Think Like A Pancreas...The Podcast!

Food, Technology, and Insulin. Secrets of Successful Glucose Management

In episode 61 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, clinicians, Jennifer Smith, Tavia Vital, and Dana Roseman share proven strategies for effective glucose management starting with the essentials of insulin timing. They offer practical advice to help you optimize your insulin delivery system, making it work for your unique needs. Just as strong relationships rely on clear communication, so does successful diabetes management. Jenny, Tavia, and Dana explain how to use what you know to confidently handle unfamiliar foods and navigate holiday gatherings. They further share the importance of using pre-boluses and recognizing post-meal glucose patterns to make your diabetes care less stressful and more predictable 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. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, a certified trainer for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, as well as a published author. 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. She is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Texas at Austin, and clinical nutrition training from UT Southwestern Medical Center. 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. Dana serves as Research Information Liaison for the Dallas JDRF, is active on nonprofit boards, and empowers people with diabetes to thrive physically and mentally, making her a leading voice in diabetes innovation. Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Iowa. 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. She strives to be an expert resource on intensive diabetes management options.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ The basics on how insulin works. ✔️ Your blood sugar level must go up before it goes down after eating. ✔️ How to use what you know mixed with of the box thinking to create bg success. ✔️ How to best put clothes on your breakfast carbohydrates ✔️Your AID system doesn’t always know best. ✔️ BG levels won’t always be perfect no matter how hard you try. CHAPTERS 00:13 Welcome and Introduction 04:29 Understanding insulin get the optimal glucose excursion after a meal. 09:12 Using preferenced meals to guide you when eating something new. 11:13 The same meal. The same time. Different results. What now?? 15:44 Slowing the rise of standard breakfast foods. 18:57 Mastering the “suspension” of insulin before meals in AID systems. 23:22 When you don’t have time to wait for targeted bg levels to bolus. 24:30 The secret to great blood sugar levels during the holidays. 28:21 Pre-bolus guidelines. 30:55 Benefits of Loop or Trio for insulin, bolus timing, and food coverage. 36:53 The super-bolus. 40:24 Your diabetes may vary.   RESOURCES MENTIONED Glucose Goddess—Jessie Inchauspe https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Jessie-Inchauspe/author/B093K86K1Z [https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Jessie-Inchauspe/author/B093K86K1Z] John Walsh—Pumping Insulin https://www.amazon.ca/stores/John-Walsh/author/B009KTDCKM [https://www.amazon.ca/stores/John-Walsh/author/B009KTDCKM]   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.

Influence for Impact: How Public Voices Drive Diabetes Awareness

In the 60th episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Dr. Paula Diab sits down with Mr. South Africa contestant Darryn Webster and online influencer Kirsten De Klerk to discuss how they leverage their public profiles to promote diabetes awareness. Together, Darryn and Kirsten are dedicated to educating others about the signs and symptoms of diabetes and empowering people to thrive while living with the condition. Darryn raises awareness through his celebrity platform as a Mr. South Africa contestant, while Kirsten inspires and connects with the diabetes community through her Instagram initiative, "Everyday is Diabetes Day," where she shares resources and leads charitable efforts. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ The importance of connection in diabetes management. ✔️ We are stronger when united with one voice. ✔️ The value of sharing your story in high profile places. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUESTS: Dr. Paula Diab PhD, CDCES 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. She earned her undergraduate medical degree from the University of Cape Town in 2000 and then returned to her home province of KwaZulu-Natal to establish her career and continue her post-graduate studies. She is certified as a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in the US. Despite carrying the burden of being the only member of the IDS clinical team without type 1 Diabetes, her skills and passion for diabetes care & education are exemplary (she did successfully manage her own gestational diabetes during her pregnancies). Darryn Webster works in medical sales and is currently competing in the Mr. South Africa competition. His campaign focus is diabetes awareness. With so many South Africans currently diagnosed with the disease, Darryn has seen firsthand through his work just how widespread and misunderstood diabetes is. He plans to use the Mr. South Africa platform to spread education, awareness, and support to those living with it. Kirsten De Klerk began her Instagram account, Everyday is diabetes day as a way to keep herself accountable in managing her type 1 diabetes. As her following grew, Kirsten became a diabetes advocate. She is the co-founder of SA Diabetes Advocacy, an IDF Young Leader in Diabetes, and a Campaign Manager at Treeshake. CHAPTERS: 00:13 Welcome and Introduction 02:01 Meet Darryn Webster, Mr. South Africa Contestant 02:56 Meet Kirsten De Klerk, diabetes advocate 06:14 Every day is diabetes day 10:28 How a bid to be Mr. South Africa is helping the diabetes community 14:25 With diabetes awareness comes improved health outcomes 17:33 The value of a lived experience in diabetes awareness and education 21:55 When Darryn wins Mr. South Africa 26:27 How to partner with Kristen’s diabetes efforts 28:52 Everyone has a role to play in diabetes advocacy RESOURCES MENTIONED https://www.instagram.com/everydayisdiabetesday/ [https://www.instagram.com/everydayisdiabetesday/] South Africa Diabetes Advocacy  https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/ [https://www.diabetesadvocacy.org.za/] Treeshake https://treeshake.com/ [https://treeshake.com/] Sweet Life https://sweetlife.org.za/ [https://sweetlife.org.za/] Mr. South Africa https://www.mrsa.co.za/event-list [https://www.mrsa.co.za/event-list] The Burden of Diabetes and Self-Advocacy https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-efpit-196bb75 [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-efpit-196bb75]   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.

Insulin Insights for Mastering Meals During the Holidays

In episode three of our ongoing nutrition series, Jennifer Smith and Dana Roseman dive into the unique challenges of holiday eating for people living with diabetes. They share practical strategies for insulin management, discuss the benefits of technology in diabetes care, and highlight the importance of accepting blood sugar fluctuations during festive meals. Before heading into another holiday season, tune in to hear Jenny and Dana’s expert tips and personal insights for managing diabetes and enjoying the festivities. MEET YOUR HOSTS: Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Texas at Austin, and clinical nutrition training from UT Southwestern Medical Center. 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. Dana serves as Research Information Liaison for the Dallas JDRF, is active on nonprofit boards, and empowers people with diabetes to thrive physically and mentally, making her a leading voice in diabetes innovation.   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. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, a certified trainer for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, as well as a published author. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️The importance of knowing how your insulin delivery system works. ✔️ Ways to spend more time socializing and less time monitoring blood sugar levels over the holidays. ✔️ Large meals require longer insulin delivery. ✔️ How fasting holidays can help your diabetes management. CHAPTERS: 00:13  Welcome and introduction 02:59  Knowing your insulin delivery system 06:54  And then comes a GLP-1 07:47   Out of the box thinking helps with holiday eating 09:59  Making Peace with Blood Sugar Fluctuations 11:40  Strategies for Enjoying Holiday Treats 15:03  Jenny’s insulin strategy for her Thanksgiving meal 18:09  Adding physical activities to the holidays 19:38  What to do when the holiday requires fasting 22:52  Sitting, Drinking, and being Stressed! Final tips to get you through the holidays RESOURCES MENTIONED:  IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trynamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Application [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8pay7-1918cb9] https://youtu.be/peMzQHn1j9w?si=-oe74TUOIWGy287w [https://youtu.be/peMzQHn1j9w?si=-oe74TUOIWGy287w] Trio: An Open Source Overview [https://integrateddiabetes.com/trio-podcast-an-open-source-overview/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=proud_to_get_an_f&utm_term=2025-09-16] https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/]   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. 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.

Integrated Diabetes Services Unfiltered! Life, Laughter, and Real Diabetes Care. Part 3

In Episode 58 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the final three clinicians! Enjoy a candid conversation with Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, Jennifer Smith, and Dana Roseman. THE CLINICIANS Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive. 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. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, a certified trainer for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, as well as a published author. 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. She is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Texas at Austin, and clinical nutrition training from UT Southwestern Medical Center. 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. Dana serves as Research Information Liaison for the Dallas JDRF, is active on nonprofit boards, and empowers people with diabetes to thrive physically and mentally, making her a leading voice in diabetes innovation.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ Who wanted to be Gary Scheiner when they grew up. ✔️ How they found their way to using open-sourced insulin delivery systems. ✔️ Who has never been on ice skates. ✔️ Which team members wanted to be veterinarians when they were small. ✔️ How diabetes devices could be dangerous in a Zombie apocalypse.   CHAPTERS 00:14  Welcome and introductions 00:54  Kathryn, Jenny, and Dana's Personal Journeys to Diabetes Education 05:26  Very different paths to surviving the college years with diabetes 09:50  The Aha moment in their diabetes care 12:30  How they found their way to use DIY Looping technology 16:06  Where in the world are the Integrated Diabetes Team clinicians? 16:30  Sports and Physical Activities they enjoy 18:41  When muscle memory failed Kathryn and Dana 20:53  The love...and hate for running 24:38  Gravy, the part-time Diabetes Alert Dog 25:08  The power of the Trynamic Trio 28:55  Everyone experiences diabetes mistakes 31:57  Noises that will get you killed in an apocalypse RESOURCES MENTIONED  IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trynamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Application [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-8pay7-1918cb9] https://youtu.be/peMzQHn1j9w?si=-oe74TUOIWGy287w [https://youtu.be/peMzQHn1j9w?si=-oe74TUOIWGy287w] Trio: An Open Source Overview [https://integrateddiabetes.com/trio-podcast-an-open-source-overview/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=proud_to_get_an_f&utm_term=2025-09-16] https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/] 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.

Empowered Aging. Proactive Strategies for Seniors with Type 1 Diabetes

With the increasing number of individuals living more than fifty years with type 1 diabetes, Episode 57 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast features Kathryn Alvarez, Director of Exercise Physiology and Teen/Young Adult Specialist at Integrated Diabetes Services, in conversation with blogger and advocate Joanne Milo. Together, they discuss strategies for effectively navigating the later stages of life with type 1 diabetes like the importance of community support, emergency preparedness, and advocacy for better healthcare for aging individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.   This episode is sponsored by Tempramed, makers of Vivi Cap https://tempramed.com/pages/vivi-cap-boxd [https://tempramed.com/pages/vivi-cap-boxd] MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive. Joanne Milo  has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 60 years and just launched a brand new project called T1D to 100. This website is an incredible resource for people aiming to thrive with type one diabetes in every decade of life. Joanne is also well-known for her long running blog, the Savvy Diabetic [https://thesavvydiabetic.com/blog/], and helping to build the amazing loop and learn online community. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ More adults are being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes much later in life. ✔️ Community support is crucial for those living with diabetes. ✔️ Aging with Type 1 Diabetes presents unique challenges that need to be addressed. ✔️ Emergency preparedness is essential for managing diabetes as we age. ✔️ Advocacy is necessary to ensure proper care for aging individuals with diabetes. ✔️ Healthcare providers need to be educated about the needs of aging T1D patients. CHAPTERS 00:14  Welcome and introductions 01:36  The inspiration behind T1D to 100 06:52 Navigating a medical system that wasn’t prepared for seniors living with type 1 diabetes 11:34  Addressing the Challenges of Aging with Type 1 Diabetes 14:44  A new potential role for parents of adult children with type 1 diabetes 16:36  The role of the diabetes community to bring about change in aging care 21:30  The importance of community engagement for seniors with type 1 diabetes 28:51  Creating a Go Bag for Emergencies 32:25  Why you need a personal medical resume 36:03  End-of-life considerations for people with diabetes 37:14  The key to successful aging with type 1 diabetes 49:17 Advocacy and Awareness for Aging with Diabetes RESOURCES MENTIONED  https://t1dto100.com/ [https://t1dto100.com/]  https://www.facebook.com/groups/t1dto100 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/t1dto100]  https://www.instagram.com/t1dto100 [https://www.instagram.com/t1dto100/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/t1dto100 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/t1dto100/] Blog | The Savvy Diabetic [https://thesavvydiabetic.com/blog/] Secrets of the Longest Living People with Type one Diabetes by Sheri Colberg https://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Longest-Living-People-Diabetes/dp/1600940188 [https://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Longest-Living-People-Diabetes/dp/1600940188] 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! MORE GREAT EPISODES LIKE THIS The Burden of Diabetes and Self-Advocacy [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-mfqym-1883591] Diabetes, Nutrition, and Wellness with Jenny and Dana [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-njy66-190feba] 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.