Think Like A Pancreas...The Podcast!

Why “It’s Your Diabetes” is often the wrong answer

What if the symptoms you’ve been told are caused by diabetes… actually aren’t? In this episode 73 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians Tavia Vital and Alicia Downs examine a frustrating and all-too-common issue in diabetes care… when medical symptoms are incorrectly blamed on diabetes—and the real diagnosis is missed! From neuropathy and kidney disease to fatigue, pain, and hormonal issues, Tavia and Alicia explain why people with diabetes are frequently told “it’s your diabetes” even when other conditions would also fit. They reveal how systemic healthcare constraints, insurance coding, and time pressure can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and unnecessary guilt for patients. MEET YOUR HOSTS: 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. Alicia Downs,  RN, MSN, CDCES,  BC-ADM experienced years of mis-diagnoses and ineffective treatments that gave her the incentive to take the lead in her own health care and educate those around her. Alicia is passionate about providing educated compassionate informed and equitable care to all people. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Blaming your diabetes rather than finding the true cause can create unnecessary emotional and physical stress. ✔️How non-diabetes conditions get mislabeled as diabetes complications ✔️The problem is often systemic. To investigate your potential diagnosis, your doctor needs to first provide a diagnosis. ✔️Your “neuropathy” is often treatable before it is debilitating. ✔️The importance of creating a team “us” with your medical professionals. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 03:01 Understanding the endocrine system 04:39 When it’s really NOT diabetes 07:32 Where the fault lies 12:16 The facts about diabetes related neuropathy 19:54 Rare conditions are not rare in the diabetes population 24:55 Reference ranges, diagnostic ranges, and prevention 29:20 When it wasn’t Tavia or Alicia’s diabetes 35:17 The questions to ask 39:53 One bad lab result doesn’t mean you have another disease RESOURCES Autonomic Neuropathy Screening Update for People with Type 1 Diabetes [https://integrateddiabetes.com/autonomic-neuropathy-screening-update-for-people-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/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.

Is it Menopause, life or diabetes? Real Talk from Female Clinicians Who Live It.

In Episode 72 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, the clinicians of Integrated Diabetes Services—Jennifer Smith, Dana Roseman, Tavia Vital, and Dr. Paula Diab—tackle a topic that is rarely discussed but deeply impactful: navigating perimenopause and menopause with type 1 diabetes. Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, these women unpack what many people are never told in the exam room about hormonal shifts, blood sugar volatility, insulin sensitivity changes, and the emotional toll of this life stage. They candidly share the frustrations of managing their own diabetes through perimenopause and menopause, while also offering practical insights, validation, and strategies that have helped them—and their patients—along the way. This conversation brings clarity, compassion, and real-world guidance to a phase of life that too often leaves people with type 1 diabetes feeling confused, dismissed, or alone.   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. 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. 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. Dr Paula Diab PhD, 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. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Menopause will make you think that you are doing something wrong after years of getting it right…but you aren’t! ✔️The inconsistency of hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause make it hard to nail down changes that may be required. ✔️ The value of finding other women to share your concerns with. ✔️Women with type 1 diabetes must take extra precautions to avoid bone issues found in aging. ✔️Self-care is not optional. CHAPTERS 0:56 Welcome and Introduction 05:06 Menopause today is not what it was in your grandmother’s day 07:33 It isn’t your fault 09:00 The illusive nature of the onset of perimenopause and the havoc it creates. 12:21 How changing hormone levels impact your body 14:28 The domino effect of symptoms 18:41 Who do you turn to for medical help? 22:01 Menopause support 23:27 Understanding hormone replacement therapy 25:30 Mitigating your risk factors 28:12 Physical fitness after 50 is no longer optional 31:59 Tips for weight management in menopause and perimenopause 39:53 The impact of “menopause day” on diabetes management 41:59 Final thoughts RESOURCES It’s a New Year – forget resolutions or big giant goals. [https://integrateddiabetes.com/its-a-new-year-and-its-not-you-diabetes-is-just-harder-sometimes/] The Power of Protein [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-6xpqy-19f5038] Only About 5% of US Women Now Use Menopausal Hormone Therapy [https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2826193] The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/the-power-of-a-team-in-your-diabetes-weight-loss-journey/] Weight management for people living with diabetes [https://www.type1university.com/weight-management-for-people-living-with-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/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.

SNAQ: The App That Brings “Star Trek” to Diabetes

In episode 71 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder Gary Scheiner speaks to innovator and entrepreneur, Aurelian Briner about the SNAQ app that he created for his wife, Loredana. The conversation explores the app's development journey, its key features for carb counting and diabetes management, and the challenges faced in the digital health space. The Briner’s share how user insights and lived experiences have allowed them to continue to build the app to help a growing number of people living with type 1 diabetes. 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.   Aurelian Briner is the CEO & Co-Founder of SNAQ. SNAQ [https://snaq.go.link/3B8Rc] is an AI-powered diabetes management platform that helps people make smarter mealtime decisions using its patented photo-based food analysis WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️SNAQ was created by people living with type 1 diabetes for people living with type 1 diabetes…and they care. ✔️ The value of the SNAQ app during T1 pregnancy. ✔️The depth of the SNAQ app over uploading images to random AI programs. ✔️SNAQ app provides data only. They don’t show ads or share your data.   CHAPTERS 00:15 Welcome and introduction 06:23 Inspiration for SNAQ 08:11 The value of having a test subject as your wife 09:22 The key features of the SNAQ app 15:50 Features that will be getting an upgrade over time 21:00 The biggest challenges in marketing the SNAQ app 24:21 SNAQ app pricing 26:07 SNAQ vs Gary Scheiner 28:44 SNAQ tips for accurate results 29:53 Advice for diabetes entrepreneurs   RESOURCES https://snaq.go.link/3B8Rc [https://snaq.go.link/3B8Rc] The Ultimate Guide To Accurate Carb Counting [https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/the-ultimate-guide-to-accurate-carb-counting] Food, Technology, and Insulin. Secrets of Successful Glucose Management [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3i53u-19c0a31] IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trynamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Automation [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-kg2fu-18fcf33] Entrepreneurism in the diabetes space [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-xpgsk-18b5886]   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 you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode. Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well! 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.

Disordered Eating and Type 1 Diabetes. Breaking the Silence on a Hidden Struggle.

In episode 70 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians. Mental health professional, Kristi Paguio and registered dietitian, Dana Roseman unpack the complex relationship of food, insulin, and cultural pressures that can exacerbate disordered eating patterns. They share their own experiences as women living with type 1 diabetes and provide strategies for improving your relationship with food, your body, and your insulin. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Kristi Paguio LMSW, LCSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist. She has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 as a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes. She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 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. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:  ✔️Disordered eating is a broad term that encompasses various unhealthy food relationships. ✔️ Cultural pressures can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and perceptions of food. ✔️ Food should be viewed as a source of joy and connection, not just a means to manage diabetes. ✔️Normalize healthy eating for the entire family.   CHAPTERS: 00:40 Welcome and introduction 03:12 What constitutes disordered eating? 06:25 Cultural influences vs the needs of a healthy body 09:24 The “Food Police” 11:46 All foods fit in your diet 13:51 Helping someone experiencing disordered eating 18:05 Restriction vs Indulgence. Finding the middle ground when it comes to food. 20:33 The impact of judgement when you have diabetes 23:06 Why disordered eating is more common when living with diabetes 24:00 Seeking help for disordered eating with diabetes RESOURCES If you are seeking a team to assist you with issues surrounding disordered eating and your diabetes, Integrated Diabetes Services has a full team of professionals who are Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists who live with type 1 diabetes. They can help with all aspects of your self-care. Call 1 (610) 642-6055 or email info@integratedservices.com [info@integratedservices.com] to schedule an appointment. Articles: Eating disorders are on the rise [https://integrateddiabetes.com/eating-disorders-are-on-the-rise/]. SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If this episode helped you or you have a question, take a moment to leave a short note. We love to hear from you! 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.

Building Trust with Your Endocrinologist. A conversation with Gary Scheiner’s endo

In episode 69 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder, Gary Scheiner sits down with his personal endocrinologist to discuss what it takes to build a successful patient/provider relationship. Listen to Gary’s conversation with Dr. Koch and learn how to build a successful partnership with your doctor, how to get the most out of your time with your endocrinologist and learn about the areas of care that even Gary could improve on. MEET YOUR HOST AND HIS GUEST: Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the founder and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. An award-winning Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Master’s-level Exercise Physiologist, and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985, Gary Scheiner has dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Benedictine University. He received his diabetes training with the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center. Gary serves on the faculty of several prominent organizations and the clinical advisory boards for a number of diabetes device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. Cheryl Koch, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Bryn Mawr, PA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Koch has extensive experience in Thyroid Disorders, Diabetes & Glucose Monitoring, and Osteoporosis & Screening. She graduated from Penn State University College of Medicine in 1989. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Lankenau Medical Center. .   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Every diabetes patient is different. ✔️Your doctor is human too. ✔️The value of making small changes. ✔️Your doctor’s job is to help. You don’t have to be perfect. ✔️Find an endo that is interested in you and matches your needs.   CHAPTERS: 00:50 Welcome and Introduction 07:56 The appeal of endocrinology 10:04 Staying up-to-date with diabetes advances 12:46 Getting  the most out of your endo visits 15:31 When it’s okay to break up with your endo 17:40 The value of CDCES in diabetes education 18:54 Areas that Gary Scheiner struggles with in his diabetes care 23:57 Dr. Koch’s parting advice for building trust with your endo   RESOURCES: How To Find a Health Care Team You Love – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-find-a-health-care-team-you-love/] The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/the-power-of-a-team-in-your-diabetes-weight-loss-journey/]   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 this episode helped you, take a moment to leave a short review. We love to hear from you! 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.