Don’t Let Type 1 Diabetes Stop You From Pursuing Your Dreams
Joleigh Burgett • November 9, 2020
TL;DR
After a life-changing type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Joleigh faced fear, burnout, and uncertainty—but refused to let the disease define her future. With support from her family and experiences like working at diabetes camps, she found confidence, purpose, and direction. Her journey shows that while T1D is challenging, it can also build resilience and inspire you to pursue your dreams without limits.
Updated: April 2, 2026
Life After a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis: Facing Fear and Uncertainty
My name is Joleigh and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on September 14, 2015. Being diagnosed with this disease was without a doubt the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I never knew I could handle something as serious as type 1 diabetes.
When I was in the hospital, my doctors told me my life would never be the same, they told me that I would have to get over my fear of needles and take multiple shots a day. The doctors also told me if I had been minutes, even seconds later to the hospital I would have been in a coma.
The Emotional Impact of Living with Type 1 Diabetes
One of the hardest parts about being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes was I had to let go of a life that I knew for 17 years and say hello to a new one that I never asked for. It was definitely one I did not want. Diabetes has a mind of its own and it is so unpredictable no matter how hard I try. I am constantly fighting myself, whether to eat and take a shot, or not eat and not have to worry about how my body is going to react. Being stressed out as a diabetic has brought a whole new level to stress because my blood sugar reacts in such a negative way. When I wake up in the middle of the night from a low blood sugar I can’t fall back asleep due to the fear of never waking back up.
How Family Support Helps Manage Type 1 Diabetes
Although my family may say I have owned this disease from the beginning, it took me a long time to be comfortable in my own body again. I was embarrassed and scared that someone was going to ask me about my pump or CGM. I thought it was embarrassing to have something to live that most other people didn’t have to have. I felt like I had to wear a mask and pretend that I was okay when on the inside I felt so alone and scared. My family has been my biggest support system from the beginning. They helped me realize that I didn’t have to face type 1 diabetes alone. They have always reminded me how strong I am when all I want to do is give up. They remind me that I am so much more than type 1 diabetes because yes, type 1 diabetes is part of me, but it is such a small part.
Turning Challenges into Strength with Type 1 Diabetes
This disease has made me fight every day, and has challenged me in every way possible, but I know for a fact that I would not be the person I am today without it. Because of type 1 diabetes, I learned the value of life and the beauty of having a second chance at it. Type 1 diabetes has taught me to appreciate the blessings that are so often taken for granted.
I can also proudly say that type 1 diabetes has never held me back from pursuing my dreams. If anything, it has pushed me to do more. Four years ago I would have never pictured spending my summers working at diabetes camps, but it has been the biggest reward to inspire kids to never let diabetes hold them back. I get the privilege of watching these kids overcome their fears and encourage each other to try something new. I would not change it for anything. These camps have introduced me to some of my best friends that I would not have ever met without this disease.
Pursuing Career Goals While Living With Type 1 Diabetes
I am going to school to one day be a pediatric nurse and work with kids that have type 1 diabetes. While pursuing my dream I am working as a 911 Dispatcher. Having type 1 diabetes has never gotten in the way of who and what I want to be. Being diagnosed with this disease has pushed me to prove to people that you can do anything and everything with type 1 diabetes.
About the author:
Joleigh is a former T1D advocate for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, a nurse, and a newlywed.
