The Truth About Insulin Pump Transitions (Don't Make These Mistakes)

The Truth About Insulin Pump Transitions (Don't Make These Mistakes)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465728/fan_mail/new] Most people with diabetes (PWD) struggle with insulin pump transitions, but expert Maressa Spohn reveals if you're doing it right, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that could cost you control and peace of mind. If you’re considering an insulin pump or have recently switched, this episode is your essential guide to mastering the move and thriving with technology. Diagnosed at age three, Marissa Spohn has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 35 years. She knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID). She shares practical tips on transitioning from multiple daily injections (MDI) to a pump, including how to trust the system, fine-tune settings, and prevent those frustrating highs and lows that often trip people up months after starting. In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, you'll discover: 1. Why many patients struggle with proactive pump management, and how to set yourself up for success from day one. 2. Common mistakes like overriding algorithms and how to develop confidence in your system. 3. How to handle prolonged highs, site issues, and sensor inaccuracies without panic. 4. The nuance of using adjunct tools like Afrezra and GLP-1s to improve control. 5. Key strategies for exercising, stress, and hormonal changes that influence insulin needs. We break down the misconceptions around pump automation, emphasizing that even the smartest algorithms require your active involvement. Marissa shares her insights on adjusting basal rates during menstruation! Thanks for tuning in! Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM sensor. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com [https://www.eversensecgm.com/]. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. [https://www.diabetesnerdnetwork.com/] Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. [https://www.eversensecgm.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA * YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@diabetesnerd] * BOOKS [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008ZPEGQ6/allbooks] * ARTICLES [https://www.gingervieira.com/diabetes]  * INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/GingerVieira.T1D]  * LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/GingerVieira]  GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS * 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes [https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Diabetes-Tips-Real/dp/B0H2SCRNM4/] * Stop Overeating During Lows [https://a.co/d/g4iRcxJ] * Exercise with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3RQd1NK] * Dealing with Diabetes Burnout [https://amzn.to/3th5QF7] * Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3GOC4dO] * Emotional Eating with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/48nkRE0] * When I Go Low [https://amzn.to/48kCxju] * Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D [https://amzn.to/3GOlASW] GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS * Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies [https://glowgummies.com/?aff=9]  * Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey [https://goodjourneydonuts.com/?sca_ref=10738228.9NBRGXD6P8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate] SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd/].  Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community.  Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy!

Parenting a T1D Teen Without Becoming the ‘Blood Sugar Police’

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465728/fan_mail/new] Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the teen years can feel like a constant balancing act. In this episode, Yale pediatric endocrinologist and person living with T1D, Dr. Laura Nally, shares practical strategies to help parents support their teens with more confidence and less conflict. Learn why blood sugar responses to exercise aren't one-size-fits-all, how nutrition and physical activity work together, and what parents can do to help teens build independence while staying safe. Dr. Nally discusses her research on exercise and diabetes, including how identifying individual patterns can lead to smarter management decisions. We also explore common challenges such as preventing lows during sports, using protein to support blood sugar stability, and avoiding the "blood sugar police" approach that can damage trust and communication. Plus, hear how diabetes technology can reduce mental burden while still encouraging teens to develop essential self-management skills. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or someone supporting a teen with type 1 diabetes, this episode offers practical insights to help young people thrive—both physically and emotionally. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. [https://www.diabetesnerdnetwork.com/] Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. [https://www.eversensecgm.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA * YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@diabetesnerd] * BOOKS [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008ZPEGQ6/allbooks] * ARTICLES [https://www.gingervieira.com/diabetes]  * INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/GingerVieira.T1D]  * LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/GingerVieira]  GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS * 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes [https://www.amazon.com/Every-Day-Diabetes-Tips-Real/dp/B0H2SCRNM4/] * Stop Overeating During Lows [https://a.co/d/g4iRcxJ] * Exercise with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3RQd1NK] * Dealing with Diabetes Burnout [https://amzn.to/3th5QF7] * Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3GOC4dO] * Emotional Eating with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/48nkRE0] * When I Go Low [https://amzn.to/48kCxju] * Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D [https://amzn.to/3GOlASW] GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS * Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies [https://glowgummies.com/?aff=9]  * Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey [https://goodjourneydonuts.com/?sca_ref=10738228.9NBRGXD6P8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate]

Do GLP-1s Actually Make Sense for Type 1 Diabetes?!

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465728/fan_mail/new] Most people think managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) [https://youtu.be/cFfL-H1mz-M] is just about insulin and carbs, but what if there's a powerful tool you're missing that could reduce your insulin needs and stabilize blood sugar?  Amy Wolk, a longtime pediatric diabetes educator and a person living with T1D for nearly 57 years, shares her surprising journey with microdosing GLP-1s, including Ozempic and Mounjaro.  Her experience might just revolutionize how you think about insulin resistance, weight management, and the future of diabetes care. Amy shares real-world stories from her decades navigating the evolving diabetes landscape, from early research with closed-loop systems to witnessing today's rapid device advancements.  But the game-changer? Using microdosed GLP-1s [https://youtu.be/4cKo7G9O8Lg] to buffer blood sugar spikes, curb appetite, and reduce insulin requirements without the typical weight gain. In this episode, you'll discover... * How low-dose GLP-1 therapy [https://youtu.be/L2a1iBCj6co] can bring the digestive system into better balance, even for those not seeking weight loss. * The intricacies of microdosing, including practical tips, syringe hacks, and why customization is crucial for effectiveness. * Why the current FDA-approval process and insurance coverage slow down access to potentially life-changing options for people with T1D. * The potential for GLP-1s [https://youtu.be/c_ZHzWUuAc4] to address long-standing issues like food noise, insulin resistance, and weight gain, beyond just blood sugar management. In a landscape where off-label use is common and research is rapidly evolving, understanding how and why microdosing GLP-1s could transform your diabetes management is essential. Amy's candid insights as both a clinician and patient shed light on an exciting frontier—one that could help you manage your condition more naturally, reduce medication dependence, and perhaps even improve quality of life. If you're tired of feeling stuck with outdated therapies and want to stay ahead of the latest breakthroughs, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to rethink what’s possible in T1D care! Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. [https://www.eversensecgm.com/] Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. [https://www.diabetesnerdnetwork.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA * YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@diabetesnerd] * BOOKS [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008ZPEGQ6/allbooks] * ARTICLES [https://www.gingervieira.com/diabetes]  * INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/GingerVieira.T1D]  * LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/GingerVieira]  GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS * Stop Overeating During Lows [https://a.co/d/g4iRcxJ] * Exercise with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3RQd1NK] * Dealing with Diabetes Burnout [https://amzn.to/3th5QF7] * Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3GOC4dO] * Emotional Eating with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/48nkRE0] * When I Go Low [https://amzn.to/48kCxju] * Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D [https://amzn.to/3GOlASW] GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS * Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies [https://glowgummies.com/?aff=9]  * Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey [https://goodjourneydonuts.com/?sca_ref=10738228.9NBRGXD6P8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate]

Award-winning Bluegrass Musician Talks T1D Craziness on Tour

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465728/fan_mail/new] Join the Diabetes Nerd Network! [https://www.diabetesnerdnetwork.com/] Most people don't realize how much physical and emotional resilience it takes to perform with type 1 diabetes, especially on the road. Carolyn Routh, award-winning bluegrass musician and longtime T1D warrior, [https://www.instagram.com/nubluofficial/] reveals the raw truths behind managing blood sugar levels during a live show, amid unpredictable travel schedules, and the emotional toll of lows and highs in the spotlight.  During this Diabetes Nerd Podcast episode, you’ll discover the surprising ways she keeps her blood sugar in check during performances, how her support system and technology make all the difference, and why her story is a powerful reminder that living fully with type 1 isn't just about numbers—it’s about resilience, passion, and authenticity. In this episode, Carolyn shares what it was like to be diagnosed in the late 70s with limited tools, how her lifestyle on tour complicates diabetes management, and the emotional rollercoaster of low blood sugars that can turn a stage moment into a fight for survival. We'll break down her on-the-road insulin strategies, from deliberately running higher during shows to using vibratory CGMs and emergency glucagon kits.  She talks candidly about how her experience with her son’s diagnosis has deepened her understanding and empathy—and how her band’s support makes all the difference when lows hit mid-performance. We also explore the hidden toll of emotional highs and lows, the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia that most people never see, and why managing diabetes as a touring musician is a constant battle of adaptation and mental toughness. Carolyn’s story [https://nu-blu.com/] highlights the importance of support, technology, and mindset, proving that even in the chaos of life on tour, you can thrive with the right tools and attitude. Perfect for anyone navigating diabetes in demanding, unpredictable environments—whether you're on stage, traveling, or simply living life to the fullest—this episode is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the unbreakable spirit of living with type 1. Gain new perspective, practical tips, and a little inspiration to face your own daily battles with courage and humor. Thanks for joining us, Nu Blu!  Thanks to Eversense Diabetes for sponsoring. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com [https://www.eversensecgm.com/]. AND thanks to YOU for tuning in! 🎶 DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA * YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@diabetesnerd] * BOOKS [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008ZPEGQ6/allbooks] * ARTICLES [https://www.gingervieira.com/diabetes]  * INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/GingerVieira.T1D]  * LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/GingerVieira]  GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS * Stop Overeating During Lows [https://a.co/d/g4iRcxJ] * Exercise with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3RQd1NK] * Dealing with Diabetes Burnout [https://amzn.to/3th5QF7] * Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3GOC4dO] * Emotional Eating with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/48nkRE0] * When I Go Low [https://amzn.to/48kCxju] * Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D [https://amzn.to/3GOlASW] GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS * Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies [https://glowgummies.com/?aff=9]  * Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey [https://goodjourneydonuts.com/?sca_ref=10738228.9NBRGXD6P8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate]

Diabetes Burnout? No, We Have Diabetes Disgust.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2465728/fan_mail/new] Content creators who only show their best moments with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? Unhelpful. Healthcare systems that mistakenly diagnose you with type 2 diabetes (T2D) because you're older or live in a bigger body? Horrifying. Having to get up in the middle of the night to treat a low? Over it. We are so, so over it. Living with type 1, that is. How do you navigate burnout when the world of diabetes or your world with diabetes just feels like it's too much? In this conversation with Neil Greathouse  (one of our favorite people in the world), we chat about this and more.  And we're inviting you to be a part of our circle! Because we're guessing there's a lot you need to get off your chest, too. Check out what Neil's up to: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thebetes/] * Website [https://www.yourbestt1dyear.com/] * Podcast [https://www.yourbestt1dyear.com/your-best-t1d-year-the-podcast] Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast! Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com [https://www.eversensecgm.com/]. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. [https://www.diabetesnerdnetwork.com/] DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA * YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/@diabetesnerd] * BOOKS [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008ZPEGQ6/allbooks] * ARTICLES [https://www.gingervieira.com/diabetes]  * INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/GingerVieira.T1D]  * LINKEDIN [https://www.linkedin.com/in/GingerVieira]  GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS * Stop Overeating During Lows [https://a.co/d/g4iRcxJ] * Exercise with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3RQd1NK] * Dealing with Diabetes Burnout [https://amzn.to/3th5QF7] * Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes [https://amzn.to/3GOC4dO] * Emotional Eating with Diabetes [https://amzn.to/48nkRE0] * When I Go Low [https://amzn.to/48kCxju] * Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D [https://amzn.to/3GOlASW] GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS * Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies [https://glowgummies.com/?aff=9]  * Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey [https://goodjourneydonuts.com/?sca_ref=10738228.9NBRGXD6P8&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=affiliate]