Battling the disease of loneliness.

Calling PDX T1Ds

In 2014 or 2015, a group of friends in Portland started meeting regularly for happy hours, seeking a judgement-free space that they could talk about the highs (and lows) of living with type 1 diabetes.

We are carrying on their legacy. PDX T1D is a social group for adults living with type 1 diabetes in the Portland metro area.

Join the group!
 

Upcoming events.

A journey of a thousand blood sugars begins with a single step, Laozi probably.

If you want to build community, the first step is attending one of our meet ups. We typically meet 2-3 times a month, but if you can’t wait, you are welcome to start planning something right away! Let us know on the Host form if you’ve got something up your sleeve.

FAQs

  • PDX T1Ds is mostly attended by type 1s in their 30s with a handful in their 20s and 40s. We don’t like to put an age limit, but quite a few events take place in bars, so we do require attendees to be at least 21+.

    We are looking into expanding to serve other populations like parents of type 1s and/or type 1s of all ages.

  • Yes! The more the merrier.

    While most of our events are primarily for people living with type 1 diabetes to connect and share experiences, we absolutely understand that support systems—friends, partners, and family—can play an important role in our journeys.

    If your guest is someone who’s genuinely interested in learning about T1D and being part of the conversation in a respectful way, they are very welcome to join us. We just ask that everyone present respects the purpose of the gathering and gives space to those with lived experience to share.

  • We are first and foremost a judgement-free space. We celebrate wins and commiserate on things that aren’t going so well. We don’t believe in the concept of a “bad” or “good” diabetic and we will not shame you for what you order (but do want you do bolus accordingly)! We are not doctors (at least not yet) but will offer unsolicited advice. Tight control is neither a requirement or a limited factor; we are whole ass people who do not let diabetes consume our entire lives.

  • While we often bring up topics related to our disease, we don’t always. Conversations regularly dance around recent hobbies we’ve picked up, least favorite endocrinologists, urbanism, sports we play, recent travel, or type 1 representation in media and beauty pageant contestants.

    Our events end up being whatever the community wants to see! Recent examples have been kayaking/standup paddle boarding, trivia nights, comedy shows, checking out new restaurants, brunch (a Portland pastime!), live music or Shakespeare, or a Pedalpalooza/Bike Summer bike ride!

    Most of our events are between 3-10 people. We ask that people RSVP or reach out to let us know if they are coming for an accurate headcount.

  • If you scrolled this far, you’ve already seen our calendar! But definitely check out our events page for more details about the next event. It’s coming up soon!

“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”

— Kurt Vonnegut