Taking Control Of Your Diabetes® - The Podcast!

Dexcom G7 Sensor, The 15-Day Sensor, and What to Expect from G8 with CEO Jake Leach

Continuous glucose monitoring didn’t start as sleek apps and tiny sensors — it began with chunky receivers, short wear times, and a lot of skepticism. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman sit down with Dexcom CEO and original sensor engineer Jake Leach to trace the evolution of CGM from those early “Tylenol-shaped” receivers and repurposed pagers to today’s G7 system and beyond. They walk through the major turning points: abandoning long-term implants for subcutaneous sensors, proving that real-time CGM meaningfully improves time in range and safety, and pushing back against old-school thinking that insisted patients shouldn’t see their own data. From STS 3-Day to Seven Plus, G4, G5, G6, and now G7, Dr. Edelman, Dr. Pettus, and Jake Leach break down what each generation added — better accuracy, easier insertion, smartphone and cloud connectivity, and integration with pumps and AID systems. Most importantly, Dr. Edelman, Dr. Pettus, and Dexcom CEO Jake Leach, focus on what’s coming next and what it means for people living with diabetes today: the 15 day Dexcom G7 sensor, Smart Basal insulin titration for people with type 2 diabetes, AI-powered food logging, and the upcoming G8 platform designed to measure multiple analytes (glucose plus ketones and more) — all while pushing toward broader access and affordability. Key Topics: * Early Dexcom Days & STS 3-Day: How Dexcom pivoted from implantable sensors to disposable subcutaneous CGMs and what the earliest systems were really like. * Blinded vs Real-Time CGM: The ethics debate, safety implications, and studies proving real-time data improves time in range and reduces hypoglycemia. * Seven Plus, G4 & G5: Major accuracy improvements, longer wear times, and the move to smartphone-based monitoring. * G6 & Auto-Applicators: Eliminating mandatory calibrations and making sensor insertion faster and easier. * G7 Wins & Growing Pains: Reduced size, faster warm-up, early reliability challenges, and how Dexcom addressed manufacturing and support issues. * 15-Day Wear & Smart Basal: Extended wear life and CGM-guided basal insulin titration for type 2 diabetes. * G8 & Multi-Analyte Sensing: A preview of Dexcom’s next-generation platform measuring glucose plus ketones and other markers. * AI Food Logging & Smarter Care: Photo-based meal tracking and pairing nutrition data with glucose trends. * Access & Affordability: Expanding CGM access globally and using data to reshape how diabetes care is delivered. 0:23 - Intro: 30 Years of TCOYD & Dexcom History 5:11 - From Pagers to Patches: The Evolution of CGM 26:31 - Real Talk: Addressing Dexcom G7 Failures & Connectivity Issues 29:04 - Dexcom's "Unlimited Replacement" Policy for Failed Sensors 31:30 - CONFIRMED: The New 15-Day Sensor Launch Details 32:43 - Smart Basal: A New Tool for Type 2 Diabetes 35:44 - G8 REVEAL: Measuring Ketones, Lactate & Potassium 38:58 - The New AI "Smart Photo" Food Logging Feature 41:21 - The Future of Health: Pre-Diabetes & Heart Health Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org [https://tcoyd.org/] **Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!** Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/]  |  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://tcoyd.org/donate-form-pod/]

Inhaled Insulin (Afrezza) vs. Injections: Is It Actually Faster?

Get a practical breakdown of Afrezza, the ultra-rapid inhaled insulin, with this comprehensive guide to efficacy, timing, and real-world application. Join Drs. Jeremy Pettus and Steve Edelman—endocrinologists living with Type 1 diabetes—as they reveal why this unique tool is often misunderstood and how to use it effectively to flatten post-meal spikes. In this episode, we move beyond the basics to correct the biggest mistake users make regarding Afrezza dosage. If you’ve tried this therapy before and felt it "didn't work," the issue often lies in the conversion ratio. We review data from Afrezza MannKind studies (such as INHALE-3) to explain the shift from the old 1:1 ratio to the more effective 1:3 ratio. We also cover why this "rapid-on, rapid-off" insulin is the ultimate solution for exercise and how to navigate insurance coverage and prior authorizations. Topics covered in this episode: * The Dosing Fix: Why you often need a higher Afrezza dosage compared to subcutaneous insulin. * Speed & Kinetics: How inhaled insulin mimics the body's natural beta cells to clear glucose fast. * Lifestyle Benefits: Managing "sticky highs," exercise without crashing, and dietary freedom. * Safety & Screening: Spirometry requirements and who should (and shouldn't) use Afrezza. * Pediatric Updates: The latest on clinical trials and potential approval for children. * Whether you are managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this episode provides the practical "tips and tricks" you need to determine if Afrezza is the missing tool in your diabetes management kit Timecodes:  0:00 Start  0:24 Intro: What is Afrezza?  1:39 "Rapid On, Rapid Off" vs. Injectable Insulin  2:44 Preventing Delayed Hypoglycemia (Lows)  4:03 The Early Dosing Mistake (The 1:1 Ratio)  4:35 Jeremy’s Story: Why He Quit Using It Initially  5:44 The Correct Dosing Conversion (1:2 to 1:3)  8:09 Timing: Do You Need to Pre-Bolus?  9:16 "Follow-On" Doses for High Protein/Fat Meals  11:00 Cartridge Sizes & "Bucket" Dosing Strategy  13:10 Using Inhaled Insulin for Exercise  14:23 Real-World Test: Trix Cereal & Afrezza  15:28 Storage Tips: Fridge vs. Room Temp  16:44 Managing the Cough Side Effect  17:29 Proper Inhalation Technique  19:37 Using Afrezza with Insulin Pumps (Hybrid Closed Loop)  21:54 Pediatric Update: Is it Safe for Kids?  23:11 Why You Must Use a CGM  23:49 Lung Safety, Smokers & Spirometry Tests  24:49 How to Get It Prescribed (Overcoming Doctor Resistance)  26:27 Utilizing Trainers & Prescription Combos  29:08 Conclusion Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org [https://tcoyd.org/] **Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!** Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/]  |  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://tcoyd.org/donate-form-pod/]

Diabetes and Associated Autoimmune Conditions You Need to Know About | TCOYD Podcast

Type 1 diabetes doesn’t always travel alone — in fact, it often brings other autoimmune conditions along for the ride. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman shine a light on the most common ones that tend to show up with T1D, why they happen in the first place, when you should be screened, and what subtle symptoms should raise a red flag. They walk through what’s common but manageable, like thyroid issues and celiac disease — as well as what’s rare but critical not to miss, like Addison’s disease (adrenal failure), which can be dangerous if left undiagnosed but incredibly treatable once caught early. Most importantly, Jeremy and Steve explain how simple blood tests can catch these conditions before they spiral, and how the right medication can completely change how you feel day-to-day. Key Topics: • T1D & Autoimmunity 101: Why having one autoimmune condition raises your risk for others • Thyroid Disorders: The most common — hyper vs. hypo, yearly screening, easy treatment • Celiac Disease: Why it’s up to 10x more common in T1D and often missed without symptoms • Addison’s Disease Awareness: The “silent” cortisol deficiency you don’t want to miss • Proactive Care Mindset: How to build autoimmune screening into your diabetes warranty plan (00:00) Intro: The "Raindrop" Analogy (02:26) Thyroid Disease: The Most Common T1D Link (05:25) Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid): Symptoms & Easy Treatment (09:30) Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease): Symptoms & Cures (13:25) Your "Diabetes Warranty": Why You Need a Yearly TSH (14:48) Celiac Disease: The 10% Risk Factor (19:28) Celiac Screening vs. "Gluten Sensitivity" (25:31) Addison's Disease: The Other One to Know (29:43) Final Takeaway: Be Your Own Advocate Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org [https://tcoyd.org/] **Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!** Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/]  |  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://tcoyd.org/donate-form-pod/]

Diabetes Cure with AAV Gene Therapy? Let's talk with Dr. Fraser Wright

Gene therapy isn’t science fiction anymore, it’s becoming one of the most exciting frontiers in diabetes care. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman sit down with Dr. Fraser Wright, career gene therapist and Co-Founder/Chief Gene Therapy Officer at Kriya Therapeutics, to explore how gene therapy could one day help the body make its own insulin. Together, they unpack what gene therapy actually is, Dr. P’s involvement as a medical consultant for Kriya Therapeutics, how AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors work, and what makes this “one-and-done” approach so different from traditional treatments. From success stories in blindness and hemophilia to emerging type 1 diabetes studies, the trio breaks down the science, the safety, and the hope behind this revolutionary research. You’ll learn how gene therapy has moved from rare diseases to more common ones, why the first human trials in diabetes are on the horizon, and what and what this could mean for long-term blood sugar control and independence from injections. Key Topics: * Gene Therapy 101: How gene therapy differs from protein-based drugs like insulin, and why AAV vectors act as safe, engineered delivery vehicles rather than infectious viruses. * Why AAV, Why Now: Seven FDA-approved AAV-based therapies have proven the potential of long-term, single-dose treatments. * From Eyes to Endocrine: Lessons learned from retinal gene therapy are now guiding approaches to metabolic conditions like diabetes. * The Type 1 Diabetes Approach: A muscle-targeted program aims to help the body naturally produce insulin and stabilize blood sugar levels. * Control and Safety: Built-in glucose sensing and the ability to turn off gene expression ensure precision and reversibility. * Real-World Considerations: How exercise, treatment site, and existing technologies like pumps or CGMs could work alongside this therapy. 0:00 – Intro: Jeremy and Steve introduce gene therapy and why this topic is a game-changer 2:15 – What gene therapy is and how it’s different from standard protein-based treatments 4:54 – Understanding AAV: safety, engineering, and why it’s the preferred delivery method 8:50 – Real-world success: seven FDA-approved AAV therapies for genetic diseases 12:20 – Lessons learned from treating blindness and how they apply to diabetes 17:40 – The Type 1 Diabetes model: using muscle tissue to produce insulin 22:15 – Managing control, glucose sensing, and preventing hypoglycemia 25:50 – Safety measures and how treatment can be reversed locally if needed 28:30 – Exercise, durability, and what animal studies reveal about real-life performance 31:10 – Timelines, trials, and what’s next for gene therapy in diabetes. What’s Ahead: Clinical trials expected to begin around 2026, offering cautious but real optimism for the future of diabetes treatment. Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org [https://tcoyd.org/] **Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!** Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/]  |  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://tcoyd.org/donate-form-pod/]

Is It Cushing's Syndrome? A Patient's Journey with Uncontrolled Diabetes Caused by Hypercortisolism

The diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome is often missed because its underlying cause, hypercortisolism, masks itself as 'just diabetes,' 'just stress,' or 'just getting older,' which can lead to serious problems. In this conversation, Dr. Steve Edelman talks with a military veteran named Phil and his wife Cherese about years of unexplained fatigue, tough-to-control blood sugars, and high blood pressure, and the one test that made everything make sense. This episode discusses the early warning signs, how to advocate for answers and the hypercortisolism treatments that helped Phil feel like himself again. You’ll also hear why targeted hypercortisolism treatments and diabetes-specific approvals are on their way. You’ll learn why hypercortisolism is more common than most people realize, how it can hide behind type 2 diabetes, and what tests and treatments can make a life-changing difference. * Why hypercortisolism is so often overlooked: Symptoms overlap with diabetes, stress, and other common health issues. * Phil’s story of resilience: From managing diabetes with multiple medications to discovering hypercortisolism as the root cause. * The partner’s perspective: How Cherese noticed the warning signs and pushed for further testing. * The Catalyst Study: Why research shows up to 1 in 4 people with hard-to-control type 2 diabetes may have hypercortisolism. * Diagnosis explained: The 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test and why it matters. * Treatment and transformation: How targeted therapies improved Phil’s blood sugars, energy, sleep, and overall quality of life. * Key takeaways: Be your own best advocate—if your numbers don’t add up, it’s worth asking why. Timecodes:  0:00 – What is Cushing's Syndrome (hypercortisolism) & guest setup 0:41 – Steroids & cortisol 101: why persistently high cortisol wreaks havoc 2:01 – Phil’s backstory: diabetes diagnosis and years of “uncontrolled” numbers 4:55 – Escalating meds, rising A1C, growing fatigue—when things stop making sense 7:25 – Cherese’s Story: lifestyle overhaul, then deeper testing when sugars don’t improve 10:47 – Classic signs of Cushing's Syndrome (buffalo hump, thin arms) & sleep issues 11:23 – CATALYST study: up to 1 in 4 with tough-to-control T2D show evidence of hypercortisolism 13:10 – Diagnosing Cushing's: The hypercortisolism suppression test 16:06 – Treatment wins: targeted therapy improves glucose, mood, sleep; “new era” in care 20:45 – Takeaways: Recognizing Cushing's, self-advocacy & red flags Important Links: Cortisol in Control website: https://www.cortisolincontrol.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktROHNNdVdZSVppUnZqVVp0aElEa2RUa2Rvd3xBQ3Jtc0trVFVIckJmUzM0d1JieDhYbHdPNGhhTUVrb3ctRVQwazVRemlFVGFpdFFRdVY0eEh6NGRTNjVQTU84NkRrZndIcW5aMVdxMFBUaWxYX18zVDVleVlDb19fdGpQc1cwN0N6VWdpTUF1OUlkZzlHbC1LSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cortisolincontrol.com%2F&v=UaheHZ0VILs]  https://www.cortisolmatters.com/patient [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3M4ME9uVGdoQjBudGc5TDZqaElxQmlNUXFBZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttTGcwODBGQ18zdXZyOUdMZUM3NWQtcndoZFFJU3FPeTJWWThqbkJjWTVublBmNWRkbEFiQmRRR3hSaDAwNFM0cDQtNmtHT0RtWFZuSzc3T1ZoLTFodWM2NGVGaFhNUVUzMHdfcUJ4NzAxNFFKci1NMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cortisolmatters.com%2Fpatient&v=UaheHZ0VILs] Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org [https://tcoyd.org/] **Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!** Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/]  |  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://tcoyd.org/donate-form-pod/]