What does it mean to rebuild your identity after a life-changing diagnosis?
In this episode of The Long View: A Type 1 Diabetes Podcast, I speak with Milly Williams, a Type 1 diabetes influencer, personal trainer and researcher, about her journey from diagnosis during lockdown to becoming a powerful voice in the diabetes community. Her story is honest, emotional and ultimately full of hope for anyone living with Type 1 diabetes.
A diagnosis that changed everything
Milly was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021, during her final year at university. Like many people, the symptoms crept in quietly – weight loss, exhaustion, constant thirst – all easy to gloss over, especially during a stressful period of exams and lockdown life.
But her diagnosis quickly escalated into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to an emergency hospital admission.
Alone in hospital due to COVID restrictions, Milly realised she had to deal with a lifelong condition. Despite studying biology, nothing could have prepared her for the day-to-day reality of living with Type 1 Diabetes.
As she explains, it wasn’t just a diagnosis, it was a complete reset and every part of her life suddenly needed to be relearned.
Losing and finding your Identity
One of the most powerful themes in this Type 1 Diabetes podcast episode is identity.
Before her diagnosis, Milly had spent years building a life around fashion, fitness and university. Afterwards, she felt like she had lost that version of herself completely.
Type 1 diabetes didn’t just affect her health, it affected how she saw herself.
But over time, something shifted. Through reflection, support and shared experience, Milly began to separate who she is from the condition she lives with – something a lot of people who live with a chronic condition will understand.
But she says: You are not your diabetes.
That realisation became the foundation for everything that followed.
Becoming a Type 1 Diabetes influencer
Shortly after her diagnosis, Milly turned to social media, searching for others who understood what she was going through.
What she found was a global community. Within weeks of starting her own page, she connected with hundreds of people also living with Type 1 diabetes. They shared advice, answered questions and helped her get through those early, confusing days.
That experience inspired her to shift her content entirely, from fashion to diabetes awareness.
Today, as a growing Type 1 Diabetes influencer, Milly shares insights into:
- Blood glucose management
- Exercise and insulin sensitivity
- Nutrition beyond just carb counting
- The realities (and frustrations) of daily diabetes life
Her content covers personal experience and scientific curiosity, something that sets her apart in the online diabetes space.
The reality of “perfect” control
Milly also speaks openly about the pressure that can come with social media. In the early days, she felt a need to present “perfect” blood sugar control, something many people with diabetes will recognise. She even went to extreme lengths to keep her glucose levels stable, structuring her day rigidly around food, movement and insulin.
But over time, she realised something important:
Type 1 Diabetes is unpredictable and perfection isn’t realistic.
Now, she uses her platform to share the full picture, including the difficult days. That honesty has helped her and her audience develop a healthier, more balanced approach to living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Exercise, sleep and Type 1 Diabetes
As both a personal trainer and researcher, Milly has a particular interest in exercise and its impact on blood glucose.
Her postgraduate research explored a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: how exercise affects overnight blood sugar levels.
Her findings highlighted a key challenge for people with Type 1:
- Exercise can improve health and glucose control
- But it can also increase the risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia
- Which in turn disrupts sleep and recovery
This is a real-life trade-off that many people experience and one that isn’t always acknowledged in standard medical advice.
Why women’s health in Type 1 Diabetes matters
One of the most important areas Milly is now exploring is the link between Type 1 Diabetes and women’s health. Through her own experience, she noticed patterns in her blood glucose levels that didn’t make sense, until she connected them to her menstrual cycle.
It’s an area with surprisingly little research, despite its huge impact on daily diabetes management. Her goal isn’t to find rigid rules or solutions, but to build understanding about how hormones impact your insulin sensitivity and why your blood glucose levels across your cycle.
Finding balance and moving forward
Today, Milly is building a life that brings together her passions: fitness, research and supporting others with Type 1 Diabetes.
She’s no longer chasing perfection. Instead, she’s focused on balance – enjoying life, staying active and working with her diabetes rather than against it.
Her advice for anyone struggling?
Separate yourself from the condition. You are still you – with goals, passions and a life to live.
Listen to the full episode
You can follow Milly on Instagram @diabeteswithmilly.
If you’re looking for an honest, insightful conversation about living with Type 1 diabetes, identity and finding purpose after diagnosis, this episode of The Long View: A Type 1 Diabetes Podcast is not to be missed.
You can listen here on Spotify: Ep 6: Milly Williams – Influencer, researcher and how not to lose yourself to Type 1 Diabetes – The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes | Podcast on Spotify
And here on Apple: Ep 6: Milly Williams – Influen…–The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes – Apple Podcasts
Or click “Podcasts” at the top of this page.