Think Like A Pancreas...The Podcast!

Is Your Diabetes Tech Helping or Hurting? Mental Health & T1D Innovations

Is your diabetes tech helping or hindering your mental health? IN EPISODE 79 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast , Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians Alicia Downs and Anna Sabino explore how diabetes technology can impact your mental wellbeing—both positively and negatively. Having each lived with type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, Alicia and Anna share why it’s sometimes important to pause and listen to your body rather than focus solely on device data. Tune in as they provide practical strategies to help you make the most of your diabetes tools—and recognize when technology may be contributing to burnout. MEET YOUR HOSTS: 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. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Tech or no tech, it is important to listen to your body. ✔️ The importance of understanding the goal of using technology. ✔️ How to learn from failure. ✔️ We drive the behavior of our devices. ✔️ How you and your tech can become a winning team.   CHAPTERS: 00:00  Intro: Meet Anna Sabino and Alicia Downs 04:30 The Challenge of Waiting: CGM Lag and Rage Bolusing 06:15 Overcoming Information Overload and Paralysis 08:50 Balancing Overwhelm and Trust 14:32 Trusting Your Tech Does Not Mean Blind Trust 18:25 Navigating Discomfort 22:22 Tools for Setting Realistic Operating Expectations 25:24 The Need for Constant Diabetes Education 28:54 Identifying Your Goals for Using Technology 32:57 Adjusting Your Perspective 37:58 How to Identify and Deal Tech Burnout 43:45 Learning Integration 48:08 Understanding the fundamentals 51:09 How and when to react RESOURCES: How to Manage Diabetes Alarm Fatigue for Better Sleep [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-manage-diabetes-alarm-fatigue-for-better-sleep/] 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.

Sensor and Sensibility: Gary Scheiner's Rant on Diabetes Absurdities

In episode 78 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services Owner and Clinical Director, Gary Scheiner takes a humourous, but hard-hitting look at the type one diabetes hurdles that make you want to scream! From the fact that the body doesn’t have an insulin back-up system to battles with health care providers, Gary shares the things that truly frustrate him. Listen to this episode and hear Gary separate the science from this stupid. 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. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Insulin isn’t the only hormone lacking in people with type 1 diabetes. ✔️Even clinicians have insurance issues ✔️Not all medical professionals are experts in your diabetes tools. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and introduction 02:01 Biological beefs 12:18 Technology and support tribulations 17:30 The truth about expiry dates 20:24 Health insurance headaches 24:19 The hypocrisy of big pharma 27:12 Red tape and bureaucracy 29:57 Prescriber knowledge gaps 31:24 Medical Research 32:59 mmol? Mg/dL? Or??? 33:56 Pronunciation and diabetes word frustrations 36:36 DUH research 37:56 Stop selling people with diabetes short   RESOURCES: TRIO Open Sourced Insulin delivery                https://youtu.be/mn-2aH2hns8 [https://youtu.be/mn-2aH2hns8] 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.

New Nutrition Guidelines Explained: What They Mean for Type 1 Diabetes

Are the latest food guidelines leaving you confused? You're not alone! In episode 77 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, registered dietitians and certified diabetes care and education specialists Dana Roseman and Jennifer Smith break down the recently updated USA Nutritional Guidelines. They put on their dietitian hats to explore exactly what these changes mean for people living with Type 1 Diabetes. From turning the food pyramid on its head to navigating the wild world of "protein-added" snacks, Dana and Jenny offer insights into what this means for people living with diabetes. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️The value of the “Plate Method” of healthy eating ✔️Fat is important in our diet. ✔️Sometimes you are getting a lot of extra sugar in order to get that extra boost of protein. ✔️The 2026 Food Guidelines are not new. They are updated. ⭐ Comment with your most memorable school cafeteria food! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and introduction 02:57 The end of the Food Pyramid 05:07 Emphasis on Protein in Diet 08:43 Understanding Processed vs Whole Foods 11:36 Protein enriched can also mean “more sugar added” 12:44 The role of saturated fats and how to use them 16:06 Nutrition isn’t one size fits all 17:33 The role of nutritional guidelines in grade school. 20:20 Making better food choices RESOURCES: Focus on Protein for Stability with Diabetes [https://integrateddiabetes.com/focus-on-protein-for-stability-with-diabetes/] Type 1 Diabetes: What Nutrition Macros Should I Follow? [https://integrateddiabetes.com/type-1-diabetes-what-nutrition-macros-should-i-follow/]   Turning the food pyramid on its head…The Simpsons [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIGXkh6S8Zw]    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.

When the going gets tough, the tough get inventing. The T1D1 App Story.

When the going gets tough, 13-year-old Drew Mendelow gets inventing a diabetes app! In episode 76 of Think Like a Pancreas--The Podcast, host Gary Scheiner, owner and clinical director of Integrated Diabetes Services, sits down with Drew Mendelow, the inspiring teen developer of the T1D1 app. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13, Drew channeled his coding skills into creating a free, simple insulin calculator. Together they discuss Drew’s diagnosis journey, the challenges of getting FDA clearance for a medical app, and how taking action helped him cope with his diabetes diagnosis. MEET YOUR HOST AND HIS GUEST: 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. Drew Mendelow is a freshman at Georgia Tech and the creator of the T1D1 app. Aside from his passion for coding and app development, he is a lifelong soccer player and a member of the Yellow Jacket space program. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️How creating the T1D1 app empowered a 13-year-old newly diagnosed child with type 1 diabetes. ✔️The goal of the app is to keep things simple for you and your diabetes management. ✔️T1D1app isn’t just for those on MDI CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Drew Mendelow, developer of the T1D1 app 04:33 Newly diagnosed 13-year-old fills a need 06:48 Could diabetes management be gamified? 07:32 How the T1D1 app works 09:06 The journey to building the T1D1 app 10:51 Creating the app helped Drew to cope with his diagnosis. 12:52 Features that make this app unique 14:42 Getting FDA approval 22:19 How pump users can use the T1D1 app 23:39 What’s next for the app 26:15 Unmet needs in the diabetes community 28:30 What the future holds for Drew Mendelow 30:10 Drew’s favourite apps 31:35 Gary’s final thoughts RESOURCES  https://www.t1d1.org/ [https://www.t1d1.org/] Level One - A Game to Master Type 1 Diabetes [https://playlevelone.com/]   https://playlevelone.com/ [https://playlevelone.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.

Let’s do the Twiist™! A Review of Sequel Med Tech’s New Insulin Pump

Twiist ™ utilizes the highly-regarded open-source/DIY Loop app concept without the user having to build and maintain the app on their own, but what do real world users think? IN EPISODE 75 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder Gary Scheiner sits down with DiabeTech host Justin Eastzer to discuss their experiences using Sequel Med Tech’s Twiist™ insulin pump. They take a deep dive into the unique "Loop" algorithm that powers the pump, the unique 6-hour predictive capabilities, and how it compares to other automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. Gary and Justin also share their thoughts on alarms, time in range, and the return of the Cleo luer lock infusion set. MEET YOUR HOST AND HIS GUEST   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. Justin Eastzer is the founder & content creator of Diabetech, a multi-platform media company dedicated to producing educational and entertaining diabetes content that focuses on tech and diabetes management. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ The interface gives you a lot of information right on the home screen. ✔️ The Twiist ™ algorithm is balancing active insulin against active carbs to make a long term prediction unlike other systems that only look one hour ahead. ✔️You can “back enter” or “forward enter” the carbs that you are eating with this insulin pump.  ✔️Infusion set options are limited. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro: Meet Justin Eastzer of Diabetech  05:23 Justin’s tech experiences 06:34 The unique features of the Twiist ™ insulin pump 20:17 CGM compatibility pros and cons 25:09 Thoughts on the Cleo infusion set 29:24 The occlusion alert 30:05 The hidden use of the blue “bolus” button 32:15 The "Fire Alarm" Sound: Disruptive Alerts 34:10 Complexity of the 32 Steps & 8 Parts to Change insulin cartridge and infusion set 37:41 Who should use the Twiist ™ insulin pump? RESOURCES Review of the twiist Automated Insulin Delivery System [https://integrateddiabetes.com/first-impressions-of-the-twiist-automated-insulin-delivery-system/] Diabetech - Diabetes Tech, News, and Research | Diabetech [https://www.diabetech.info/] The Diabetech Podcast | Diabetech | Diabetech [https://www.diabetech.info/diabetech-podcast] 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.