Chaka Jackson

Founder of Diabetic Social | Type 1 Diabetic

I’m Chaka Jackson, and I’m the proud founder of Diabetic Social. As a type 1 diabetic, my life was forever changed when I received my diagnosis—and it’s a journey that’s shaped who I am today.

At 19, I was balancing school, pregnancy, and life. During a routine checkup, a nurse asked if I had diabetes. I said no, and she simply nodded and walked out. At the time, I didn’t understand the significance of her question. Five months after giving birth, I started noticing the classic signs of type 1 diabetes—excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, and unexpected weight loss. I dismissed it as being due to the challenges of caring for a colicky newborn and lack of sleep.

It wasn’t until my grandmother, a registered nurse, encouraged me to get tested that I found out I had type 1 diabetes. I was devastated. I didn’t fully understand the diagnosis or what it meant for my future. Despite being told I’d need insulin for the rest of my life and to monitor my blood sugar regularly, I struggled to find information and support to manage this new reality.

Without any family history of type 1 diabetes, I felt isolated and overwhelmed. At first, I ignored the seriousness of my condition, neglecting the necessary care and diet. The years that followed were filled with highs and lows—physically and emotionally. I battled depression, loneliness, and frustration, all while struggling to manage my blood sugar. That’s when I realized how crucial it was to educate myself about my condition, diet, and self-care.

As I learned more and began to understand the importance of taking control of my health, I felt a strong desire to connect with others who shared similar experiences. Living with type 1 diabetes, which I prefer to call a journey rather than a disease, has taught me that you don’t need a fully-functioning pancreas to live a full, meaningful life.

It was during this journey that I realized there was a need for a community—a place where others like me could connect, share experiences, and find support. And so, Diabetic Social was born.

My story is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment. I decided to take control of my health and my life, and now, I’m passionate about helping others with type 1 diabetes do the same.