Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes as a Teen: Building Confidence, Independence, and Resilience
Ellie Hampton, a T1D teenager and Advocate for CDF • November 10, 2025
TL;DR
T1D teenager Ellie shares her experience traveling without her parents for the first time while managing Type 1 diabetes. Despite fears about device failures and blood sugar emergencies, preparation, support from teachers and peers, and years of self-management helped her succeed. Her story highlights how teens with T1D can build confidence, independence, and resilience while still fully participating in activities they love.
Living With Type 1 Diabetes as a Teen:
Challenges and Confidence
Hi! My name is Ellie Hampton and I have had type 1 diabetes for over 7 years. I was diagnosed when I was six years old. Living with type 1 has its challenges but it hasn’t slowed me down. I am actively involved in many things. I participate in volleyball, softball, tumbling and showing cattle. As a Junior High student I am able to get involved in FFA which is Future Farmers of America. I feel passionate about this because I come from a farming family. I enjoy learning about farming and livestock. The FFA has given me the opportunity to be involved in many different things as well as giving back to the community.
Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes Without Parents for the First Time
In October I was given the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National Convention with some members of my FFA group. We were gone for 3 days and 2 nights. I was excited to go but unlike my peers I had worries as well. Living with type 1 diabetes is challenging and can have some scary moments. When I am at home or at school I have my friends, coaches, teachers and of course my parents.
Overcoming Anxiety and “What If” Thinking with Type 1 Diabetes
Traveling 5 hours away without my parents made me fill my head with all the “what ifs”:
What if my pump fails… what if Dexcom fails… what if my phone breaks… what if I go low at night and don’t hear it…
I felt like I needed to still participate and knew that all these years I have been preparing myself for this type of independence. My parents met with the teachers that would be going on the trip with me. They also talked to our school nurse and the principal. We felt like we had a great plan in place. I also felt comfortable because the other FFA members really made me feel safe by packing extra low snacks. Everyone had my back.
Finding My Confidence and Independence
Overall the trip was successful! I am only 13 but I felt this trip made me more confident and capable. I am strong, knowledgeable and smart. I can navigate type 1 (with help as needed) on my own and still participate in everything I want to be a part of. I can’t wait for my next adventure and I know that I will have the support of my family, friends, teachers, nurses and doctors that have helped me manage my diabetes.
