T1D Retreats: Travel, Connections and T1D Community
I’m Anurati Aggarwal, a 27-year-old from New Delhi, and I’ve been living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) for the past 12 years - a condition where your pancreas decides to take an early retirement from making insulin, leaving you to manage it all yourself, one injection, one sensor, one decision at a time.
But what many saw as my biggest limitation, I chose to turn into my greatest strength. I longed for a space where I could feel understood, where people got what it meant to live with T1D every single day - and when I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it. One simple Instagram story (@livinlifewithinsulin) turned into India’s first-ever curated getaway for people with T1D, a trip to Jim Corbett National Park, a place that holds some of my happiest childhood memories. I wanted every part of it - the food, the activities, the support - to reflect our needs. It might not be a big deal for people reading this, but as a T1D, if I had the opportunity to be a part of something specially designed for us, I would definitely go.
What happened next honestly blew me away. T1Ds from different corners of the country started reaching out, and within just four days, the trip was completely sold out. Maybe others were also waiting for something like this, just like I had been. And so, our journey from Delhi to Jim Corbett began, 15 of us, insulin pens and pumps in tow, backpacks stuffed with hypo snacks, laughter, and nervous excitement.
Over those three incredible days, filled with jungle safaris, art sessions, dance circles, and heartfelt conversations, something truly magical happened: we felt completely seen and understood. There was no need to explain why a sudden low might hit or why juice boxes were treated like treasures. No awkward stares, no judgment, just a deep, unspoken connection born from shared experience. That sense of belonging, that freedom to be ourselves without hesitation, was something we had all been craving. It was priceless. I’m beyond grateful to have created a space where we could laugh, cry, dance, and make memories that will last a lifetime. But the most powerful part? This dream became a reality because my community believed in it, trusted me, and showed up. That first trip wasn’t just an event, it was the start of something much bigger, a movement toward connection, joy, and acceptance for everyone living with T1D. And this is only the beginning.
Soon after, I connected with another beautiful T1D from Pune, Haimi Shah (she calls herself a walking-talking Unicorn). Haimi reached out to me after seeing my Jim Corbett post. She believed in me and my work towards the community. She shared the same dream, so we teamed up and went on to host India’s first T1D retreat in Goa. Since then, we’ve hosted two back-to-back retreats in Goa (one in May and another in June) and now we’re gearing up for the next one in Pondicherry this August.
These experiences have shown me that living with Type 1 Diabetes isn’t just about managing insulin, it’s about finding joy, connection, laughter, and the freedom to breathe, which is exactly what I’m building through Living Life with Insulin: a space that feels like home, lightens the load, and reminds us that while T1D may shape our lives, it never has to define our spirit.
Building this T1D community has been one of the most powerful and unexpected gifts of my life. The friendships I’ve found here, especially with people who truly understand the daily realities of Type 1 - have changed everything. There’s something incredibly healing about being surrounded by those who just get it, who offer support without explanation, who toss you a juice box mid-low or quietly sit with you when you need a moment. Through the highs, the lows, and all the in-betweens, we’ve created a bond that goes far beyond blood sugar. It’s connection, growth, and belonging on the deepest level. To anyone with T1D who’s hesitant to travel, reach out, or find your tribe: do it. Life with diabetes doesn’t have to be isolating or limited. It can be full of adventure, joy, and the kind of community that lifts you up. This space is growing, and there’s always room for you.
Follow Anurati on IG: @livinlifewithinsulin
