Mindfulness and diabetes go hand in hand. The actual definition = a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Your mind is a powerful tool and one I hope you use in your daily diabetes management.
When a past podcast guest mentioned fasting for Yom Kippur, I wanted to learn more — and that curiosity led me to Willa Spalter who has spent much of her young adult life living, studying, and traveling throughout the Middle East. In this episode we talk faith, fasting, self-reflection, pump failures abroad, traveling with diabetes supplies, food, social life, and what it really looks like to take T1D along for the adventure.
This year holds two markers I was never supposed to reach: my 50th birthday and my 42nd diaversary.
Celebrating “50” with friends from high school cracked open memories I hadn’t touched in decades—the highs, the crashes, the mood swings, navigating cheerleading camp, parties, dating… all of it. And threaded through every single memory was diabetes, even though I never talked about it back then.
I didn’t explain my Type 1 life. Honestly, I didn’t even consciously think about how different my life was. Diabetes was just there—always—quietly demanding everything from me while I worked overtime to appear normal.
It’s hard to believe I haven’t given myself an insulin injection in over a year.
After decades of navigating T1D with multiple daily injections, I took the Podder plunge on February 25th, 2024. Making the decision to start the Omnipod 5 wasn’t easy—there were tons of emotions, a healthy dose of fear, and a big dose of hope. Hope that this device might finally help ease the relentless overnight blood sugar rollercoasters.
I haven’t shared much about this journey—until now. Today, I want to acknowledge and celebrate what a difference this little device has made in my life.
It wasn’t love at first Pod. In fact, I knocked off my very first one within 24 hours. Cue panic.
I had every intention of sharing a heartfelt post about celebrating my 40th diaversary back in January, but as life tends to do, diabetes, new podcasts, and adventures took over. Nevertheless, it’s time to catch you up on some exciting developments.
After her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Mia Fasanella became a certified yoga instructor, using yoga and meditation to navigate the uncertainties. As a second-grade teacher, she fosters a supportive classroom environment by embracing her diabetes, inspiring her students to celebrate their uniqueness. In this episode we discuss the fascinating story of how her father unraveled her unique Type 1 diabetes family history, the importance of being mindful, and how to navigate the classroom.
This particular podcast subject, diabetes in animals, sparked my interest after I learned about Quincy, a koala bear at the San Diego Zoo, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2018, was insulin dependent, and wore a CGM. It made me think – why do animals have diabetes and is it the same as mine? Fascinating!
Saira Khan-Gallo is on a mission to bridge the gaps in diabetes outcomes by championing equitable and patient-centered healthcare. In this episode we delve into Saira’s unique story of meeting her husband through matching insulin pumps, her time in the Peace Corps, a passion project close to her heart, and how Type 1 diabetes is a family affair.
Nearly a decade ago, while at work, I excitedly announced to everyone what special anniversary it was for me. I marched around and celebrated my ‘diaversary’: the yearly anniversary of my T1D’s diagnosis. I was a one woman parade as I showed everyone the blue pin on my chest that read, ‘I love someone with T1D!’ I sang out my excitement on the intercom system and shared the joys of my holiday with the entire building. As I danced down the hallway, my coworker tilted her head, squinted her eyes, and with full befuddlement, asked me: ‘Why…?’ Why in the world would I celebrate a disease?
I’ve recently had the opportunity to connect with three fathers who shared their experiences of raising daughters, aged 11 to 16, living with Type 1 diabetes. In this groundbreaking episode, Dan Kendall, Brooks Ratzlaff, and returning guest Scott Kinsel, provide insights into the unique challenges and joys of being a father to a T1D daughter. This episode delves into poignant topics such as diagnosis stories, navigating puberty, the nuances of dating, and the delicate balance of paternal guidance without exerting excessive control over their daughters’ evolving lives.
FORTY. Forty years ago today, a worried, but determined grandpa took his sick 17-month-old toddler to her pediatrician. My grandpa flatly told the pediatrician that his granddaughter was sick and he knew she had not just diabetes, but Type 1 diabetes. The pediatrician basically laughed and said, “There’s no way this kid has diabetes—she’s too young,” but my grandpa didn’t quit.
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