Medical Maximalism is the New Face of T1D Disability Pride

In 2026, we are no longer hiding our type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnoses! Gone are the days of teachers forcing us to check our blood sugar in the bathroom, away from classmates; of strangers rolling their eyes at our continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)—assuming they’re nicotine patches; and of keeping our conditions hush-hush with friends. (Cue the “boo hiss.”)

In 2026, we’re getting loud about T1D, especially online. The new generation of people with T1D is setting an example through self-expression. Not only are we no longer hiding our T1D—we’re celebrating it. And we’re getting more creative about how we show our diabetes devices in public.

Yes, medical maximalism is the new face of T1D disability pride. Medical maximalism is an approach to life with T1D that favors the bold—the ones who aren’t afraid to show up and proudly show off their conditions. Because life with T1D shouldn’t feel like you’re living inside the bubble of a doctor’s office. 

In this guide, we cover how it’s showing up and how you can be inspired in your own life with T1D to embrace medical maximalism, whatever your age or story.

Paint tubeless insulin pumps

Some diabetes content creators like to customize their tubeless insulin pumps by painting them. You can find inspiration on Pinterest! 

@steph.shields

NO MORE BORING OMNIPODS!! #t1d

♬ original sound – Steph Shields

Using acrylic paint markers helps you stay in control and avoid paint getting where it shouldn’t be. Although manufacturers don’t officially recommend painting pumps, many creators have found safe, fun ways to do it and have shared their tips on social media. Paint markers make the process easier!

Bedazzle insulin smart pens or lancing device

Smart insulin pens are kind of boring on their own, but many members of the diabetes community are jazzing them up with a little bedazzling. Just be sure not to add them to the pen vial itself (or you won’t be able to get the cap back on).

Use rhinestones or stickers on the cap or bottom of the smart pen to make it easy to put your device back together after each use. This will also help make sure things stay sanitary—you don’t want rhinestones or stickers present where you twist your syringe (needle) on.

If you have a backup lancing device for use with a blood glucose meter (BGM) in case your CGM supplies are delayed or unavailable, you can also bedazzle it. The Genteel lancing device comes with a set of stickers just for this, but they’re usually catered to little ones with T1D.

Buy your CGM some jewelry

The equivalent of “put a ring on it” for CGMs, wearable CGM jewelry is an emerging trend in the world of diabetes. Artists are creating ethereal designs that make your CGM look even more expensive than it already is. But, of course, it’s all in the spirit of supporting fellow T1Ds.

Wear sleek diabetes device patches

CGM and insulin pump covers aren’t what they used to be—dare we say, new products are making diabetes sexy? It’s like you almost want to be in the T1D club. Podern Med is one brand that stands out in this category of sleek and sexy diabetes tech covers. Their designs don’t scream “little kid with T1D” like most others do. Nope! These are for young and older adults living with it.

Podern Med has become a favorite among T1D community members because the brand offers:

• Device covers that match your unique skin tone. 
• Fashion-forward colored diabetes device patches.
• Diabetes device patches designed to be worn during sports or activities.
• Cases for diabetes tech that match the patches.

Podern Med is primarily for tubeless pump users but also offers some coverage for those with CGMs. While we appreciate designs for kids and understand their place in the space, companies like Podern Med are bringing elegance to adults with T1D where it was lacking. T1D isn’t just a juvenile disease, and this brand reflects that.

Self-expression is everywhere with T1D

Other ways the culture is shifting towards T1D disability pride through self-expression include:

• Wearing diabetes devices in unexpected places: While not officially recommended by most manufacturers, people with T1D need more spots on their body to change things up. Content creators are wearing CGMs on their chests—see “diatitty” references. We promise it’s tamer than it sounds. Some are even sporting CGMs on their shoulders. Your body, your choice!
  
• Adding charms to diabetes devices: Some people with T1D have even found clever ways to attach charms to their insulin pumps or CGMs, for a little extra somethin’-somethin’.
  
• Sassy clothing: Ringer tees with fun sayings are popular on social media these days, from “diabaddie” to “I said I’m diabetic, not ugly.” People with T1D are eating them up and showing them off! Chronically Illest is an especially popular brand in this category.

Disability pride is about doing diabetes your way

When it comes to T1D disability pride, it’s about doing diabetes your way—in ways that serve your health, well-being, happiness and individuality. Because T1D shouldn’t limit how you present yourself or how you feel about yourself. And it certainly isn’t synonymous with your identity!

Self-expression with your diabetes devices is a quiet but loud shoutout to the world that you are more than your diabetes.

Ready to find your glow with T1D? Download our Beginner’s Guide to Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes so you can thrive in the ways you deserve.