Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Preconception Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Changes through the Trimesters

In part two of our three-part series, Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Changes Through the Trimesters, Jennifer Smith and Tavia Vital share what to expect after conception. They debunk common misconceptions and offer an honest look at what to expect now that you are expecting. From the value of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data to changing insulin needs, nausea, hypoglycemia, and DKA, Jenny and Tavia share their clinical and personal experiences with the adjustments needed for diabetes management throughout pregnancy. 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. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Early pregnancy often brings a temporary insulin resistance spike, followed by a drop to as low as 1/3 of pre-pregnancy doses by roughly week 6–8. ✔️Hypoglycemia unawareness becomes more common in pregnancy — glucagon (including micro-dosing) and ketone strips should be on hand, not just "somewhere in a drawer." ✔️By third trimester, insulin needs can triple compared to pre-pregnancy doses. ✔️Ketone testing is advised any time insulin has been suspended for a while, after a suspected site/pump failure, or when glucose won't come down as expected — DKA can occur at lower glucose levels than the traditional teaching suggests.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Role of Technology in Diabetes Management 08:07 Finding the Right Tech Fit 14:44 Navigating the First Trimester 22:32 Dealing with Nausea 24:50 Hypoglycemia Unawareness 29:02 18-21Week Insulin Adjustments…Again. 31:47 The role of Protein in Pregnancy 35:01 The Third Trimester 39:12 Adjunct Pregnancy Therapies 40:38 DKA Risk During Pregnancy 44:11 The Conversations to Have With Your Healthcare Team During Your Pregnancy RESOURCES: Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Preconception Planning  for a Healthy Pregnancy [https://integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/preconception-planning-for-a-healthy-pregnancy-with-t1d/]   https://youtu.be/o9LM3veYmiY [https://youtu.be/o9LM3veYmiY] Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management [https://www.amazon.ca/Pregnancy-Type-Diabetes-Month-Month] Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes--The Book and The Authors [https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/pregnancy-and-type-1-diabetes/]   https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl [https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eimb20zcI [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eimb20zcI] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPHdTAaT4o [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDPHdTAaT4o] 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.

Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Preconception Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy

In part one of the three-part series, Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: A Complete Guide for Women — Preconception to Postpartum, Jennifer Smith and Tavia Vital focus on preconception. They consider this to be the "missing trimester" that most women aren't coached through. They cover building a care team, adjusting meds/supplements, tightening glucose targets safely, nutrition, screenings, as well as some of the biggest fears that women bring to this conversation. 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. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.   Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. 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. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Recommended timeline: start preconception conversations with your care team at least 6 months before trying to conceive. ✔️ Glucose target tightening should be gradual and stepwise, not a sudden jump to pregnancy-range targets. ✔️Folic acid: pregnancy with diabetes often calls for double the folic acid found in a standard prenatal. Please confirm with your healthcare provider. ✔️Having type 1 diabetes does not automatically mean a big baby or an induced/C-section delivery. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Part 1 of Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy 03:45 Setting the Stage for a Healthy Pregnancy 05:34 Tavia’s Preconception Experience 07:18 Planning for Pregnancy Months in Advance 12:50 Gradually Shifting Glucose Targets Before Pregnancy 17:32 Shifting Gears for an Unplanned Pregnancy 22:35 What to Know About Nutrition Before and After Conception 33:52 Pre-conception Screenings 38:37  De-Bunking Common Myths and Misconceptions 42:53 Recommended Resources 46:15 Coming up in Part 2 of the Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy Series RESOURCES: Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management [https://www.amazon.ca/Pregnancy-Type-Diabetes-Month-Month] The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy [https://www.amazon.ca/100-Healthiest-Foods-During-Pregnancy-ebook] Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes--The Book and The Authors [https://integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/pregnancy-and-type-1-diabetes/]   https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl [https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl] What to expect with IVF. Why Standard Diabetes Care Isn't Enough for Fertility [https://integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/what-to-expect-with-ivf/]    https://youtu.be/gfceQ_1Q70Y [https://youtu.be/gfceQ_1Q70Y]   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.

Beyond Blood Sugars--Mindfulness and Stress Relief for Type 1 Diabetes

Integrated Diabetes Services supports clients’ physical and mental health with clinicians trained to help you understand your data, fuel your body, and quiet your mind. In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Tavia Vital, BSN, BA, RN, CDCES, sits down with Melanie Bacine of Mel B Wellness to discuss how calming the mind can improve diabetes management. You’ll learn how a quiet morning coffee ritual can help you start the day feeling more relaxed, how journaling at night may support better sleep, and how Tavia uses aromatherapy in her own diabetes care. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. 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. Melanie Bacine is a certified life and wellness coach as well as a medicinal aromatherapist. She has spent twenty-eight years living with three autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes. During that time she came to understand that the mind-body is something to be worked on every day. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️Mindfulness and meditation are two different practices. Mindfulness can occur at any moment in time.   ✔️Small changes can create large benefits in our body and do not have to take large chunks of time.   ✔️Creating a sustainable wellness routine involves taking deliberate action to look beyond just what we see and explore how the other senses can improve our whole being. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Melanie Bacine 03:41 Defining Mindfulness 06:55 Practical Mindfulness Tips for Busy Lives 11:48 Grounding Exercises 20:13 Aromatherapy—Separating Facts from Myths 32:50 Sound Therapy & Relaxation 39:45 Creating a Sustainable Wellness Routine   RESOURCES: https://melbwellness.com/ [https://melbwellness.com/] https://www.instagram.com/melb.wellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/melb.wellness/] https://www.facebook.com/melbacine [https://www.facebook.com/melbacine] https://integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/fear-of-low-blood-sugars-in-type-1-diabetes/ [https://integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/fear-of-low-blood-sugars-in-type-1-diabetes/]   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.

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.