Rare Perks of Living with Type 1 Diabetes That You Should Know About

Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) comes with many downsides—lows, if you will—but sometimes there are rare perks. It can be difficult to look on the bright side of life with a chronic illness, but in day-to-day life, there are some lesser-known perks you can take advantage of to make your diabetes management easier.

Type 1 diabetes food and drink privileges

Basically, no one can take away the food and drink you need to manage your diabetes in a public setting. It usually just requires you to flash your medical bracelet, show a doctor’s note explaining your needs or diagnosis or show a gate attendant your diabetes medications and technology.  

Places where you can bring food that other people without T1D can’t include, but are not limited to:

• Movie theaters
• Concert venues/Theatre venues
• Classrooms
• Business meetings
• Retail stores

Type 1 diabetes in the classroom

There are many perks that T1D allows students in grade school or university settings. 

Some examples include:

• Extra time before lunch: Not every student gets to leave class early before lunch, but in many elementary, middle and high schools, that’s exactly what children with type 1 can do. Students with T1D are usually given extra time before lunch to go to the nurse’s office to dose insulin, count carbs, treat lows (if needed) or check your blood sugar.
• Technology use: While many teachers and classrooms prohibit technology use, they can’t restrict students with T1D from using phones, insulin pumps or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to manage your diabetes. At times, students may also check in with your parents during the day via your phones to confirm everything is okay. Many parents may choose to check in through CGM share apps.
• Food and drink: Students are also allowed to have food or drink with them at all times to treat lows. They don’t have to do it only in the nurse’s office—that might just happen coincidentally while they’re in there. It might not be safe to walk there in the case of a low, anyway. Students should have low blood sugar snacks or beverages on you or within reach at all times. 
• College perks: Signing up for college accommodations gives you advantages like registering for classes early, choosing a preferred room location or getting rooms with refrigerators, all to help make your life with diabetes easier. And, yes, your diabetes is “bad enough” to sign up for them!
• Scholarships for students with diabetes: The Diabetes Link provides a searchable directory for students with diabetes to find scholarships you qualify for and that address your unique life circumstances.

Type 1 diabetes travel privileges

When it comes to flying, TSA Cares regulations can support people with T1D. Just be sure to take your doctor’s note with you while traveling so you can take advantage of it.

Here are some of the most important ways it can make your air travel experience easier:

• Diabetes tech and supplies: Travelers with T1D can bring unlimited supplies of any kind of T1D equipment.
• Carrying food and beverages on board: Unlike most travelers, who must limit liquids at security, TSA (in the U.S. and Canada) allows people with T1D to carry juice and other food or drinks to treat low blood sugar.
• More screening options: You can also request special screening or a pat-down to avoid the risk that security scanners may interfere with your pump or CGM device.
• Early boarding: Depending on your airline’s rules, you are likely allowed to board earlier, especially if you are experiencing a high or low blood sugar episode while boarding.

Type 1 diabetes and national parks

As of 2026, the Access Pass is a part of the America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series. It’s free for U.S. citizens or residents of all ages with permanent disabilities, including diabetes that significantly limits daily activities. You qualify even if your disability isn’t 100%.

You can apply in person, as the National Parks Service (NPS) recommends, or online and receive your pass by mail if you’re eligible. To apply, you must show a valid photo identification (ID) like a U.S. passport, driver’s license or other state-issued ID. 

Type 1 diabetes utility bill discounts

Certain companies offer discounts on energy bills to those with qualifying medical needs and medical devices. According to DisabilityInfo.org, discounts can sometimes save you around 20 to 30% on each bill. 

Check with your utility or energy company to see if these discounts are available to you. Give them a call, confirm they exist and submit your application if they’re available. Qualifications and options vary widely across the United States.

Type 1 diabetes amusement park perks

Depending on the venue, people with T1D often have the option to go to the front of the line, leave the line without losing their spot or use a special “medical” screening line at concerts and events. Some popular amusement parks like Dollywood also let you use the Disability Access Service (DAS) card. 

This card can give you front-of-the-line access if they are experiencing symptoms like low blood sugar.

Community is the best perk

If life with T1D has given us anything, most certainly, the best perk is community. The shared understanding, comfort and connection we offer one another is something no one else can put a price on! The perks mentioned throughout this explainer are just the cherries on top.

Find your T1D community! Download our community app to start meeting other people who get it, like you.