Chronically Climbing Blog

I’ve been writing professionally for more than 15 years, with work published by Her Campus, HelloGiggles, Thrive Global, Beyond Type 1, Beyond Type 2, Type 1 Strong, Insulin Nation, Thought Catalog, Breakthrough T1D, and others.

This blog brings together my writing on type 1 diabetes, chronic illness, identity, culture, and the things I find interesting along the way.

I’ve also run several lifestyle blogs over the years, including Miss Trend She and Julia in Red. Those sites are now archived, but their influence on my writing—and some of their best ideas—continues here.

Chronically Climbing is where I write outside of client work. Expect personal essays, observations, opinions, and stories about living with T1D and navigating life more generally here.

Life with T1D

Personal insights, advice, tips, resources, and guides for living joyfully with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Community Was the Mirror, Not the Answer

A note before you read: The reflections in this essay are based on my own experiences and observations after years of participating in the diabetes online community. They won't reflect everyone's experience, nor are they meant to. I've also met countless people who make this community welcoming, generous, and supportive. My hope isn't to criticize the community, but to encourage a conversation about how we continue making space for one another. Community Was the Mirror, Not t

Julia Flaherty

Jul 285 min read

Changing the Name of Type 1 Diabetes Probably Won't Help You

Changing the name of type 1 diabetes probably won't help you. This post explains why it could do more harm than good for people living with all types of diabetes.

Julia Flaherty

May 174 min read

Food Isn't Just About Food for People with Diabetes

Food Isn't Just About Nutrition for People with Diabetes

For people with diabetes, food isn't simple. It's carb calculations, insulin dosing decisions, peer pressure, and stress rolled into our favorite foods.

Julia Flaherty

Mar 95 min read

Language Matters in Health Spaces

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from working in health spaces is this: Language matters. More than we think.

Julia Flaherty

Mar 22 min read

What the Movie "F*ck Valentine's Day" Gets Right and Wrong About Diabetes

We need to talk about what the movie "F*ck Valentine's Day gets right and wrong about diabetes because I cannot take another cheap shot at it from Hollywood. Ugh!

Julia Flaherty

Feb 253 min read

Wisconsin's 2026 Insulin Copay Cap: Progress, Perspective, and the Work Ahead

Wisconsin lawmakers are once again considering insulin affordability legislation—this time in the form of a proposed insulin copay cap set to take effect in 2026 if passed. While the details differ, the core issue remains the same: how do we reduce the financial burden of insulin in a healthcare system that often leaves people navigating complexity alone?

Julia Flaherty

Feb 165 min read

The Problem with 'Diabetes-friendly' Food Labels

Not all food labels that claim to be diabetes-friendly are created equal. Be a curious consumer! Understanding how to read nutrition labels will help ensure you're adding body-friendly items to your grocery cart. Here's the problem I have with most diabetes-friendly food labels...

Julia Flaherty

Jan 194 min read

I Don't Know About You, But My Diabetes is 22

Today, my diabetes turns 22. That is, it's my 22nd diaversary. Here's how I'm feeling, all these years in.

Julia Flaherty

Jan 55 min read

How to Embrace Your Favorite Self with T1D: Lasting Change Takes Time & Consistency

What does it mean to embrace your "favorite self" while living with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? Let's explore what that looks like together! Change takes time and consistency. So does self-acceptance. Making the effort is always worth it!

Julia Flaherty

Dec 1, 20255 min read

Peace at Every Range: Learning to Live in the In-Between with T1D

We have learned to focus on the highs and lows with T1D but often forget about the in-between, which is where we spend most of our time. Chronically Courageous is for anyone seeking peace at every range.

Julia Flaherty

Nov 24, 20254 min read

Type 1 Diabetes Poem: Today, I Will Start

Today, I Will Start: A Type 1 Diabetes Poem. Today, I will stop. I will stop telling myself that type 1 diabetes is a problem to be solved. I will stop telling myself there’s something inherently wrong with me, that I need to be fixed.

Julia Flaherty

Nov 17, 20252 min read

A Birthday Wish I Wish I Could Permanently Blow Out the Candle For

When it comes to type 1 diabetes support, I've approached it in different ways throughout the years. As we start another NDAM in 2025, I can't help but reflect on my hopes for the future of all people living with type 1 diabetes.

Julia Flaherty

Nov 3, 20254 min read

Love Is Blind Season 9 and the Type 1 Diabetes Conversation Everyone’s Talking About

A viral Love Is Blind Season 9 moment revealed how much we still misunderstand diabetes. As someone with type 1 diabetes (T1D), I see this as a lesson in learning and grace. Here's what happened and why it matters.

Julia Flaherty

Oct 31, 20256 min read

Am I Hypo Unaware?

Am I hypo unaware? This is a question I had to ask myself recently after I realized I was walking around my house at 36 mg/dL the same way I walked around it at 82 mg/dL.

Julia Flaherty

Oct 27, 20254 min read

When Blood Sugars Hit the Kitchen Floor

This is what happens when blood sugars hit the kitchen floor. I believe in being vulnerable. This is my story at 38 mg/dL.

Julia Flaherty

Oct 20, 20252 min read

Change Must Start with Self-Love: Including Weight

Change must start with self-love, including our weight loss goals. If you live with a chronic illness like type 1 diabetes, I know it's complicated. Here are my thoughts on that after navigating my health with T1D over the past 21 years.

Julia Flaherty

Oct 6, 20252 min read

Thrivable Invites Healthcare Providers to Exclusive Panel

Thrivable is inviting healthcare providers (HCPs) to a first-of-its-kind panel where you can earn compensation for your time and insights! Learn more about the program in this post.

Julia Flaherty

Aug 14, 20252 min read

Diabetes Isn't One-Size-Fits-All: Why I Prefer Multiple Daily Injections with T1D

This is why multiple daily injections make sense for me while managing type 1 diabetes. No hate on insulin pump users! There's no one-size-fits-all approach. I support and celebrate those who've found their ideal way to manage their diabetes.

Julia Flaherty

Jul 14, 20256 min read

If Today I Seem Quiet: A Love Letter from Diabetes Burnout

A Diabetes Burnout Poem | If Today I Seem Quiet: A Love Letter from Diabetes Burnout | Chronically Climbing

Julia Flaherty

Jul 7, 20252 min read

Tips for Dating Someone with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

These are my tips for dating someone with type 1 diabetes after spending 21 years living with it, dating for over a decade, and spending six years in a committed relationship.

Julia Flaherty

Jul 2, 20253 min read