Think Like A Pancreas...The Podcast!

When Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health Collide--From Darkness to Resilience

In Episode 64 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinician Kristi Paguio sits down with Amy Sczepanski to discuss her remarkable mental health journey. Amy candidly reflects on her experiences moving beyond suicide attempts to building a fulfilling life, highlighting pivotal moments that reshaped her path. The conversation delves into the transformative power of therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing both mental and physical aspects of healing. Together, Kristi and Amy explore how unconditional love, effective medication, and actively seeking support from the medical community play essential roles in overcoming despair and fostering well-being. Listeners gain insight into the significance of self-acceptance, the value of supportive relationships, and practical strategies for nurturing mental health while living with type 1 diabetes. Important Notice: This episode contains frank discussions about mental health crises, including suicide, as well as strong language. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and 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.  Amy Sczepanski has been navigating life with diabetes since 1997 and is now adventuring her way from the redwoods of Eureka, California to her new home in Pennsylvania. Amy brings energy, empathy, and a sense of humor to her new role at Integrated Diabetes Services working with clients and clinicians alike. She is a proud cat mom, avid lover of all things outdoors, and is happily diving into work that she loves. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️How people hide their emotional pain behind their diabetes. ✔️Mental health struggles are hard to discuss with others. ✔️ When your mental health isn’t doing well, your diabetes won’t be doing well either. ✔️Professional therapy is more valuable than you think. ✔️There is no shame in taking medication for your brain health.   CHAPTERS 00:15 Welcome and introductions 03:10 Introduction to Amy's Journey 07:35 The Turning Point: A Cry for Help 13:26 Finding the helpers 15:22 Amy’s path of self abuse 18:42 The baby steps to Amy's healing journey 23:06 The Power of Shared Stories 25:33 Diabetes is the burden, not you! 27:57 Finding the right tools with your healthcare team 31:51 Tips for improved mental and physical well-being 35:13 The IDS team gets it 39:01 Final thoughts RESOURCES: Jenny Smith, Integrated Diabetes Services [https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments] CONNECT WITH US 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook WORK WITH US: If you’re looking for real, personalized support for life with diabetes, you’re in the right place. Our team brings 269+ years of lived experience and 172+ years of professional expertise to the table—and we don’t say “we get it” lightly. Nearly 90% of our clinicians live with type 1 diabetes themselves, so when we talk about carb counting at midnight or troubleshooting a stubborn sensor… we’ve been there. If you want guidance from people who understand the science and the lived reality, give us a call or schedule an appointment anytime: https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/] 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!

Tools for sleep and sanity. One Family’s Strategies for Raising Two Kids with Type 1

Episode 63 of Think Like a Pancreas-The Podcast is part two of a two-part series with clinician, Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez and Ali Adler. Ali shares how her family can remain sane despite having two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 2.5 years old and his younger brother one year later when he was just 18 months. Learn about the support systems that they have put in place that improves the health and well-being of the entire family.   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. Ali Adler is a devoted mom who is navigating the extraordinary challenge of raising two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her journey began when her oldest son, Tom, was diagnosed at just two and a half years old. Drawing on her experience from her brother’s diagnosis during her teenage years, Ali recognized the signs and acted quickly. One year later, her youngest son, Joe, was also diagnosed, making diabetes management a central part of family life. Ali shares her story to help other parents find strength, create systems that work, and embrace resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️Diabetes always goes wrong right before an appointment with a specialist. ✔️A bad diabetes day is often just a day. ✔️ Mistakes can happen to the best of us.   ✔️ Don’t skimp on your sleep. CHAPTERS 00:16 Welcome and introductions 01:34 Tom and Joe’s diabetes diagnosis 05:23  The struggles around finding diabetes care 08:20 Investing in an Au Pair 11:58 Other childcare options 13:18 There is no way to speed up the grief process 15:38 The silver lining of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis 17:27 And then there was celiac disease 21:51 Diabetes always goes wrong when you need it to go right. 22:56 Re-evaluating a negativity bias 25:33 The need to be “on” all of the time 26:14 How IDS helped them to sleep safely at night 30:20 The most important tool in their diabetes management system RESOURCES: TrialNet [https://www.trialnet.org/]      https://www.trialnet.org/ [https://www.trialnet.org/] https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/] Three moms and a diabetes diagnosis [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-2vtjp-189e2f2].  Joanne Milo, Empowered Aging. Proactive Strategies for Seniors with Type 1 Diabetes [https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-95s86-199bfd6] CONNECT WITH US 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook WORK WITH US: If you’re looking for real, personalized support for life with diabetes, you’re in the right place. Our team brings 269+ years of lived experience and 172+ years of professional expertise to the table—and we don’t say “we get it” lightly. Nearly 90% of our clinicians live with type 1 diabetes themselves, so when we talk about carb counting at midnight or troubleshooting a stubborn sensor… we’ve been there. If you want guidance from people who understand the science and the lived reality, give us a call or schedule an appointment anytime: https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ [https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/] 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.

Two Toddlers. One Resilient Family-- An Inspiring Journey Through Two Type 1 Diagnoses

Episode 62 of Think Like a Pancreas-The Podcast is part one of a two-part series. Clinician, Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez speaks with Ali Adler about raising two toddlers with type 1 diabetes.  Ali shares how she diagnosed her oldest son when he was 2.5 years old and his younger brother one year later when he was just 18 months. Learn about the emotional impact that it has had on this young family, as well as the steps that they have taken towards finding technology improves the health and well-being of the entire family.   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. Ali Adler is a devoted mom who is navigating the extraordinary challenge of raising two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her journey began when her oldest son, Tom, was diagnosed at just two and a half years old. Drawing on her experience from her brother’s diagnosis during her teenage years, Ali recognized the signs and acted quickly. One year later, her youngest son, Joe, was also diagnosed, making diabetes management a central part of family life. Ali shares her story to help other parents find strength, create systems that work, and embrace resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️You can do everything right and things can still go wrong. ✔️It is okay to embrace technology at your own speed. ✔️The grief of a diabetes diagnosis lingers. ✔️Even seasoned type 1 clinicians find the toddler years a special challenge.   CHAPTERS 00:16 Welcome and Introductions 02:00 Tom and Joe's diabetes diagnosis stories 06:03 The impact of diabetes diagnosis on the family’s emotional health. 07:04 The decision to test for antibodies…or not 08:12 One diabetes is not like the other. 09:53 The unique diabetes challenges of toddlers and small children 12:21 Kathyrn’s diabetes journey 16:06 The technology journey is a marathon 24:56 Taking a diabetes technology break   RESOURCES: TrialNet [https://www.trialnet.org/]      https://www.trialnet.org/ [https://www.trialnet.org/]   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.

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.