Inspiring Stories: Life with Type 1 Diabetes
Everyone living with Type 1 Diabetes has a unique story. When did they receive their diagnosis, how has their life changed, and what motivates them the most? Through these short interviews, we aim to share the experiences of different Type 1 Diabetics—to offer support and inspiration. And, of course, you’ll also find a few funny moments that life with Type 1 Diabetes brings.
Let these inspiring stories of Type 1 Diabetics remind you that you are not alone in this journey. ❤️
In 2003, Urša received a “sweet surprise” – type 1 diabetes. Over the years, she gradually let go of her initial discipline, using the excuse: “I’ll just cover it with insulin!” But a few years ago, she decided to take full control of her health. Through systematic changes in her diet, sleep, physical activity, and stress management, she managed to drastically reduce her need for insulin and achieve a sense of well-being she had never known before. Today, she runs the website Moj sladkor – Čista 5ka (My Glucose – Perfect A), where she shares her valuable experiences, tried-and-tested tips, and inspiring stories from others living with diabetes — all with the goal of helping people feel better and live healthier lives.
Here is Urša’s story with Type 1 Diabetes in 10 short questions.
1. How old were you when you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes?
I was diagnosed at 20, just one month before my 21st birthday. That weekend, I was in Žusterna with my mom, sister, and my nephew. I remember stocking up on four 1.5-liter bottles water for the two-hour drive home. My mom was already watching me with concern, since I had been drinking non-stop all weekend. I also ate a huge amount of fruit compote, just craving something liquid. The Monday after that weekend, I started vomiting heavily and went to see my doctor. She immediately recognized the symptoms of diabetes and sent me to the outpatient clinic in Ljubljana, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
2. Do you remember the first thing you said when you heard the diagnosis?
Hmm, I really don’t remember. But I do remember my wonderful diabetologist, who took care of me—and my mom—back then. She’s still my doctor today.
I do recall that even before the diagnosis, I had a feeling something wasn’t right. I had been weak and drained of energy for a long time, but I delayed going to the doctor because I was afraid the diagnosis might be something much worse. When I finally realized it was “just” diabetes, I felt a real sense of relief.
3. How would you describe life with diabetes?
Diabetes brought a lot of changes to my life—and with them, a sense of responsibility for myself and my health. I’m genuinely grateful for that because I believe I might not have found the strength for all the positive changes I’ve made otherwise.
Today, I’m much more aware of how everything in life affects my energy—both positively and negatively. I’m learning to seek balance and make a conscious effort to maintain it.
4. How has diabetes changed your perspective on life?
Diabetes has taught me that everything in life happens for a reason. Just like arguments are a chance for growth, illness also shows up with a purpose. For me, diabetes became a reminder of how important it is to have a clear goal—and how every choice and action influences the path toward that goal.
When I didn’t have a clear goal, I didn’t care if I was grumpy, angry, or unmotivated. Today, my goal is a healthy and long life—and because of that, I don’t allow (or at least, much less than before) people or situations to throw me off track. I know that every time I let that happen, I’m working against myself. The responsibility for my life lies solely with me, and every decision I make each day is a chance to choose what moves me forward—toward health and well-being.
Because of diabetes, I have a much deeper understanding of how important health is—and how much of an impact I can have on it.
5. What worried you the most about living with this disease?
Hmm, I really have to think… In the beginning, the biggest challenge was the shock of all the changes diabetes brings. I stuck to diet and exercise very strictly, but that wasn’t hard for me—nor was I especially worried.
It wasn’t until around 10 years later that I hit a turning point. Over time, I had started making little compromises, and gradually, I found myself using more and more insulin (thinking, “I’ll just cover it with insulin”). I got to the point where I was using about 50 units a day, sometimes more. That’s when I had an “aha” moment. I realized that if I kept going in that direction, my future and health wouldn’t look the way I wanted them to. That woke me up and pushed me to make changes that brought more health into my life.
6. What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you related to diabetes?
Oh, I still remember those blood sugar test strips—they were everywhere! You check your sugar, put the strip in a tissue, a box, or your pocket and think you’re all tidy… and then you find them in the most unexpected places.
They were in my purse, in the car, tucked between notebook pages—even in the laundry, inside socks! I never knew where one might turn up next. It was like they had a life of their own.
7. What’s the most unpleasant diabetes-related situation you’ve ever experienced?
Definitely the worst situations have been related to hypoglycemia. A few times, it happened at work—even during meetings—that I went low. I’d start sweating and feel really uncomfortable because I didn’t want my coworkers to notice.
But the one situation I’ll never forget happened when my older son was still little. I had a morning low and slept through my alarm. He had already woken up—he was around 3 at the time. He couldn’t wake me up, so he decided to get everything ready for my morning routine—he brought me a toothbrush, toothpaste, and face creams, and laid them all out nicely on my nightstand. In the end, it was a call from my mom that woke me—she had heard I didn’t come to work or take my son to preschool, so she called to check if everything was okay.
8. What’s your biggest victory—what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my two sons and the relationship we have. Actually, the word “grateful” fits even better for how I feel.
As far as diabetes goes, my biggest victory is that in the past few years, through lifestyle changes, I’ve managed to reduce my insulin intake by about 70%. That’s what inspired me to start the Čista 5ka (Perfect A) project, which I’m developing with the hope of helping others with diabetes by sharing my own experiences and the stories of others.
It’s incredibly motivating to know that I’m healthier today than I was 10 years ago—and I know I can keep improving my health.
9. What do you miss most from life before the diagnosis?
Oh wow, that really was a long time ago. Honestly, there’s nothing I especially miss. Today, I understand much better how unhealthy some of my old habits were, and even if I could, I wouldn’t bring them back into my life. My lifestyle now is much more balanced and healthier.
10. What’s the first thing you’d do if you were cured?
Oh, this question is really great—the cherry on top 🙂 I think I’d first cry tears of joy and gratitude. It would be such a huge moment that at first, I’d want to keep it just for myself. I’d tell my partner, of course, but then take a little time before sharing the news with anyone else—just to let it sink in and really understand what had just happened.
Urša, thank you for your time and for sharing your story with us and our readers!
We wish you all the best with Čista 5ka and excellent blood glucose levels!