
First things first!
The best part about living with diabetes is being a part of a community. Connecting with other people impacted by diabetes provides a sense of understanding that therapy or checkups with your endo can't match. (Although, those are incredibly important diabetes management tools, too!)
If you're new to diabetes or are just looking for new people to connect with, you've stumbled upon the right post. This list includes some awesome content creators posting on Instagram who are talking about diabetes and more, from normalizing life with it to clearing stigmas and misconceptions to providing real-time tips to having fun regardless!
If that sounds like your cup of tea, get your phone ready to hit that follow button. Here are some Instagram creators you should follow if you live with diabetes and want to feel more connected with people who understand what you're going through...
This Instagram account is dedicated to a children’s book series written by Certified Diabetes Educator Shaina Hatchell to teach about type 1 diabetes. Shaina posts book and life updates on this page. What I especially love about this book series is that Shaina expertly helps children with type 1 diabetes learn more about their own condition and the experience of those living with type 2! This kind of storytelling helps teach children empathy and allyship in the diabetes space.
Qiqi Drew is an inspiring content creator living with diabetes. She posts uplifting and relatable content that helps you find your motivation and grace in living with diabetes. Plus, she just released an incredible original song about the highs and lows of the condition on her page! So, if you aren't following her yet, make sure you hit that button after reading through the rest of this post. Or hey, if you're a multitasker—scroll and follow as you read! All the power to you!Â
Mila Clarke, AKA @thehangrywoman, is the queen of diabetes content on Instagram! Not only is the aesthetic of her page gorgeous, but she's not afraid to get real, which is especially important when following people with diabetes. Mila offers a refreshing and always inclusive take on life with diabetes. Her page is a safe space for those impacted by type 1 and type 2 to learn with each other and connect over shared experiences.
Of course, I can't have a post like this without mentioning Ginger Vieira! Whenever you have a question about how to manage diabetes, she's sure to have the answer posted on her Instagram page. What's even better, is the advice always feels approachable and relatable. You won't get any jargon with Ginger!
If there is any fun to have in life with diabetes, Ariana is sure to find it and post about it on her Instagram page! A wonderfully clever and talented creative, when you follow Ariana, you'll soon feel like you've built your circle of friends in the diabetes space. Ariana will also teach you to laugh through the hard times of this disease.
Liz Kopco credits herself as a "type 2 diabetes fighter" on her Instagram page, and it is well deserved! If you are looking for content that will inspire you through the ups and downs of living with type 2 diabetes, often with comedy and a sweet punch of reality, you'll treasure connecting with Liz!
@diabetes.helpers documents the "movement honoring children who help their loved ones with diabetes" because "diabetes is a family affair." Need I say more? This viewpoint is something all children stand to benefit from learning, whether immediately affected by diabetes today or not. The more everyone knows the basics of diabetes and the care that is required to manage it, the more likely we will all be able to help one another, reduce judgment, and prevent stigmas surrounding the disease.
@what.the.prick, AKA Sophia Livolsi, has a contagiously positive attitude that should inspire you to live your best life with diabetes. When you're feeling the pains of everyday diabetes challenges, check out her page. I'm sure her smile alone will help you re-evaluate the challenge at hand, helping you turn difficulties into opportunities you can move forward with!
Alysa sets an example of what it means to not let diabetes stop you from pursuing your dreams! Following her story on Instagram may help inspire you to find your dream while living with diabetes.
Lauren is the founder of Risely Health and a person living with type 1 diabetes. She does a beautiful job of articulating her experience in crisp and clear ways that others can use to apply to their own experiences with the disease. She gets vulnerable in service to others so they can learn, grow, and become more aware of what life with type 1 diabetes is like. Her account is not only helpful for people living with type 1 diabetes, but parents of children impacted by type 1 diabetes.
Tiana's heart for the type 1 and type 2 diabetes community is obvious on her Instagram page. While she sets a great example of what it means to be an ally, advocate, and friend within the diabetes space, she is also sure to inspire you to dream and achieve big while living with diabetes through her general life updates! Tiana is a superstar in the diabetes space!
@diabeticsdoingthings chronicles the journeys of people living with diabetes across walks of life. Conversations on this page turn the volume up on conversations that were once relatively invisible before the digital boom. When you follow this page, you'll get to know the podcast hosts and oodles of members of the diabetes space, helping you feel more supported and action-oriented in life with diabetes.
If type 1 diabetes is a vibe, then Amy is the vibe master! Not only is she the queen of putting a diabetes spin on Instagram Reel trends but she's also super relatable when posting day-in-the-life content. Amy brings critical visibility to the ins and outs of day-to-day life with diabetes.
@diabe_tech, AKA Justin, is another creator making diabetes topics more digestible and easy to understand. His personality shines through in each post he shares! And like many of the creators listed above, Instagram isn't the only place he's posting. Whether you want to hear about different lived experiences, gain insights into tech development, or learn how to become an advocate, Justin has you covered.
Last but not least...
These are just some of the many wonderful creators impacted by diabetes who are posting on Instagram today! The list could go on and on. I share my appreciation for each of these folks and the many more out there who are getting vulnerable, sharing their experiences, and roping in others to share theirs to make life with diabetes less challenging and more connective.
Thank you to everyone who makes life with diabetes more inclusive, accessible, and comfortable—your work is important!