#243: Why Accepting T1D Is Harder Than You Think

In this episode, Dr. Mark talks with Kristen, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17—just months before graduating high school. The adjustment was rocky. Fear of lows led Kristen to stop taking insulin entirely during her honeymoon phase, and eventually, she ended up in the hospital again with DKA.

That second hospital stay marked a turning point. Kristen began to accept her diagnosis, change her mindset, and reframe how she saw insulin—not as something to fear, but as something that keeps her alive and thriving.

Now 19, Kristen is learning to trust technology, navigate new challenges with her Medtronic 780G pump, and even planning to get SCUBA certified—without letting fear get in the way.

Her story is one of resilience, reflection, and reclaiming freedom with T1D.

 Grab your FREE copy of the Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It audiobook HERE.