Reflecting on 2025: Expectations vs Reality

12 January, 2026

Professional drag performer and Omnipod® Ambassador, Grace Shush, shares their reflection, looking back on 2025 – highlighting that a type 1 diabetes diagnosis impacts more than just your physical health. They also include a very important message to those experiencing the realities of diabetes management and burnout.

*Grace has been paid a fee to create this content.

I don’t really know what I was expecting from 2025. I had hope and excitement at the start of the year; I planned to move back north. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and things went a little south.

This year hasn’t been the easiest for me.

Mental Health and Diabetes Burnout

In my previous blog post, I’d spoken about getting a grip on my mental health, but this year took an even bigger toll. I had to face some hard truths.

My diabetes burnout has been astronomical; at times, it’s felt never-ending. And here’s the irony: this is also the year I’ve been creating some of my best diabetes-related content. Maybe that’s my ADHD shutting my brain down when I need it most, or perhaps it’s simply because living with diabetes while constantly talking about diabetes has felt all-encompassing. Overwhelming, even.

The result? Burnout, and plenty of it.

Turning Point in Summer

By the summer, though, I finally took control of things and started working more proactively on my mental health.

Since then, *touch wood*, things have been so much better. The diabetes burnout is still real, but I’ve been honest about it. What I still struggle with, though, is asking for help. Just like with my mental health, I don’t want to “burden” anyone else, especially someone who also lives with diabetes.

And those who don’t live with diabetes often can’t understand.

Highlights, Wins, and Big Life Changes

But this year hasn’t been all doom and gloom. There have been some fantastic moments. I’ve built incredible partnerships within the diabetes community.

I’ve travelled to Amsterdam and Barcelona, made new friends, and been part of creating CommuniT1D, a safe space for people with type 1 diabetes to come together and talk. That’s been huge.

On a personal note, some massive life changes are happening, too. I’m buying a house (something hardly anyone knows outside of my closest friends and family, so saying it out loud feels wild!). It’s exciting but scary, especially as I’m also considering a career change.

What terrifies me most, though, is the possibility of losing my current healthcare team.

I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I feel so lucky to have had access to such good care, from my sensor to my Omnipod®, and I know not everyone is this fortunate. It is something I don’t take for granted, not even for a second.

The Importance of Patient Choice

As I’ve said before, patient choice is critical when you’re living with a lifelong condition like type 1 diabetes. You have the right to choose where you receive your care.

I’ve already started researching new healthcare teams, but I’ve also been reassured that I can stay with my current team if I want to; it would just mean some logistical challenges. And honestly? I like having another reason to stay connected to London, even if it’s just for appointments with my endocrinologist (plus, it’s always an excuse to see friends).

Looking Ahead

Usually, when I write these posts, I come armed with some insightful piece of wisdom to share, but this one feels different. It’s less “lessons learned” and more of a reflection, sprinkled with some personal affirmations along the way.

Looking ahead, my biggest intention for next year is to learn how to ask for help. I don’t know exactly who, but I know I need to start.

I’ve got butterflies in my stomach about what’s to come in 2026, but in the great words of our Lord and Saviour Miley Cyrus:

“There’s always going to be another mountain, I’m always going to want to make it move. Life’s a climb.”

And I’m still climbing.

This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice and/or services from a healthcare provider. This blog post is not to be relied upon in any way in connection with your personal health care related decisions and treatment.