Mindfulness for Type 1 Diabetes

by Kelsey Madison Dietrich MA (Author), Weronika Burkot MA (Illustrator), and Mark Heyman PhD (Foreword)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a demanding chronic health condition that requires astute attention and careful management. Everyday, there are many interacting variables that can change moment-by-moment that people with T1D must be aware of just to stay alive. This is super stressful, to say the least. Tending to the mental and emotional impacts of T1D is important for feeling more confident, grounded, and present when balancing a life with chronic illness. The practice of mindfulness involves full immersion in the present moment while keeping an attitude of curiosity and nonjudgment to support mental wellbeing.

Written from the perspective of a certified mindfulness and yoga facilitator with T1D, this book serves as an introductory guide for learning about and practicing mindfulness. There are 21 mindfulness-based guides adapted for practical and accessible integration with common T1D experiences that you are welcome to adjust to fit your preferences. Each practice also includes a background summary of research, potential contexts to use the practice, and reflection prompts to promote self-awareness and empowerment to deepen your mindfulness practice and enhance the quality of your T1D journey.

About the author

Kelsey Madison Dietrich has lived with type 1 diabetes since she was 3 years old. She grew up in Port Clinton, Ohio, and has had a consistent love for writing since first grade. Kelsey earned her B.A. in English and Psychology from Bowling Green State University and M.A. in Psychological Sciences from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Currently, she is studying Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University. Kelsey is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator with additional training as a Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor. She enjoys guiding classes, personally practicing, and learning about yoga and mindfulness. For fun, Kelsey likes visiting bodies of water, beach combing, reading, painting, drinking tea, and cuddling with her adorable cockapoo puppy, Leo. 

See Kelsey's Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab profile.