Have you ever had one of those days where your numbers… just won’t cooperate? Maybe your CGM feels like it’s yelling at you, your pump site failed, or your body just isn’t responding the way you’d hoped.
I’ve been there.
Here’s what I want to offer you today: You are so much more than your numbers.
Here’s a guide to remember when the numbers get super frustrating. Think of it as a place to go when you need a reminder that you’re worthy no matter what, and that your blood sugars do not define you.
Let’s dive in.
1️⃣ You are so much more than your numbers
When the numbers feel frustrating, it helps to remind yourself that your worth is not dependent on a CGM trend line. You are a friend, partner, parent, artist, runner (or fill in the blank). You tell jokes, dance in the kitchen, and binge your favorite shows. These are the things that make you you: not your glucose levels. In fact, you are worthy just by being you. Period.
2️⃣ Use the ‘in vs. out of your control’ tool
Overwhelm comes from feeling like you have to deal with everything all at once. Try this instead: Write out two columns: what’s in your control (like changing a site, treating a high, drinking water) and what’s outside your control (waiting for a high to come down, insulin resistance, etc.). This can bring relief and help you focus your energy where it matters most.
3️⃣ Invite curiosity instead of judgment
When you see a blood sugar reading of 250, notice your first reaction. Is it, “Ugh, I’m failing at this?” Pause. How does that feel? Not great, I’m guessing. What if you got curious instead? Ask yourself, “Huh, I wonder how that happened? What might I want to try next time?” Can you feel the difference? One path leads to shame, the other to learning. Curiosity invites growth and self-compassion.
4️⃣ Connect with a safe circle
When you’re swimming in self-judgment, reach for people who get it. Your safe circle might be a fellow adult living with T1D, a support group, or a coach (like me!). These people can hold space for your feelings without trying to fix you. Sometimes, just hearing “me too” can diffuse the frustration and ease the isolation.
5️⃣ Celebrate small wins (that have nothing to do with glucose)
🔹Did you change your pump site even though you dreaded it? Celebrate.
🔹Did you go for a short walk because you wanted fresh air? Celebrate.
🔹Did you drink water before your coffee? Celebrate
These wins deserve celebration; you are training your brain to look for evidence of success everywhere.
6️⃣ Use compassionate self-talk
If you find yourself in the “should spiral” (“I should have caught that low sooner…”), pause and ask: “What would I say to a friend in this moment?” Then, offer those exact kind words to yourself.
7️⃣ Permit yourself to be human
You don’t have to have it all figured out or get every number “right.” You have full permission to be messy, tired, human, and worthy of gentleness. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is take a breath and say, “I’m doing the best I can.”
Conclusion
When we’re struggling with T1D, feeling like we can never get it “right” or no one else really understands how we feel, the world can feel small. But you are expansive, layered, and alive in ways the data could never capture. Let these 7 anchors be your guide back to yourself.
You are doing the best you can. You are worth, and you are enough 💗
Call-to-Action
If this blog spoke to your heart, and you’re craving a safe, judgment-free space to explore what life with T1D can look like beyond the numbers, I invite you to book a free consult with me. Let’s have a real conversation about what support looks like for you.
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