The Power of Putting On Your Own Mask First: Why Self-Care Matters
by Michele Polz, CEO, DiabetesSisters
We’ve all heard the familiar airline reminder: “Put on your own mask before assisting others.”
It’s meant for emergencies — but it’s also one of the most profound lessons for everyday life, especially for women living with or at risk for diabetes.
Women are often the steady hands and open hearts that hold families, workplaces, and communities together. We give endlessly — and sometimes forget to give ourselves permission to rest, recover, and recharge. But here’s what experience (and research) shows: when we take care of ourselves first, everything else gets stronger — our energy, our relationships, and even our health outcomes.
At DiabetesSisters, self-care and connection are at the heart of everything we do. For nearly twenty years, we’ve built and refined a model that shows how powerful peer support can be — not just for managing diabetes, but for restoring confidence, joy, and resilience.
Our monthly peer support gatherings, educational events, and digital communities are designed to meet women where they are. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, exploring prevention, or simply looking for a space to connect, every offering is rooted in understanding and belonging.
We’ve also strengthened our research partnerships — working with leading experts to ensure that our community’s experiences inform how diabetes care evolves. Because lived experience is evidence — and your story matters.
Putting On Your Own Mask First — Together
The truth is, “putting your own mask on first” isn’t about turning inward. It’s about preparing yourself to live outward — to keep giving, connecting, and showing up in sustainable, joyful ways. When you breathe first, you make room for strength, clarity, and compassion to follow.
Each time a woman chooses to pause, check her glucose, take a walk, ask for help, or attend a peer gathering — she’s choosing life. She’s choosing to lead by example.
Connection Works
Our evidence and experience are clear:
- Women who engage in peer connection report greater confidence in their care.
- They experience less distress and burnout.
- They strengthen their mental health and sustain healthy behaviors longer.
That’s the true power of self-care. It’s not just about one moment of rest — it’s about creating the capacity to thrive.
This World Diabetes Day, join us for a meaningful conversation with Dr. Francine Kaufman, a global leader in diabetes care, as we explore why self-care is the foundation of strength, balance, and health.
📅 November 14, 2025, at 12 PM ET
🔗 Register here
Because when women put their own masks on first — when we choose to breathe, care, and connect — we don’t pull away from the world.
We give it our best selves. 💜
