this.

Stay fun,

Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES
Type One Type Fun

‼️DISCLAIMER: although I am a healthcare professional, this post is not intended to be medical advice. This is simply me sharing some of what I know, but your body may not respond in this way so please make sure you are chatting with your diabetes educator and/or doctor first ‼️ or bring me onto your care team 😘