Celebrating My Anniversary as a Dietitian: Top 4 Lessons from Life with Type 1 Diabetes

 Today is my dietitian anniversary! As I mark another year practicing nutrition, I find myself reflecting on how my journey with Type 1 Diabetes has shaped my work. Here are the four most important lessons I’ve learned—both as a dietitian and as someone living with T1D.

1. True Empathy Comes from Experience

It’s one thing to learn about diabetes in school; it’s another to live it day in and day out. My own highs, lows, and injection-site mishaps taught me compassion that textbooks can’t convey. When I counsel clients, I draw on real-world scenarios—like that time I misjudged carbs at a restaurant and chased an all-night spike—to provide practical, nonjudgmental support.

Takeaway: Share your own “oops” moments. Clients feel seen when they know you’ve been there, too.

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

Early in my career, I believed in rigid meal plans. Type 1 Diabetes quickly dispelled that myth. My insulin sensitivity shifts daily—thanks to stress, sleep, and even menstrual cycles—so I’ve learned to individualize recommendations. Whether it’s adjusting carb ratios for a heavy workout or tweaking fat-protein boluses for a greasy takeout night, personalization is key.

Takeaway: Use data—CGM trends, food logs, client feedback—to tailor plans, not cookie-cutter templates.

3. Carb Counting Is a Tool, Not a Tyrant

Counting carbs is essential for precise dosing, but it can also become consuming. I’ve walked that tightrope. My goal now is teaching clients to strike a balance: accurate enough to prevent scary lows and highs, but flexible enough to enjoy life. Visual estimates, plate-method guidelines, and smart use of apps help keep it sustainable.

Takeaway: Encourage “good enough” carb counting. Perfection isn’t practical; consistency is what matters.

4. Self-Compassion Fuels Long-Term Success

Burnout is real. I’ve had weeks where the alarm, bolus, and CGM alerts felt relentless. The lesson? Self-care is as important as meal planning. Rest days, boundary-setting around diabetes talk, and celebrating small wins—like a week without a major hypo—keep me energized for both my clients and myself.

Takeaway: Model self-compassion. Show clients that it’s okay to rest, reset, and approach diabetes with kindness.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes profoundly enriches my work as a dietitian. These lessons guide me in creating empathetic, personalized, and sustainable nutrition strategies for every client. Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and thriving—together.

& 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 😘