Mastering Your Response to Personal Questions About Diabetes

With Scenarios, BONUS Stories, a Personal Inventory, and More to Empower
An Essential Guide to Confidently Handle Personal Questions About Your Diabetes Management
By Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES

⚠️ Disclaimer

This document is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. We are not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical or mental health provider regarding your specific health situation.

📜 Copyright Notice

This guide is the property of Type One Type Fun, LLC. All materials contained within are protected intellectual property for your individual use only. You may not share, reproduce, resell, or use them in client-facing work.

👋 Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to Type One Type Fun! I’m so glad you’re here. Before we dive into how to confidently handle those awkward (and sometimes wild) questions about diabetes, let’s get to know each other a bit.

My name is Madi Cheever, and I’m a Registered Dietitian, Certified Health Education Specialist, and your T1D diabuddy. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes myself, I’ve created Type One Type Fun to be the resource I wish I had when I was first diagnosed.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a longtime T1D, this guide is built to empower, educate, and support you.

🎯 Let’s Set Our Intentions

1. Empower You

To respond with confidence and grace when people ask about your diabetes.

2. Educate You

To turn awkward moments into teachable ones that help others understand T1D.

3. Support You

To give you tools and scripts so you can feel less alone and more prepared.

🙋 What Am I Asking of You?

✅ Step One

Read and reflect. This guide is packed with strategies, stories, and support. Consider it me whispering helpful responses in your ear like a diabuddy on your shoulder.

✅ Step Two

Practice what feels right. Pick the responses that suit your style and practice them. You don’t need to get it “right,” just be kind to yourself for trying!

💬 Mastering the Conversation: Types of Responses

When you get a personal or confusing question, your response can take many forms:

💛 Option 1: Kindness

A kind answer educates without judgment and keeps the tone friendly.

❌ Option 2: Stop the Conversation

A clear boundary that protects your comfort and personal space.

🎓 Option 3: Turn It Into a Teaching Moment

Use curiosity as a door to educate and possibly change someone’s understanding.

😂 Option 4: Humor

Add levity while still getting your point across—fun and effective!

🎭 Scenario #1

“Hey, is that a nicotine patch on your arm?!”
(or birth control, ketchup, Chick-fil-A sauce packet, etc.)

Here’s how you could respond—pick the one that feels best for you!

💛 Kindness

“This is my continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It helps me track my blood sugar levels so I can manage my diabetes.”

BONUS STORY: Freshman Year Recruitment

I was in the middle of sorority rush when a girl pulled me aside, genuinely concerned.
“Hey girl, I hope recruitment is going well. I don’t mean to embarrass you, but you have a Chick-fil-A packet stuck on your arm. Want help getting it off?”

I didn’t correct her. I just smiled and said,
“Oh my goodness, thank you so much for letting me know. I’ll take care of it—good luck with recruitment!”

I still think about her, wondering if she’s ever seen another CGM since. That moment reminded me of the power of kindness.

❌ Stop the Conversation

“It’s a medical device for my diabetes, but I don’t wish to discuss it at this time. Thanks for understanding.”

What it does: Gives just enough information while maintaining your boundaries.

🎓 Teaching Moment

“I can see why you’d think that! But it’s actually a continuous glucose monitor—or CGM. It helps me manage type 1 diabetes. Do you know anyone with T1D?”

This approach might end the convo or lead to something deeper.

BONUS STORY: Panera Days

When I worked at Panera, my CGM was always visible in my uniform. One day, a woman asked about it, and we ended up talking about her mom who was having scary lows but didn’t know about CGMs. I had her take a picture of mine and encouraged her to look into it.

That conversation never would’ve happened if I shut her down. And it helped solidify my passion for diabetes education.

😂 Humor

“Nope—not a Chick-fil-A sauce packet! It’s a continuous glucose monitor. Helps with blood sugar, not lunch cravings (unfortunately).”

A lighthearted tone helps you defuse awkwardness while still educating.

✍️ YOUR TURN

Why don’t you give one of these a try?
Write down some ideas of how you might respond if someone asks about your device. Mix and match the tone that fits your style—there’s no wrong answer.

Scenario #2

Insulin pump is mistaken for a cell phone or pager

✨ Your Response Options

Option 1: Kindness

Story Moment 💃
A few months ago, I was taking a line dancing lesson. In between dances, I stepped aside for some water when a man nearby asked, “Are you wearing a pager?”

This encounter reminded me that meaningful connections can come from unexpected places—and that kindness goes a long way.

I replied, “It’s an insulin pump—I have type 1 diabetes.”

He immediately said, “Oh sh*t, I’m an a**hole, I’m sorry.”

I smiled and said, “No stress! I actually do diabetes education for a living, so I’m very used to talking about it and answering questions!”

He laughed, and I added, “…But you owe me a dance.”

We ended up as dance partners for the next hour, and I learned that he helps lead medical retreats for veterans with PTSD. What started as a misinformed question turned into a meaningful connection.

🌟 STORY BONUS: Kindness wins again.

Option 2: Stop the Conversation

For my shy folks and people pleasers (yes, Mav & I are looking at you—with love):

Sometimes, it’s not the time or place. And that’s okay.

Response:

“I prefer not to discuss my medical devices in detail. Thanks for your understanding.”

✅ Why this works:
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Setting a clear, calm boundary can be incredibly empowering.

Option 3: Teaching Moment

Curious question = educational opportunity

Response:

“I can see why it might look like a pager or old cell phone, but it’s actually an insulin pump. It helps me manage my blood sugar. Want to know how it works?”

✅ Why this works:
It shifts the energy, creates a connection, and gives you control over the conversation. You might even plant a seed of awareness that grows.

Option 4: Humorous Approach

Response:

“I’m actually just a cyborg—don’t tell the government!”

✅ Why this works:
Let your silly goose run wild. If the person has a sense of humor, you just might make a friend. Laughter can disarm awkwardness and show confidence.

YOUR TURN!

Here’s another chance to jot down how you might want to respond in this scenario.

📝 Write 1–2 of your own responses below.

💬 Quote to Remember:

“Every choice is an opportunity to prioritize your health and wellbeing.”

🔍 Let’s Take a Personal Inventory

Use these questions to guide your responses in real time:

01: Comfort Level

• How comfortable am I discussing my diabetes?
• Do I feel okay sharing personal information right now?

02: Purpose of the Question

• Are they genuinely curious or being invasive?
• Are they asking to learn—or to prove a point?
  (P.S. You can ask them questions, too!)

03: Desired Outcome

• Do I want to educate this person?
• Do I want to redirect the convo?
• Do I need to set a boundary or end it altogether?
• Do I want to make a joke and move on?

04: Context of the Interaction

• Where is this happening—public or private?
• Do I know them well or are they a stranger?

05: Quick Tips for Awkward Situations

• Stay calm and composed
• Redirect the convo
• Use humor (if it feels right)
• Educate—when it feels beneficial to yo

06: Empowerment Strategies

• Practice daily self-affirmatio
• Surround yourself with support
• Stay informed—you’re the expert of your diabetes

07: Emotional State

• How am I feeling right now
• Do I have the energy to engage?
• Would I rather disengage today?

08: Potential Impact

• Could I educate someone today?
• Will this affect my mood for better or worse?

09: Respect & Boundaries

• Am I honoring my boundaries in this moment?
• Are they respecting me?
• If not, can I walk away or seek support

🧠 Final Thoughts

Your diabetes devices are not something to hide.
They are a testament to your strength, your resilience, and your commitment to living well.
Wear them with pride.

Remember:
You're allowed to prioritize yourself.
You're allowed to set boundaries.
You're allowed to speak up—or stay silent.
You're allowed to be fully you.

💙 From the Type One Type Fun Community

Thank you for being here. Your presence in this space matters, and I'm honored to support you in navigating these real-life scenarios.

💬 If this guide helped you, click here to learn how we can work together.
📦 Check out my favorite diabetes tools and products via my Amazon affiliate links (store page)—every item has made a difference in my life, and I hope they do the same for you.

Let’s keep creating a world that’s more informed, more compassionate, and more human for everyone living with diabetes.

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 😘