The T1D Teenage Tightrope: Independence, Emotions, and Everyday Life

The T1D Teenage Tightrope: Independence, Emotions, and Everyday Life

In episode 84 of the Think Like a Pancreas podcast, mental health clinician Anna Sabino and registered nurse Tavia Vital, dive into the "Teenage Tightrope" of managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). They reveal why the transition from a cooperative child to a seemingly "unreliable" teenager is a normal, albeit exhausting, part of brain development. Listen as Anna and Tavia share the raw, real-life moments that every T1D family understands. Their tips and guidance will help parents improve communication with their teen and foster strong plan towards independence. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist who has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D.  Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress. Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Physical growth and emotional growth happen at different times. ✔️The importance of positive praise in a world of stress and negativity. ✔️ Independence is a process than goes beyond age 18. ✔️Communication is key and may require the help of a third party. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome & Introductions 04:28 Why Adolescence is a Unique Challenge When It Comes to T1D 10:48 What Can You Expect from Your Teen 15:07 Figuring Out What is the Least Irritating for Your Teen…and YOU. 20:06 Understanding and Implementing the Plan to Independence 25:12 Tips for Improving Communication with your T1D Teen 31:21 The Role of Peer Support for Teens and Parents 40:00 Final Thoughts RESOURCES: Breakthrough T1D [https://www.breakthrought1d.org/] Children with Diabetes Time out for Caregivers [https://integrateddiabetes.com/time-out-program-for-caregivers-of-kids-or-teens-with-type-1-diabetes/]   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/]   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com [info@integrateddiabetes.com] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

From Crisis to Control: How T1D Screening Saves Lives

What if you could see a life-altering diagnosis coming years before the first symptom appeared? In Episode 81 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Gary Scheiner is joined by Steve Zortman, Sanofi Screening Ambassador and Jessica Dunne, PhD, Type 1 Diabetes Medical Director at Sanofi to examine both the emotional and scientific sides of type 1 diabetes (T1D) autoantibody screening. From the harrowing ER visit that left Steve’s family "blindsided" to the empowering, managed diagnosis of a sibling, this episode explores how science is shifting T1D from a medical emergency to a manageable journey. Whether you have a family history or are just curious about the future of autoimmune health, this conversation is your roadmap to advocating for yourself and your loved ones.   MEET YOUR HOST AND HIS GUESTS: Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985. Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. Steve Zortman is a Sanofi Screening Ambassador, husband and father of three. Steve and two of his children all live with type 1 diabetes. Upon the diagnosis of his first child, Steve began the journey to become a diabetes nurse educator. Jessica Dunne, PhD is a trained scientist with over two decades of experience in translational research, clinical development, and advocacy. As a Medical Director for autoimmune type 1 diabetes at Sanofi, her role includes translating the science behind diabetes so that more people understand how screening can impact their T1D journey and advocate for it in their own lives.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Why up to 62% of people don’t know that they have Type 1 Diabetes until they are in a life-threatening state of Diabetic Ketoacidosis. ✔️How proactive diabetes-related autoantibody screening can improve mental and physical outcomes. ✔️The role of antibody testing in ensuring a proper diabetes diagnosis the first time.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 The unpredictability of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. 01:38 Meet the guests. 05:42 Riley’s diagnosis story. 07:50 To screen or not to screen? Addressing the fear. 11:15 Challenges faced by mis-diagnosed adults. 15:46 Understanding the science behind type 1 diabetes screening. 20:15 Who should be screened for diabetes antibodies? 24:46 The power of positive and negative test results.   RESOURCES To Screen or Not To Screen Your Family Members for Type 1 Diabetes – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/to-screen-or-not-to-screen-your-family-members-for-type-1-diabetes/]   Getting Screened for Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/getting-screened-for-type-1-or-type-2-diabetes/]   Risk Assessment and Resources from Screen For Type 1 – Sanofi [https://www.screenfortype1.com/]   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/] ,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com [info@integrateddiabetes.com]   SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.   This episode is sponsored by Sanofi.

What to expect with IVF. Why Standard Diabetes Care Isn't Enough for Fertility

Mastering insulin your insulin during IVF is not for the faint of heart! It requires a strong team cheering you on who understands the complexities of insulin management with constantly changing hormones. This episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast shares insights and tips for dealing with the intersection of IVF and insulin requirements. CDCES Tavia Vital and Jennifer Smith share stories from their own pregnancy experiences, as well as knowledge from helping many, many women navigate this path. As you listen, you will learn that you aren’t alone and with a good plan and strong support, your journey will be much easier to navigate. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.   KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ The value of support as you go on this journey cannot be understated. ✔️Adaptive systems cannot keep up with the rapidly changing hormones of IVF. ✔️ Each stage of IVF comes with different insulin requirements. Planning makes this easier to anticipate.     CHAPTERS: 00:00 Normalizing the road of IVF for Insulin Dependent Women 04:35 The Emotional and Mental Load of Fertility Treatments 09:04 How IVF Hormones Mechanically Impact Insulin Needs 11:09 The role of your diabetes team in IVF 16:04 The Importance of Pre-conception Planning 20:01 Overcoming Guilt: Navigating Unexpected Glucose Variability 25:03 Stage by Stage Insulin Adjustments 28:36 Key Things to Remember RESOURCES: Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes--The book and the authors. https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg [https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg] Learn more at Pregnancy & T1D Care – Type 1 University [https://www.type1university.com/managing-type-1-diabetes-during-pregnancy/] CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/]   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com [info@integrateddiabetes.com] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

The Latest in Diabetes Tech. An ATTD 2026 Recap with Gary Scheiner

Fresh from the 2026 ATTD Conference in Barcelona, Gary Scheiner shares a comprehensive recap of the latest breakthroughs in diabetes technology, clinical research, and practical management strategies. Learn about upcoming changes from companies like Tandem, new products from Abbott, and what research is saying skin care for people with diabetes. MEET YOUR HOST: Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Multiple new infusion set options are coming for insulin pumpers. ✔️Omnipod DASH pump will be available at least until 2027. ✔️ The importance of time in range. ✔️ The benefit of whey protein before exercise. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to the ATTD Conference 03:12 Innovative Product Developments in Diabetes Care 09:00 The Truth Behind the Steel Needle Infusion Set Shortage 10:22 The Use of Technology in the Elderly 12:05 Updates from Dexcom 13:31 Using Whey Protein to Prevent Exercise-Induced Lows 15:01 Scientific Research on Hormones and Time In Range 16:57 Not All Ultra-Rapid Insulins are Created the Same 17:33 Air Travel’s Impact on Blood Sugar Levels 18:32 Skincare and Diabetes Management 23:25 The Role of Alternative Meds in Type 1 Care 26:33 The Use of Advanced Insulin Pump Features   RESOURCES: 2025 ATTD Discoveries with Melissa Holloway [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-gemp7-186589c]   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/] ,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com [info@integrateddiabetes.com] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!   Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

Unlocking T1D Success. Insider Tips for Managing Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

There’s plenty of buzz about inflammation these days—but what does it really mean to manage inflammation and insulin resistance when you live with type 1 diabetes? In episode 80 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, clinicians Dana Roseman, Jennifer Smith, and Dr. Paula Diab dive into the relationship between inflammation, blood sugar variability, and effective diabetes management. They reveal how the “wellness triad” of food, exercise, and sleep can help tame inflammation. From the power of Omega-3s and Vitamin D to the emerging role of GLP-1 medications and why gut health matters, learn how to lower insulin resistance and support your body’s natural healing. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems. Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Dr Paula Diab MD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ It is important to work with a clinician who looks beyond the numbers ✔️Despite getting a lot of sunshine, people living with an autoimmune condition may be low in Vitamin D. ✔️Gut Health is often overlooked.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Dana, Jenny, and Paula 02:28 Understanding Inflammation and Diabetes 06:13 The role of supplements to reduce inflammation and insulin resistance 07:15 The Triad of Health and Wellness 13:19 Medicinal options to fight inflammation. 17:57 The importance of a healthcare provider who can analyze your overall lifestyle 20:02 The Understated Value of Exercise  21:28 Reducing Inflammation Naturally 23:41Bringing it all together   RESOURCES: Can turmeric help people with diabetes manage their weight and blood sugar? – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/can-turmeric-help-people-with-diabetes-manage-their-weight-and-blood-sugar/]   CONNECT WITH US 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/] ,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com [info@integrateddiabetes.com] SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.