Food Shame Was Never the Answer for People with Type 1 Diabetes

Food Shame and Type 1 Diabetes

When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), I remember being taught how to inject insulin into an orange. That same week, while I was hospitalized, I was also taught how to read a nutrition label, given a breakdown of what I "should" eat and "shouldn’t" eat, and I feared that Dairy Queen would no longer be part of my life plan...

Yes, I cried about it. I was 10.

For two years following my diagnosis, I completely avoided sugar except for when I needed it to treat a low. I was afraid of it. I only ate apples as a "treat." I say this with no exaggeration. I thought I could die if I had a piece of cake.

Breaking Toxic Patterns Around Food

I didn’t realize it at the time, but following this style led to a toxic relationship with food for many years—binge cycles and shame. In my 22+ years of living with type 1 diabetes, I’ve never found severe deprivation to be the answer to support anyone living with any type of diabetes.

That instruction often sends people like me in the opposite direction. 

Carbs aren't the enemy. Sugar shouldn't be either.

That's also not an invitation to eat it all the time.

Food Shame is Never the Answer for People with T1D

It's about integration in life with diabetes, not assigning moral value where it shouldn't be or applauding unsustainable, hyper-restrictive habits.

Creating fear around food isn’t the answer, and neither is shame.

I am pleased to share that I have completed my Functional Nutrition Certification through the mindbodygreen Institute, which allows me to better support my clients at Chronically You.

Your relationship with food is a huge factor when living with type 1 diabetes. Food impacts everything we do: our energy, our wellbeing, and our blood sugar levels. It's not easy, but it doesn't have to feel super complicated either.

As a coach, it’s not my job to tell you how to do anything. It’s my job to help you find ways to incorporate the foods you love while still finding balance and wellness. I will never tell everyone to eat low carb, completely avoid foods, or feel ashamed for enjoying something.

I live this every day. I get it. This is a no-judgment space.

Easing Internal Conflict with Food

My work is about easing internal conflict—especially around food—through small, steady steps toward a life that feels more livable.

Those kinds of patterns assign moral value to food where it doesn’t belong. Food is about wellness. Food is medicine. It is not a moral compass telling you whether you’re a “good” or “bad” diabetic.

Healing shame around food starts with talking about it—seeing it, naming it, identifying what you’d like to do differently, and taking small steps forward.

You can live a full, healthy life with diabetes while still enjoying the foods you love.

Work with a Health Coach Who Gets It

If you’re tired of the cycle of food shame and restriction and want a healthier, more peaceful way to include the foods you love, I’m here to support you and currently accepting new clients.