Ep 111 - When You’re Battle-Weary: Faith + Diabetes with Kaycee Parker

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12, Kaycee Parker brings over 30 years of lived experience—and a heart rooted in storytelling and faith. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Kaycee and Melissa explore what it really feels like to be battle-weary with type 1 diabetes.

They talk about the emotional and mental exhaustion that comes with managing a chronic condition, the guilt that comes with perfectionism, and the often-unspoken anxiety surrounding low blood sugars. Together, they reflect on how prayer, community, and reframing diabetes as a journey—not just a fight—can offer powerful perspective and peace.

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed, or like a burden, this episode will meet you with compassion and remind you: you’re not alone, and there’s strength in sharing the struggle.
Living with type 1 diabetes is hard—and sometimes, it feels like too much. In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined again by Kaycee Parker—author of Devotions on Diabetes—as we unpack Day 17 of her book: Battle Weary. We talk openly about the emotional weight of T1D, decision fatigue, perfectionism, and what happens when we’re simply worn out.

Together, we explore how faith, prayer, and community can carry us through those “I can’t do this anymore” moments. Whether you’re feeling misunderstood, anxious about lows, or just exhausted by the daily mental load of diabetes—this conversation is for you.

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What We Talk About in This Episode:

• The guilt of not having “flat-line” blood sugars—and why that’s an impossible standard
• How to reframe perfectionism and show yourself more grace
• When you’re too exhausted to pray—Romans 8:26 and praying the Psalms
• Decision fatigue and letting others take the lead sometimes
• Feeling alone, even when surrounded by people who care
• The impact of hormones and stress beyond just carbs and insulin
• Low blood sugar anxiety and what it’s like navigating it on a simple walk
• The lie of being a “burden” and how to root your worth in God’s truth
• How Kaycee finds peace and joy in this journey—and how you can too

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Mentioned in the Episode:

• Kaycee’s blog + free 14-day reading plan: Finding Strength in Weakness https://devotionsondiabetes.com/how-to-start-finding-strength-in-weakness/
• Devotions on Diabetes — available on Amazon
• Follow Kaycee: @devotionsondiabetes on IG and Facebook
• Listen to Ep. 106 with Allison Nimlos for more on diabetes anxiety

·       Visit her website http://devotionsondiabetes.com/

 

 

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Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.