Lurina Fourie on diabetes education, community and advocacy

Meet Lurina Fourie, aka The Glucose Glitch. She’s 42 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 16 in 2000 – which means she’s currently on Level 26 of life with Type 1 diabetes!

Tell us about yourself and the work you do?

I am a diabetes support specialist and global diabetes advocate, with a passion for creating more comfortable, inclusive environments for people living with diabetes. I do this by developing educational resources and using fun, interactive approaches that make diabetes awareness more engaging, relatable, and impactful.

Behind the scenes, I also support individuals who are newly diagnosed as they navigate the complex space of standing with one foot in their previous life and the other in an unfamiliar, often intimidating new reality. By sharing practical, lived experience, I help them build confidence, knowledge, and resilience – one step at a time.

I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space where we can learn and grow together, and where it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”

My life with diabetes is an open book and anyone is welcome to follow along on Instagram @theglucoseglitch.  

What’s the one thing you wish you’d known when you were diagnosed with diabetes?

Looking back now, I wish I understood more about the emotional load that comes with diabetes. No one ever spoke about the mental health side of the condition: burnout, stigma, blame, shame, and all the invisible burdens we carry.

I didn’t even know these struggles existed, and when I began to experience some of them, I felt like the broken doll in the room. Only to realise that it was the room itself falling apart under the weight of misconceptions and a lack of knowledge.

If you could change one thing about diabetes, what would it be?

Diabetes is invisible, yet invasive. Some days I wish it came with an off switch. An option to pause it while I take a long bath, walk on the beach, spend time with family, watch a movie, go on vacation, or simply sleep. It would be such a gift to experience everyday moments completely uninterrupted by diabetes.

What would you say to a person with diabetes who is struggling?

You don’t have to go through this alone. Even though admitting that you’re struggling can feel hard, it’s often the first step toward positive change. You’re not the first person to walk through a difficult season, and you won’t be the last.

Lean into the diabetes community and connect with people who truly understand your reality. Those who have stood exactly where you are now.

In doing so, you not only help yourself, but you also become a lighthouse for the next person finding their way.

What makes your life sweet?

The people I get to share this journey with mean the most to me. Whether it’s the diabuddies I’ve made over the years, being part of diabetes outreach programmes, attending conferences, or working on new educational material. I love being involved in the diabetes space and the more I do it, the more I want to do it!

Outside of my “diabetes bubble,” the sweet things are travelling, nature, and spending quality time with family. Kissing my dogs until it feels like I’ve swallowed a fur ball (hehe), and staying close to Steyn, the love of my life. Embracing our seasons together with open minds and grateful hearts.

Follow Lurina’s journey

• Facebook: The Glucose Glitch
• Instagram: @theglucoseglitch
• YouTube: @theglucoseglitch

You can purchase her content here:

• General warning signs of diabetes game
• Activity sheet for kids living with diabetes