Five years into living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), there’s a lot I wish I had known when I was first diagnosed. From navigating the constant decisions that come with managing glucose to figuring out which diabetes technology actually fits my life, the learning curve has been steep.

My initial misdiagnosis is a reminder of just how little awareness there is around type 1 diabetes in adults. After months of being sick and searching for answers, it was the diabetes community that helped me recognize what was happening.

Since then, I’ve learned that managing T1D is about more than glucose numbers or finding the right device. It takes time, support, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with diabetes, or exploring diabetes technology for the first time, these lessons are a look at what I’ve learned and what I’m still figuring out.

This National Diabetes Awareness Month, I’m sharing my experience and inviting others in the diabetes community to share what they’ve learned, too. Check out the video above to learn the lessons that have helped me along the way, from the importance of diabetes educators and finding a community to becoming your own advocate and preparing for the unexpected.