For any type 1 diabetes warrior, celebrating a diabetes anniversary – whether it’s the first or the twenty-first – is a truly special time. And it’s no secret that diabetes impacts the entire family.

Every family deserves to pause and celebrate their progress, big or small. While everyone in the family deserves recognition, today’s blog post is all about our brave T1D warriors.

They navigate so much and deserve to be celebrated for their bravery, discipline, and growth along the type 1 diabetes journey.

So, whether it’s a special “diaversary” or just a plain old Tuesday, here are ten fun and creative ways to celebrate your type 1 diabetes warrior!

Tip #1: Craft handwritten letters

Ask friends and family from all walks of life – schoolmates, teachers, coaches, nurses, doctors, and more – to write heartfelt letters expressing their pride, love, and support for your type 1 diabetes warrior.

Compile these letters into a book or box that they can read whenever they need a boost, reminding them of how special and loved they truly are.

Tip #2: Cook a delicious meal

Prepare a diabetes-friendly meal that your type 1 diabetes warrior loves. In our family, we often opt for grilling burgers without the bun or crafting a delicious low-carb pizza.

These options are not only tasty but also high in protein and fat, helping to minimize spikes in blood sugar.

What special meal can you create for your type 1 diabetes warrior? I also encourage you to make the occasion memorable by setting a beautiful table and enjoying the meal together.

Tip #3: Plan a fun milestone outing

Celebrate your type 1 diabetes warrior’s “diaversary” with a special outing or dinner. Can you align the fun outing to the specific time of year?

For example, maybe you spend a day at the beach in summer or take in a local baseball game.

Or if the “diaversary” falls in the winter months, could you plan a day in the snow or snuggle in for a movie marathon?

I encourage you to think about what activities would brighten your child’s day. Furthermore, who should be there to help celebrate?

Tip #4: Make a special video

Similar to handwritten letters, ask loved ones to film short videos sharing special words for your T1D warrior. It may be fun to get creative with a theme, like what they admire most or their favorite memory.

Compile these clips into a heartfelt video that your T1D warrior can cherish deeply.

Tip #5: Surprise them with a gift

On a daily basis, your type 1 diabetes warrior navigates so much. Celebrate and acknowledge their hard work with a small, thoughtful gift. Is there a toy your child has had their eye on for months?

Or maybe it’s a book or family experience you know would make their day. A little surprise can remind your T1D warrior that they’re doing a fantastic job!

Tip #6: Create a memory book

Although so much is digital these days, a scrapbook is a really fun way to celebrate the diabetes journey.

I encourage you to get creative and have some fun! Fill it with photos, notes, and memories that highlight your type 1 diabetes warrior.

Include messages from friends, family, teachers or doctors expressing their admiration and support.

The sky’s the limit, and it can be a great activity to involve siblings in. Every family member can contribute a unique perspective to the book.

Tip #7: Plan a wellness day

Plan a day filled with activities that promote health and well-being, such as tag in the yard or a hike in nature.

Choose activities your type 1 diabetes warrior enjoys that also benefit their physical and mental health.

Involving the entire family shows support and love, making diabetes feel less isolating. When everyone embraces healthy habits, your T1D warrior will feel included and empowered.

At Type Won Coaching™, we believe “everyone wins living a Type Won lifestyle.” It’s true! We all benefit from moving our bodies, eating nutritious foods, and finding support along the diabetes journey.

Tip #8: Design a fun t-shirt

Another fun surprise is to design a custom t-shirt, hoodie, or hat with a motivational quote or personalized message that celebrates their journey and warrior spirit.

You can even have your entire family rock your shirts on a fun family outing or “diaversary” dinner.

Tip #9: Assemble a personalized gift basket

Create a basket filled with their favorite diabetes-friendly snacks, glucose tabs, fun clothes, a stylish medical ID bracelet, and other personal items that make them feel special and supported.

The gift basket could even extend to things beyond diabetes. Maybe it includes a gift card, new toy, blanket, book, etc.

I encourage you to get creative when thinking about what would help mark this huge milestone!

Tip #10: Create a diabetes scavenger hunt

This fun activity helps your family bond and celebrate the diabetes journey. Brainstorm ten objects that represent your type 1 diabetes warrior, related to diabetes or not.

Hide these items and create hint cards. When your family is together, enjoy searching for the objects that celebrate your T1D warrior’s journey.

Wrap-up

I hope these ten tips inspire you to celebrate your type 1 diabetes warrior with creativity and joy.

These activities can involve the entire family, whether you’re cooking a delicious meal together or embarking on a fun outdoor adventure. The most important thing is being together and having fun.

Remember, love shines through when we acknowledge the strength and resilience our T1D warriors show every day.

Your family is doing an incredible job, and there are so many resources available to support you – like Type Won Coaching™.

I encourage you to try one of these tips this week and watch how it lights up your family.

Until next time, sending you and your family so much love!

Allee

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.