Episode 42: Type 1, Mental Health and Finding Your Community with Sarah Loftus

What happens when you're diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, far from home and with no idea what life is about to look like?

In this episode, Jacqui sits down with Type 1 advocate Sarah Loftus to share her powerful diagnosis story. Diagnosed at 26 while living in Australia, Sarah opens up about months of unexplained symptoms, navigating a life-changing diagnosis without family nearby and learning to manage a condition she knew very little about.

Sarah also speaks candidly about something rarely discussed in the diabetes community—living with Type 1 after recovering from an eating disorder. She shares the emotional challenge of returning to food calculations, insulin dosing and constant decision-making while protecting her mental health.

This is an honest, vulnerable conversation about resilience, therapy, advocacy and why finding your community can make all the difference.

Connect with Sarah:

Follow Sarah on Instagram @smollsarahl [https://www.instagram.com/smollsarahl] for honest conversations about living with Type 1 diabetes, mental health and improving diabetes management.

If this episode resonated with you please subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone living with Type 1 diabetes or supporting someone who is. Every conversation helps remind people they are not alone.

Further Resources:

Type 1 Foundation Website [https://www.type1foundation.com.au/]

Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetype1foundation/]

Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Agrpd2YbW/]

If you'd like to share your story with our podcast listeners, please email: podcast@type1foundation.com.au