I Thought My Life Was Over’: Shock Diabetes Diagnosis

Gabrielle Groves (@gabs.d1agram), 29, Manchester.

At just 27, I faced a life-changing diagnosis. Two years later, I’m inspiring thousands online with my journey - and sharing how one small swap helped me take control again.

My positivity and openness have made me a rising voice in the Type 1 diabetes community online, where I share my journey on Instagram as @gabs.d1agram. My account is filled with real talk about blood sugar highs and lows, technology trials, and mental health – as well as honest product recommendations that genuinely help.

When I was rushed to my GP in January 2023, I never expected to hear the words that would change my life: “You have Type 1 diabetes.”

I was 27, active, and had been feeling unwell for a while but didn’t know why. My strength was low and I’d been looking for answers - but I never imagined the answer would turn out to be something as life-changing as diabetes. It was such a shock. I went from only knowing a little about glucose monitors - my sister was diagnosed with Type 1 at 14 - to suddenly having one with me everywhere I went.

The early days were brutal. It felt like my body had betrayed me. Overnight, I had to learn how to inject insulin, count carbs, and constantly think about my blood sugar levels. There’s no break from it - even when you sleep.

For the first two years, I managed my diabetes through multiple daily injections (MDI) and a Libre 2 glucose sensor. That sensor became my lifeline. I could scan it and instantly see what my levels were doing, but it’s still a huge mental load. Every meal, every snack, every walk – it all matters.

But in October this year, everything shifted again. I made the leap to a closed-loop insulin pump system, combining the mylife YpsoPump with a Libre 3 sensor - a move that’s been completely life-changing.

The pump and sensor talk to each other. It automatically gives me micro doses of insulin throughout the day to keep my blood sugars steady. I still count carbs and bolus for meals, but it’s so much easier. It’s like having a safety net. I finally feel like I can breathe again.

Still, even with cutting-edge technology, the mental side of diabetes can be relentless. People don’t realise we make around 180 extra health-related decisions every single day compared to someone without diabetes. It’s mentally exhausting. You’re constantly thinking about food, insulin, numbers, risk – it never stops.

So, when I find something that makes life even a little simpler, I call it a victory. And one of my biggest “small wins” has been discovering Peppersmith sugar-free mints and pastilles (Peppersmith.co.uk).

Before Peppersmith, I used to avoid sweets completely unless I was low. Even sugar-free options worried me because so many still have ingredients that can affect blood glucose. But Peppersmith was different – it’s sweet, refreshing, and doesn’t mess with my sugars at all. It sounds small, but it feels huge.

Peppersmith products are made with xylitol, a plant-based sweetener with a low glycaemic index (GI 7) and 40% fewer calories than sugar, meaning it digests slowly and avoids the sharp blood sugar spikes most diabetics dread.

I’ve actually tested it! I’ve done a finger prick before and after having a few – and my blood sugar barely moves. That’s incredible for someone like me. It means I can enjoy something sweet without guilt or insulin maths. It’s stress-free, and that’s rare for us diabetics.

Now, I always keep a pack in my bag. They’re part of my day, I’ll have a mint after meals, on my way home from work, or when I’m out with friends. They’re my go-to pick-me-up. I love the lemon mints and strawberry pastilles the most, they’re refreshing but not overpowering. Just the right amount of sweet.

But for me, the impact goes beyond flavour. Living with diabetes can really affect your confidence. Dry mouth, bad breath, constant fatigue - they’re all real things. Peppersmith helps with that too. I can freshen up without worrying about my levels, which makes me feel a bit more like me again.

The support from the online community has been amazing. I get messages from people newly diagnosed or parents of Type 1 kids saying thank you for making it feel less scary. That’s what keeps me going. If my story helps even one person feel a bit more in control, it’s worth it.

If I could tell others newly navigating diabetes one thing, it would be this: don’t underestimate the power of small changes. Whether it’s switching to a pump, finding a routine that works for you, or even discovering something like Peppersmith – those little wins build up. They make the tough days easier.

For me, life with diabetes hasn’t just been about managing blood sugar – it’s been about reclaiming my independence, one mindful choice at a time.

I used to feel like diabetes controlled me. Now, I feel like I control it. Every small decision, from my tech to my mints, helps me live the life I want, not the one diabetes dictates. That’s the biggest win of all.