Este Haim gets candid about managing type 1 diabetes while living life in the spotlight
The musician says diabetes is the one part of her life she wishes she did not have to deal with
Este Haim is opening up about the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes and the constant effort required to manage the condition.
The 40-year-old musician, who performs alongside her sisters Danielle and Alana in the band Haim, spoke about her health journey during a Storytellers conversation with filmmaker Will Gluck at the Tribeca Festival in New York.
Este explained that while many areas of her life bring her happiness, managing diabetes remains a difficult part of her daily routine.
“Everything in my life is amazing. I have an amazing husband. I have an amazing career. I have an amazing family. This is the only thing in my life where I wish I didn't have to deal with it,” she said.
The singer described living with type 1 diabetes — a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body — as emotionally and mentally exhausting.
“It’s really mentally taxing,” Este shared, explaining that she makes hundreds of decisions each day to keep her blood sugar levels under control.
She detailed the constant thoughts that come with managing the condition, from counting carbohydrates and monitoring insulin levels to making sure she has the necessary medical supplies.
“What am I eating? How many carbs is this? How much insulin am I taking? What if my blood sugar gets low?” she said.
Despite the difficulties, Este said the experience has also connected her with others living with diabetes and given her a stronger sense of empathy.
“Meeting other diabetics in the world has brought me community,” she said, adding that she remains hopeful a cure will eventually be found.
The musician also revealed that her diabetes has affected her performances at times.
She shared that she has occasionally left the stage when feeling like she may pass out and has experienced fainting episodes.
Este said her sisters and manager are always prepared for those moments, keeping fudge nearby to help when her blood sugar drops.
The singer continues to balance her music career with managing her condition, while using her platform to share the realities of life with type 1 diabetes.