Living with Type 2 diabetes isn’t just about managing blood sugar—it’s about managing your whole life. After years of coaching people through the mental and emotional challenges of diabetes, I’ve learned that the right tools can make all the difference. Not just medical tools, but resources that support your mindset, reduce daily stress, and help you build sustainable habits.

Transparency Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the creation of free content and resources for the diabetes community.

Devices & Kit That Make Life Smoother

Perfect for keeping your routine on track — even when life gets crazy.

🧊

4AllFamily Explorer Insulin Travel Cooler

Perfect for keeping your insulin cool — even when life gets hot. This sleek, TSA-approved cooler keeps insulin safe for up to 72 hours, with options for both ice packs and USB-powered cooling.

Why I Recommend It:

  • TSA-approved and travel-friendly
  • Keeps insulin safe for up to 72 hours
  • Compact and discreet design
  • Reduces travel anxiety about insulin storage

“As someone who lives with Type 1 and has taken insulin across cities, countries, and airports — I get the stress. This cooler gives peace of mind.”

Check It Out

Diabetes Jewelry

Medical ID jewelry has evolved beyond the old-fashioned styles — today you can find bracelets that are both practical and stylish. Wearing one ensures your medical information is available in an emergency, but it doesn’t mean giving up your personal style. Below are some recommended options for both men and women.

Men’s Jewelry

Managing Type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Modern medical ID bracelets for men are sleek, durable, and designed to look like everyday accessories — whether sporty, minimal, or classic.

Explore a collection of men’s diabetic bracelets that combine safety with design, making them a practical yet stylish choice.

Shop Men’s Bracelets on Amazon

(Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)

Women’s Jewelry

Medical ID jewelry doesn’t need to look clinical — today’s designs for women are elegant, subtle, and versatile. Whether you prefer something stylish, casual, or sporty, diabetic bracelets can keep you safe and confident.

Browse a selection of women’s diabetic bracelets that combine health awareness with style — perfect for daily wear or special occasions.

Shop Women’s Bracelets on Amazon

(Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.)

Featured Books

Real talk about diabetes from people who actually get it.

Sex and Diabetes by Janis Roszler & Donna Rice

This book tackles a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: intimacy and diabetes. What I like most is that it’s practical, non-judgemental, and addresses both the physical and emotional sides of how diabetes can affect sex and relationships. It gives real-world advice while keeping the tone approachable and positive. If you’ve ever wondered “is it just me?”—this book reassures you that you’re not alone and offers strategies to improve both confidence and connection.

👉 Check it out on Amazon
📖

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. Ashley Sullivan

Perfect for you if:

  • You’re newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed
  • You’re tired of books that make you feel guilty
  • You want practical strategies for social situations
  • You’re looking to reduce daily diabetes stress
“This book is supportive and very in-depth about all areas of type 2 diabetes and how it affects life… I found this to be a thorough and useful book.” – UK Reader Review

My Take:

This isn’t another “eat less, move more” diabetes book. It’s a realistic guide for managing both the physical and mental aspects of Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Sullivan gets that living with diabetes is about so much more than blood sugar numbers.

Get the Book
🧠

Think Like a Pancreas

Gary Scheiner

This book breaks down insulin management without breaking your brain. Whether you’re on insulin now or just trying to understand WTF your body is doing, Gary explains it like someone who actually lives with diabetes.

My Take:

This book cuts through the medical noise and speaks human. Gary’s been there, done that—and somehow still manages to keep a sense of humor about the whole blood sugar rollercoaster. Even if you’re not using insulin yet, this book gives you a way to understand your body without blaming yourself for it.

Get the Book
💪

Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It

Dr. Mark Heyman

😤 My Take:

This book doesn’t sugarcoat a damn thing (pun intended). Dr. Mark Heyman says what the rest of us are thinking: this sucks. But he doesn’t leave you there. Instead, he gives you practical, no-fluff strategies to deal with the mental load of diabetes—without pretending that mindset is all rainbows and gratitude journals.

You won’t find a meal plan in here. But you will find permission to be human.

Get the Book
Book cover: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Diabetes by Amy Stockwell Mercer

The Smart Woman’s Guide to Diabetes: Authentic Advice on Everything from Eating to Dating and Motherhood

by Amy Stockwell Mercer

My take: This book stands out because it looks beyond food and blood sugars, diving into the everyday realities of living with diabetes as a woman. From dating and relationships to career and motherhood, it offers relatable stories and practical guidance. I appreciate how honest and down-to-earth it feels — less like a medical manual and more like advice from someone who genuinely understands what life with diabetes can be like.

  • Best for: Women with Type 1 or Type 2, whether newly diagnosed or managing for years.
  • Why it’s useful: It blends personal experiences with actionable advice that you can apply in real life.
  • Good to know: It’s not clinical — think of it as a companion guide to support what you already get from your healthcare team.
View on Amazon (Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission if you purchase.)

Diabetes Tattoo Ideas — Amazon Picks

If you prefer shopping on Amazon, here’s a curated search link for diabetes tattoo ideas and accessories. It can be a good place to find medical ID tattoo stencils, temporary markers, or inspiration books — and yes, this is an affiliate link which supports the site at no extra cost to you.

Browse diabetes tattoo ideas on Amazon Explore Resources That Kick Ass

This link is an affiliate link. I am not a doctor — tattoos may affect wound healing for people with diabetes; consult your healthcare professional before getting inked.

Nutrition Support

Not diet culture — this is about nourishing your body, not restricting your life.

🥄

Blood Sugar-Friendly Pantry

  • Sugar-free sweeteners that don’t spike blood sugar
  • Low-carb flours for baking (almond, coconut)
  • High-quality protein powders (low sugar)
  • Mindset note: Having options reduces deprivation feelings
📦

Meal Prep Made Easy

  • Glass meal prep containers
  • Digital kitchen scale (for awareness, not obsession)
  • Why this helps: Reduces daily decision fatigue
  • Client tip: “Prepping on Sundays gave me back my weekday sanity”

Mental Health Support

Chronic stress directly impacts blood sugar — managing it isn’t optional.

🧘

Stress Management

  • Online therapy (mental health is health)
  • Meditation cushions or comfortable seating
  • Journal prompts specifically for diabetes stress
  • Mindfulness apps with diabetes-specific content
😴

Sleep & Recovery

  • Blue light blocking glasses for evening screens
  • Blackout curtains or eye masks
  • White noise machines
  • The connection: Better sleep = better insulin sensitivity

Daily Living Made Easier

Small tools that reduce daily friction and worry.

🎯

Diabetes Care Organization

  • Insulated medication travel cases
  • Glucose tablet containers for bags/cars
  • Medical alert jewelry (stylish options available)
  • Benefit: Preparedness reduces “what if” anxiety
🏃

Gentle Movement Tools

  • Resistance bands (joint-friendly)
  • Yoga blocks and straps
  • Walking accessories
  • Philosophy: Movement is medicine, not penance
👣

Comfort & Circulation

  • Diabetic-friendly socks (circulation support)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Foot care tools
  • Why it matters: Taking care of your body is taking care of your mind