I cried for days after my 11 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The first week we almost killed her with an Annie’s soft pretzel. It’s been better since then. It is possible to live a good life, and be healthier than many without the disease.
I don't know how long ago that was for you. I was diagnosed at 13 (in 2001). If it's managed well and she has support, and it sounds like it is and she does, then it does indeed get better. It sucks, but it doesn't need to dominate one's life, it just becomes a part of you and you move on with it.
I was diagnosed sometime during my second year of secondary school (which I think was 2010-2011, which would make me 13 at the time as well, although I admit I don't remember much) and I can definitely back up the importance of a good support network.
I don't know anyone else with this condition and it can be incredibly isolating, and as is the case with many chronic conditions it definitely has a negative impact on mental health.
At least in my experience, it's not something that one can just move on with, as it tends to pervade every experience: "Is my blood sugar going to go too low during this exam/interview/event?" is a common thought and there have been many times where I've taken less then an appropriate amount of insulin to ensure that a hypo doesn't occur at the worst possible moment.
Ever since the pandemic began health care has been harder to access and it's been much easier to slip through the cracks, though I can't really blame anyone considering the demand on health services, it's certainly a reminder of the importance of taking an active involvement in your health.
