An Introduction to Low-Carb Diets and Type 1 Diabetes Management

An Introduction to Low-Carb Diets and Type 1 Diabetes Management

What constitutes a "low-carb" diet? In episode 95 of Think Like a Pancreas, our hosts Jennifer Smith (RD, CDCES) and Dana Roseman (MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN) sit down to unpack the broad, and often misunderstood, world of low-carb eating and type 1 diabetes management. From strict 30-gram-a-day ketogenic plans to the flexible 80/20 lifestyle of a Mediterranean approach, Jenny and Dana explain why a one-size-fits-all diet doesn't exist. They dive into the traps of marketing labels, how metabolic age shifts your results, and why mastering your insulin strategy is ultimately more freeing than completely eliminating your favorite foods. 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: ✔️Age alters your metabolism, that is why it is much more important to find a sustainable diet over the latest fab diet. ✔️The healthiest way to shop is to spend the bulk of your time in the periphery and find only occasional treats in the middle aisles. ✔️Carbohydrates are not evil. Dietary success lies in eating for health 80% of the time, allowing for flexibility (like a vacation or special treat) 20% of the time, and learning the precise insulin timing strategies to navigate those choices smoothly. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Defining Low Carb Diets 05:10 Lower Carb, Lower Processed Foods Benefits 06:53 Age, Metabolism, and Managing Expectations 08:39 How Many Carbs Are Too Many? 12:28 GLP-1 Medications and Protein Priorities 14:25 The Benefits to Diabetes Management 17:50 The 80/20 Rule of Diabetes Management RESOURCES: The Low Carb Lifestyle [https://www.type1university.com/the-low-carb-lifestyle/]    https://www.type1university.com/the-low-carb-lifestyle/ Beyond Carbs: The effects of fiber, protein, fat & more [https://www.type1university.com/beyond-carbs-the-effects-of-fat-protein-more/]   https://www.type1university.com/beyond-carbs-the-effects-of-fat-protein-more/ [https://www.type1university.com/beyond-carbs-the-effects-of-fat-protein-more/] 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.

Add Some Muscle to Your Diabetes Management with Chris Ruden

Living with Type 1 Diabetes often makes us focus on what we might lose—but what if we focused on what we can add? In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas, host Gary Scheiner sits down with longtime colleague, professional motivational speaker, and type 1 athlete Chris Rudin. Together they unpack the physiological and mental benefits of resistance training, debunk the myths around workout failure, and provide actionable strategies for managing blood sugars during training at any age. 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. Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, and disability inclusion advocate who engages audiences across the USA and worldwide.  He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at aged 19, is an amputee, world-record powerlifter, and NBC’s Titan Games competitor. Chris leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️Never “should” all over yourself! ✔️Muscle growth promotes general health and metabolism, but it also has mental health benefits that many people don’t realize. ✔️ Total daily intake of protein matters more than the timing of your protein when building muscle or losing fat. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 04:44 Meeting Challenges and Making Adaptations 08:44 The Role of Muscle in Healthy Living 12:55 Program Design for Muscle Building 21:26 The Importance of Muscle Damage in Muscle Building 23:12 Why You Need to be In Range to Build Muscle 24:24 The Ideal Amount of Protein 30:19 Managing Glucose Levels While Building Muscle 36:10  Should You Change Up Your Workouts to Avoid Injury 38:50 Don’t Be Upset at The Skills That You Don’t Have from The Work That You Didn’t Do. 40:21 GLP-1s and Protein 41:13 Chris’s Inspiration RESOURCES: New Nutrition Guidelines Explained: What They Mean for Type 1 Diabetes       https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/2026-nutrition-guidelines/ [https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/2026-nutrition-guidelines/] The ADA Scientific Sessions Round Up With Gary Scheiner   https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/the-ada-scientific-sessions-round-up-with-gary-scheiner/ [https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/the-ada-scientific-sessions-round-up-with-gary-scheiner/] Chris Ruden – Change Management Keynote Speaker [https://chrisruden.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/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 ADA Scientific Sessions Round Up With Gary Scheiner

The 2026 ADA Scientific Sessions was marred by a standoff between ADA staff and some highly reputable scientists who were trying to distribute copies of an editorial that was published in an ADA journal without “express written consent”. There were also rumors swirling about the hostile takeover of one of Breakthrough T1D’s major fundraising entities and its own parent company.  Despite the political skirmishes, this year’s meeting was nothing short of fantastic. Clinical Director and Founder Gary Scheiner learned about the latest in research, technology, and product releases and shares them with you in this special episode.  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: ✔️Insulin absorption is slower as pregnancy proceeds. ✔️Tegoprubart offers exciting cure possibilities. ✔️ Continuous ketone monitoring is coming with more benefits than you may think. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 01:38 AID Optimization 03:04 Pumps & Pregnancy 08:19 New Product Development 12:05 “Other” Medications 20:00 Ketone (Sensing) Is Coming! 24:05 Exercise Discoveries 30:20 Slowing T1D Progression 33:28 Sleep Matters  35:30 Last But Not Least RESOURCES: Key Findings From The ADA Scientific Sessions 2026 [https://integrateddiabetes.com/key-findings-from-the-ada-scientific-sessions-2026/] 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.

Can You Have Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? (What Is Double Diabetes?)

There are lots of “doubles” in the world.  Double Mint, Double Plays and Double Jeopardy, but did you know that you can also be diagnosed with double diabetes? In Episode 92 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Gary Scheiner talks to Dr. Nick Argento about the odds of becoming insulin resistant as a person with type 1 diabetes. They discuss how it can happen, what treatment options are available, and why it is becoming more common than in previous years. 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. Nicholas B. Argento MD FACE is an endocrinologist at Maryland Endocrine in Columbia. He lives with type 1 diabetes himself and has extensive experience in utilizing insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to help patients safely achieve better blood glucose control. He has presented clinical research at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions and other medical meetings, and has spoken to local, national, and international audiences on insulin pumps and the clinical application of CGM technology. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️20% of people with type 1 diabetes will develop double diabetes or insulin resistance. ✔️If you require more than .4 units of insulin per kilogram per day, daily management will be a much greater challenge than those who are not insulin resistant. ✔️ Limit, not eliminate carbohydrates if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes. ✔️Having double diabetes is treatable with the right tools and support CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction. 02:47 Is it Possible for People with T1 to Also Have T2?  05:17 What Causes Insulin Resistance? 09:33 Triggers and Hidden Risks for Double Diabetes. 21:57 Type 2 Medications (GLP-1s) for Type 1 Patients. 33:14 Overcoming the Guilt of Developing Insulin Resistance. 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.

Fear of Low Blood Sugars. Breaking it Down with Bill Polonsky

Fear of low blood sugar is one of the most common — and least talked about — challenges of living with type 1 diabetes. In episode 91 of Think Like a Pancreas — The Podcast, mental health clinician Anna Sabino sits down with renowned diabetes psychologist Dr. Bill Polonsky, founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, to unpack the anxiety that comes with type 1 diabetes and low blood sugars. Together they explore the difference between healthy caution and pronounced fear of hypoglycemia, and why so many people quietly run their blood sugars high to feel "safe." Bill also shares practical, hopeful strategies for regaining confidence in your body, rebuilding trust, and getting your life back — because “if you live with diabetes-related anxiety, you're not weak, you're not alone, and there's a lot you can do about it.” MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: 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. Bill (William) Polonsky, PhD, CDCES  is President and Founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, the world's first organization wholly dedicated to studying and addressing the unmet psychological needs of people with diabetes. He is also Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist, and an active researcher in the field of behavioral diabetes. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️There can be a genetic risk of profound fear of low blood sugars. ✔️This fear is rooted in people losing confidence in their bodies. ✔️ The use of “be safe” and “feel safe strategies” help to alleviate fears. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 03:39 Everyone Should be Concerned About Lows 07:02 When Your Fear of Lows Impacts Your Daily Life 13:54 Rebuilding Confidence in Your Body and Your Tools 30:11 Is Severe Hypoglycemia a Valid Fear? 33:57 Key Tips to Break Your Own Cycle of Fear 36:23 Where to Find Help 39:00  Final Thoughts from Dr. Polonsky RESOURCES: Breaking down the fear of blood sugar lows [https://integrateddiabetes.com/breaking-down-the-fear-of-blood-sugar-lows/] Behavioral Diabetes Institute [https://behavioraldiabetes.org/] ADA mental health registry [https://my.diabetes.org/health-directory?page=1] The Hypoglycemic Fear Syndrome: Understanding and Addressing This Common Clinical Problem in Adults With Diabetes [https://diabetesjournals.org/clinical/article-abstract/41/4/502/151371/The-Hypoglycemic-Fear-Syndrome-Understanding-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext] Is Your Diabetes Tech Helping or Hurting? Mental Health and T1D Innovation [https://youtu.be/b6lZHtfMbhA]                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.