Diabetes Connections | Type 1 Diabetes

This summer, 20 people with type 1 diabetes will make an incredible journey. From June 3 to August 11, Team Bike Beyond is crossing the USA, cycling from New York to California. This week, meet the man who asked Beyond Type 1 to take a chance on the event, and the woman who said yes. Stacey talks with cyclist Walt Drennan and Beyond Type 1 CEO Sarah Lucas about how the idea for the trip came about, the work that went into launching the ride and what they hope to accomplish along the way. Each week during Bike Beyond, Diabetes Connections will bring you stories from the ride and profile a different cyclist. They're not professionals, just people with type 1 who wanted to take an extraordinary challenge. (There are actually 20 riders and one D-Mom along on this journey). Stacey also shares a bit about the end of the school year & how the first year of middle school went for her son. Plus, we talk about the summer diabetes conferences on the calendar like ADA, Friends for Life & AADE. Get the app and listen to Diabetes Connections wherever you go! Click here for iPhone Click here for Android Sign up for our newsletter here As always, thanks for listening!!

Amy Tenderich is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of DiabetesMine, one of the oldest and most respected diabetes blog sites. Ten years ago, she wrote an open letter to Steve Jobs about diabetes technology. The letter went viral and Amy turned that energy and feedback into an international crowd-sourcing competition called the DiabetesMine Design Challenge. That led to the influential annual DiabetesMine Innovation Summit, and a biannual meeting of tech developers called the DiabetesMine D-Data ExChange, which is happening again June 9. Stacey & Amy talk about what prompted her to write that letter and what she thinks has changed most since that time. Amy also shares her personal story, she was diagnosed as an adult in 2003, and explains what the D-Data ExChange is all about. Also this week, Stacey shares a follow-up about a previous Community Connection, Willl's Way. We talk about getting diabetes gear to stick in the summer sweat and wet (listen to the episode referenced here) and get ready for Bike Beyond. Diabetes Connections is partnering with the folks at Beyond Type 1 to bring you stories from an epic cycling trip from NY to San Francisco. Diabetes Connections is now available as an app! Click here for iPhone Click here for Android Sign up for our newsletter here As always, thanks for listening!!

Jason Gensler has the unique experience of being one of the longest users of one of the newest insulin pumps. He started in a pivotal trial of the Medtronic 670G two years ago and has been allowed to keep using it ever since. Jason shares his misgivings about going back to Medtronic; he had a bad experience with a previous pump and sensor. He also talks about why he feels this system is revolutionary and has given him a new way of looking at managing T1D. This interview is the first we're sharing that was not conducted by Stacey. Jason is interviewed by Weston Nordren, Vice President of the Nightscout Foundation and Community Outreach for the Foundation. It was originally presented as a video (you can watch here) Note: Jason Gensler does NOT work for Medtronic and is not compensated by them. He did not pay for the pump/sensor system as he received it as part of a clinical trial.

This week, he's traveled the world, despite type 1, and now Jeremy Larsen is back in the US, traveling to the US Parks and Monuments. Saying "You always find a way," he wants to inspire us to get out and have fun without fear as we travel with diabetes. Jeremy shares why he's back home in the US to travel the parks, after living and traveling abroad for many years. He also explains why he's made his trip a fund raiser for JDRF. As of this episode air date, Jeremy will be about six weeks into his trip. We caught up with him near the beginning. Stacey also talks about the new iPhone & Android apps available for Diabetes Connections. Now it's easier than ever to listen to the podcast and share it with friends and family touched by type 1 diabetes. Click here to get the iPhone App Click here to get the Android App

This week, diabetes educator Heather Lage has a daughter with type 1 and a son who's tested positive through the screening service TrialNet. TrialNet offers a screening test that can detect markers for T1D called autoantibodies up to 10 years before diagnosis. What's it like to know your child will get type 1 diabetes? What does her son think about it? Heather Lage shares her family's story. TrialNet's ultimate goal is to learn enough about diabetes to prevent it. Many people who test positive are given the chance to enroll in clinical trials. Also this week, a look at the 8th annual Diabetes Blog Week. Stacey talks with Karen Graffeo who started this event and has been amazed at the growth. Plus, Stacey announces her partnership with Bike Beyond, a cross-country bike event from the people at Beyond Type 1. Stay tuned or more information and on the road reports from these incredible bikers, all of whom have T1D.

This week, Ed Damiano talks about his Bionic Pancreas project. Using a pump called the iLet and a Dexcom CGM, the only information the Bionic Pancreas needs is the user's body weight. It adapts to you, no need to figure out insulin to carb ratios or correction factors. The iLet will eventually come to market using both insulin and glucagon, but the first version will be insulin-only. Stacey & Ed talk about the long journey to get to this point, why he had to start a brand new kind of company (Beta Bionics) to help bring the iLet to market and just when he expects it to be available. Stacey also shares some of what she learned at the recent HealthEVoices Conference and talks about the milestone of this episode: It's the 100th regularly scheduled show for Diabetes Connections!

This week, finding the humor in a life with diabetes. Stand-up comedian Chelcie Rice talks about the business of comedy and about using his own life with T1D, including eye surgery, in his act. Chelcie & Stacey also talk about his diagnosis as a young adult, how he uses the comedy circuit to raise money for diabetes causes and to educate about stereotypes. Stacey also talks about Apple's "secret diabetes" plans and gives another tip of the week from a listener. How can you remember to take that extra vial of insulin from the hotel fridge? A very creative answer...

Roddy Riddle recently completed one of the most brutal & extreme races in the world. The 6633 Arctic Ultra is a 350 solo foot race through brutal cold, wind and isolation. Dozens enter and only a few finish ever year. Roddy is the first and only person with type 1 diabetes to enter the race so far, and the first T1D to finish it. He had to withdraw from the race in 2016. He shares why he was so motivated to finish and what he learned from last time around that helped him not only make it all the way, but come in second. In our Community Connection this week, we check back in with the Elbow Bump Kid, Logan Merwin. He's raising money for several diabetes causes, including CWD Friends for Life Conference. His big news? He's got a sponsor! We'll talk about how a race truck team got involved.

Anthony Hightower has used Afrezza for the past two years. He credits it (along with a Toujeo, a newer basal insuin) with completely changing his T1D management. In addition to excellent numbers, Anthony shares what else Afrezza has to offer. He explains, he liked it so much, he went to work for Mannkind, the company that makes Afrezza. He and Stacey also talk about the challenges Anthony faced since his diagnosis as a teenager. He admits he spent 20 years trying to avoid thinking about diabetes and credits the online community & the Diabetes Unconference with saving his life. Stacey also shares what those little "clips" are that come with some pump insets. Her family learned the hard way at the beach a while back! She shares how her husband McGyver'd a solution when they'd left the clips at home. And, find out how to contribute to our 100th episode coming up soon!

Neil Greathouse has a fantastic Instagram account ("The Betes") where he posts videos of life with type 1 diabetes. It's an entertaining look at the ups and downs of T1D, but Neil wasn't always able to find humor in his situation. Diagnosed while in the very last stages of Air Force training, he had to put aside a life-long dream. Stacey & Neil talk about the path he wound up taking and how he's used his creativity to help people along the way. Neil has also produced a short film: Type1Day1. In collaboration with Beyond Type 1 and released on Word Diabetes Day in 2015, it highlights the strength of the diabetes community. Stacey also talks about a new summer NHL program for kids in Canada with type 1 and discusses the JDRF Walks in her area, happening this week. Plus, a road trip to all the US National Parks to raise money and awareness around T1D.

This week's guest is on a mission. Ross Baker wants to run a marathon in every state in the US as well as DC and he is just two states away from meeting that incredible goal. He plans to conquer Alaska & Hawaii later this year. Diagnosed with type 1 at age 19, he was at first told not to run at all, that it would be dangerous for someone with diabetes! He didn't listen and after running a few races, he felt called to try for something big. This is a story that involves determination, faith and some Bojangles sweet tea. Stacey also talks about "real people sick" and adjusting basal rates to deal with illness (and mistakes she's made in the past). Plus, an update on Jack's insulin allergy.

This week, a new campaign to stop a dangerous problem: DKA before a diabetes diagnosis. Beyond Type 1 wants to educate about the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in a new campaign involving pediatricians. Stacey talks to Tom Scher about the group's new multi-state campaign, how doctors are responding to it and what DKA actually is. Stacey also brings us up to date on how people with type 1 diabetes fared in the brutal Iditarod and 6633 Arctic Ultra races. Plus, if you're a mom with type 1, Glu needs your help. Hear about a survey for women with T1D who've given birth.

Tom Brobson is JDRF's National Director of Research Investment Opportunities. He was diagnosed with type 1 as an adult and has been involved personally in many artificial pancreas trials, the first of which had him hooked up to a computer in the hospital and not allowed to get up or go anywhere without a healthcare professional by his side. Of course, since then, the trials have included trials with equipment as small as a pump, CGM & smart phone. Stacey recorded Tom as he gave a presentation at a local JDRF walk kickoff event. He talks about stem cell research, the artificial pancreas project and other advances in diabetes technology. He also talks about approvals and access. In this episode, Stacey also talks about coughing for pain relief during shots and insertions. Really! We also share the adventures of people with T1D in the Arctic and in Alaska as this episode is released.

Ryan Reed was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six years ago and was told he'd never race again. At the time, he was moving from California to North Carolina to try to get onto the NASCAR circuit. Instead of giving up, Ryan found a new doctor and got back in the driver's seat. Now a driver on NASCAR's Xfinity circuit, Ryan won at Daytona in February, the same track where he got his first Xfinity win in 2015. Stacey talks to him for this bonus episode at Roush Fenway headquarters in Concord, NC. Hear more of Ryan's story in this interview from 2016

This week, a conversation about a medical mystery and a family's search for answers. Nine-year-old Jack Smith was diagnosed with type 1 as a toddler, but in the last year he's become allergic to insulin. His mother, Jaclyn, shares their story with Stacey. About 2% of people with type 1 diabetes have an insulin allergy, but it's almost always tied to a type of insulin. They are able to switch and can continue dosing without issues. Jack has reacted to every available type of insulin & all methods of injection or infusion. Note: This interview was taped 2/28/2017, just before Jack was to go back to Duke for a new treatment. As it airs (3/7/17) the first IVIG treatment Jaclyn mentions resulted in some serious side effects, sending Jack to a local hospital. He's recovered and plans are in place to try to prevent those symptoms at the next infusion. You can follow Jack's story here (Facebook page).

Doris Hobbs is all about style and glamour. A fashion writer, model and blogger, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult, as was her sister. Their father has lived with T1D since age 2. Doris talks about where her fashion sense comes from, why she loves vintage looks and clothing and how looking good is an important part of good health. Stacey also previews extreme athlete Roddy Riddle's "unfinished business." On March 10th Roddy will take his second crack at the 6633 Ultra, a grueling run that crosses the arctic circle.

Chris Ruden says he's the "only 7-fingered, diabetic speaker, adversity coach and elite Powerlifter you know!" Born with only two fingers on his left hand and a shorter left arm, Chris was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 19. Also a weight-loss and fitness coach, he can deadlift more than 600 lbs and is on track to be the world's strongest adaptive athlete. But within all that muscle is a story that starts with bullying and continues with overcoming others' expectations. Chris's sense of humor and refusal to accept limitations shine through a fun interview. Stacey also talks about JDRF Walks in her area and looks back at her family's first walk 9 years ago. They may have broken a few rules at the amusement park they were supposed to be walking through...

This week, Meri Schuhmacher-Jackson shares her unique story. Three of her four sons have type 1 diabetes. Several years ago her first husband died after a short & intense battle with cancer. Incredibly, Meri found love again. She's remarried and she and her husband have nine children between them! Meri shares her story on her blog "Our Diabetic Life." Plus.. a look at a high protein frozen treat called ProYo. This caught our eye after Stacey sampled it at a JDRF Walk and learned the company donates to diabetes causes. Founder Nathan Carey explains how he started the business. And Diabetes Podcast Week may be over, but we hope you consider support Spare a Rose and our sponsor, Wildtree, all month long!

This week: OpenAPS, Looping, Happ - a bunch of weird sounding terms that are changing the way many manage diabetes. Tim Street has lived with type 1 for 28 years, he writes a blog called Diabettech. Tim talks about the DIY systems out there right now (he's tried almost all of them) and about all the new choices for people with diabetes available now an in the next few years. Lots of conversation in this show about the "art of the possible." It's also Diabetes Podcast Week! This is the second year of Stacey's campaign to bring together podcasters and video bloggers to benefit Spare a Rose, Save a Child. Diabetes in developing countries can be a death sentence. This Valentine's day, considering donating the cost of just one rose. That can keep a child with type 1 alive for a month. A dozen roses? That cost can cover a year. Spare a Rose benefits Life for a Child, an International Diabetes Federation Program.

This week's guest, Julie De Vos has been skiing about since she could walk. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11 she's now a coach with Riding on Insulin & program director for Connected in Motion. Julie was determined to keep skiing after her diagnosis and shares the challenges she faced as a young competitor. As an adult, a Google search led her to Connected in Motion, a Canadian diabetes athlete group and then Riding on Insulin, which encourages kids and adults with T1D to participate in action sports. Julie talks about the importance of metal health in diabetes management, looks back on her years living with T1D and offers some advice for parents and caregivers of people with diabetes. In this episode, Stacey also talks about the American Diabetes Association's new statement and petition in support of affordable insulin and previews Diabetes Podcast Week, which starts 2/6/2017.

Stacy Juba is a successful author & editor whose daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six years old. Stacy shares how a book she put aside long ago helped her come to terms with her daughter's diagnosis and how finishing her current novel felt like a victory over T1D. This episode also features the family behind Noah's March, a new effort to raise money for T1D research. 10-year-old Noah decided he wanted to walk across America to get attention and funding for diabetes; his parents share how it's been since the walk kicked off at the start of the year.

Wil Dubois has written a weekly diabetes advice column for DiabetesMine for more than ten years. Called "Ask D'Mine," Wil answers questions with straight-talk, a blunt attitude and understanding that comes from experience. Diagnosed type 1 as an adult (and first misdiagnosed) he's also a diabetes author and community educator. Stacey & Will talk about the column, Wil's diagnosis and about working in an area of the country where diabetes educators and endos are few in number and access. Wil also shares which columns generated the strongest reactions from readers. This episode also features information about Diabetes Podcast Week. Plus a way you or your business can help the Spare a Rose campaign get life-saving diabetes supplies to children in developing nations while also getting a mention on the show.

In 2011 Erin Spineto completed a five-day solo sail around the Florida Keys. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 19, she's since completed other adventures such as a relay swim around the Keys and a stand-up paddle along North Carolina's intra-coastal waterway. Her new book, Adventure On, offers advice to keep people with diabetes motivated to pursue their dreams and manage T1D day by day. Spineto is married with two children; she and Stacey talk about juggling family and work (and T1D) responsibilities, getting away from it all and whether Spineto's job as a middle school teacher is tougher than a solo sail! Stacey also shares her family's recent adventures in the Galapagos Islands and how they managed her son's type 1 diabetes while snorkeling, hiking, eating new foods and spending a week at sea.

Victor Garber has starred on stage, screen and currently on television in the CW hit Legends of Tomorrow. Well known for Titanic, Alias & numerous roles on Broadway, Garber was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager. He talks to Stacey about feeling "like a freak" at first, but still following his dream of performing and ultimately coming to terms with type 1. He answers listener questions about his routines (exercise, food, etc) and his newer experiences with an insulin pump and CGM. Plus, some fun behind the scenes show-biz stories! Stacey also talks about the newly approved OneTouch Vibe Plus (Animas pump integrated with Dexcom's G5 Mobile CGM) and the FDA's separate okay of the Dexcom G5 for insulin dosing.

This week, a conversation with Dexcom's Chief Technical officer Jorge Valdes. Stacey talks with him about challenges and advances in 2016 and they look ahead to what's in the works for next year. Valdes shares what the FDA is currently considering and may approve for 2017, updates us on customer service issues and reacts to Medtronic's hybrid loop system coming out in the spring. This is our last episode of 2016; there will be no new show released next week. Please check out our archives or search for your favorite topics or guests from the home page. And make sure you sign up for our newsletter (click here). If you didn't win our Sugar Linings Swag contest, we've got a coupon code going out before the end of the year. Happy Holidays and a safe and happy New Year!!

This week, live TV, every day, with type 1 diabetes. What's it like to do a morning show, getting up in the middle of the night to deliver the news of the day when you also have to think about where your blood sugar is? Cristina Frank shares her story, how she got to WMTW in Maine, how The Baby Sitter's Club Books helped a cousin figure out she had T1D when she was 11, and how much the news business has changed in just the last few years. Plus, last chance to enter our Sugar Linings Swag contest (ends 12/14). Sign up for the newsletter to receive a 15% off coupon code for Sugar Linings Swag products good through Dec 31, 2016.

Stacey's son, Benny, was diagnosed with T1D the first weekend of December 2006. It was one month before he turned two. His big sister, Lea, had just turned 5. This week, Stacey, her husband, Slade, Lea, and Benny all share their stories about how their family's life was changed and about how they've all managed over the last ten years. This episode also kicks off a contest with Sierra Sandison's Sugar Linings Swag company! We're partnering to give away four shirts for the holidays. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/diabetesconnections/ for all the information and enter! This is a longer show than usual so it might be helpful to have a guide when the segments begin. You can refer back or skip ahead: 00:07:49 Stacey & Slade 00:27:20 Lea 00:43:43 Stacey & Slade (continued) 01:15:20 Benny

This week, living and thriving for 75 years with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed in 1941, Judy Ball has seen incredible changes in diabetes management. There was a time before home monitoring when doctors weren't sure people with diabetes could be trusted to even check their own blood sugar. We talk about how World War II affected Judy's initial care, her doctor's connection to Banting & Best.. the scientists who unlocked the key to insulin, and how her great-nephew who also has type 1.. helped her change her routine. Plus, a follow up on last week's guest, Broadway performer Maddy Trumble and a little bit about Stacey's son managing diabetes during his first middle school play.

This week, following a dream all the way to Broadway. Maddy Trumble has gone green in Wicked, been the King of NY in Newsies and toured the country as Mary Poppins, all while dancing in high heels and dealing with type 1 diabetes. Maddy shares her story, her family's love of theater and her passion for performing. We also hear about how she handles low blood sugars on stage and her concerns about health insurance. Plus, Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time for family visits and great food, but it can be just a bit stressful (with or without T1D). Some good advice from Diabetes Hands Foundation's Mike Lawson as he explains "How to Eat Dinner with a Diabetic."

This week, help for T1D college students. Going away to school is a big milestone for any student.. but when a person with diabetes heads off to school there are unique and challenging issues. The College Diabetes Network offers help and support. You'll hear from three students involved in CDN along with Mindy Bartleson who is the Programs Assistant and an alum. Stacey also talks about upcoming activities and appearances for Diabetes Awareness Month.

This week, Stacey recently went to the West Coast to check out the JDRF OneWalk in Los Angeles. She was able to speak to actors Derek Theler from ABC Family's Baby Daddy and Brec Bassinger, from Nick's Bella & the Bulldogs. The actors who balance TV and movie careers while living with type 1 diabetes helped kick off the walk at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Stacey also spoke with KTLA News Anchor, OneWalk MC & D-Dad Frank Buckley. This episode also features Walk a Mile Cards. During this Diabetes Awareness Month, you may find yourself trying to explain what T1D is, but this project hopes to explain what diabetes feels like. It's a unique set of cards to convey empathy through simple but effective exercises. Stacey speaks with Kerri Sparling, Bennet Dunlap and Justin Masterson, three of co-creators of the project.

This week, Real Life Diabetes is a podcast hosted by the people behind Diabetes Daily Grind. Amber Clour & Ryan Fightmaster are two adults with type 1 who found the "grind" is a lot easier with someone who understands. Amber & Ryan share what inspired them to start their podcast, what they've learned and why they did an episode from a hot tub. Plus, a group of friends had so much fun at obstacle course races.. they decided to start their own. We meet the group Type One and hear about their event, The Renegade Run And a big name in country makes a big donation to diabetes research. Stacey shares her experience at a recent JDRF Gala; she was in the room when Eric Church donated one million dollars!

This week, a big step forward for diabetes technology. The FDA recently approved the very first hybrid closed loop insulin system: the Medtronic MiniMed 670G. Medtronic's Chief Patient Officer Louis Dias and Social Media Manager Karrie Hawbaker talk to Stacey about what this product is, what it isn't, access to it and what comes next. Our Community Connection this week features a unique fundraiser, The Elbow Bump Challenge. Find out how 9-year-old Logan hopes to help out his favorite conference, Children with Diabetes, Friends For Life. And Stacey talks about the Joslin Medalist Study for people living with type 1 for more than 25 years.

Important information this week about Glucagon, emergency treatment for severe low blood sugar. Stacey talks to Julie Settles, the US Medical Lead for Glucagon at Lilly. We find out more about how Glucagon works, when to use it (and when not to) and what the company is working on to make the delivery easier. Community Connection this week is with James Wedding who convinced an academic summer program to change their Glucagon emergency use policy. Plus, learn about the Big Blue Test from Diabetes Hands Foundation.

The Type Zero Technologies artificial pancreas project is one of the many racing to market. Their technology comes from years of research, still ongoing, at the University of Virginia. This summer, they announced a new partnership with Tandem. Molly McElwee Malloy, who has type 1 herself, is the head of patient engagement for Type Zero. She talks about the studies, the progress and the emotional and mental side of artificial pancreas projects. Plus, necessity is the mother of invention and diabetes moms are nothing if not resourceful. In our Community Connection, the inventor of Diabetic Dabs talks about how she come up with this idea. Liz Sacco shares the story of how her son's diagnosis led her to find a why to clean up after finger sticks.

This week, Animas sent a letter to patients and talked to news media about a potential security issue. You can read more here. Stacey speaks to endocrinologist Dr. Brian Levy, the chief medical officer with Animas.

This week, a conversation with some of the top executives at Animas, checking in on their newest products in development, the latest research and their company plans. Stacey talks to John Wilson, the Worldwide Vice President, Insulin Delivery for Johnson & Johnson and Krishna Venugopalan, the Worldwide Director of Research & Development, Insulin Delivery. They talk about Animas's version of a hybrid closed loop, further Dexcom integration, remote capabilities and much more. Stacey also gives her take on all the talk around the "Artificial Pancreas" vs "Hybrid Closed Loop" language that came with the announcement that Medtronic received approval for a first of its kind device. And we mention the Diabetes Dance Dare, a new social media challenge from the American Diabetes Association.

Scott Scolnick was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 40 years ago. He shares his experience living with type 1 as a teen in the 1970s and the emotional moment when he walked his daughter down the aisle, knowing he'd worked so hard to stay healthy for that very special day. Scott was one of the first people to try the Bionic Pancreas. He talks about what it was like to not worry about his blood glucose and how hard it was to go back to "normal" after the trial. Scott now works with Dario and explains its new meter, which connections to a smartphone.

When you deal with diabetes you deal with a lot of numbers and a lot of data. This week's guest is Dexcom's Senior Vice President of Data Annika Jimenez. She joined the company in 2015 with a Silicon Valley background and brings us up to date on Dexcom's Clarity software program, developments to come and Dexcom's relationship with Nightscout and OpenAPS developers. In our Community Connection segment, Stacey talks to Sarah Harmon, founder of Poppy Medical ID. As a teenager, Sarah hated wearing a clunky medical bracelet, so she created a new line of ID jewelry. Poppy Medical ID is currently featured on Kickstarter. Stacey also explains that her contest continues. Leave a review and you could win a gift card. Details here - contest ends September 27, 2016

Next month, women from all over the southeast will gather in Columbia, SC for a unique JDRF retreat. The Women of Type 1 is a new conference for all women touched by type 1 diabetes: adult T1D women, teens with type 1, moms or grandmothers of kids with type 1 and women who are spouses and partners of people with type 1 diabetes. Stacey talks to Anne Sutton, who created the conference in early 2016 for the JDRF Greater Carolinas Chapter and Elizabeth McCrary who is organizing it for the JDRF Palmetto Chapter in October. Stacey will appear at the conference along with keynote speakers Moira McCarthy and Sierra Sandison. You'll hear from both of these powerhouse women in this episode as well. Stacey shares a bit about her presentation for moms and daughters called "She Just Doesn't Get It" and reminds you to enter our latest contest (click here for details).

This week we feature an outstanding family that lives life with never a dull moment. Meet Greg and Kristina Dooley, parents of triplets, Max, Mia & Isabella. Isa, as they call her, was diagnosed with type 1 just when she was two years old. At the time, the family was living abroad. We talk about Isa's diagnosis, living with type 1 and raising triplets and how as a family they've reached out to, and been embraced by, the diabetes community. All three children started Kindergarten this year. This episode also marks a milestone, as the podcast passes 50,000 downloads! To celebrate we're giving away two gift cards, but we also want to hear from you! Please leave a review on iTunes or on the Diabetes Connections home page by 9/27/2016. Two winners will be selected by random. Full information at www.diabetes-connections.com and click on "Helpful Links" for this episode. Thanks for listening and for helping us share stories like that of the Dooley family to more and more people!

It's one of the challenges of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors: how to keep them on in water, hot weather and sweaty situations. This week, advice from the experts and from listeners about what works. Stacey talks to Certified Diabetes Educator Lisa Foster-McNulty, the director of patient care and education for Integrated Diabetes Services. We also hear from listeners who explain what works for them in the pool, during hot yoga(!) and through sweaty sports. Stacey also gives an update on the start of middle school for her son and how their new communication system is working.

Two very different guests this week, each of whom is educating about type 1 diabetes in their own way. When an FDA panel considered allowing a labeling change for the Dexcom CGM, 15-year-old Caroline Dorn testified about her experience. Dorn joined advocates and health professionals telling the panel why it should allow insulin dosing off the Dexcom G5 without a confirming fingerstick. Stacey talks to Caroline and her mother about why they traveled to Washington DC to do this and gets their reaction to the FDA panel approving the change (it now goes to the full FDA). Brandon Denson was diagnosed with type 1 as a high school senior and went on to play college and professional football. He also had an appearance on American Ninja Warrior, with his insulin pump site and CGM sensor in full view. Stacey talks to Brandon about how he continues to inspire and his work with children both with and without type 1. Plus, a close call for Stacey. What happens when the mail-order insulin box is mistaken for a frozen delivery? After almost ten years of dealing with type 1, Stacey explains you can still be sure to expect the unexpected!

When the Miss America Competition gets underway on September 11, our eyes will be on Miss New Hampshire Caroline Carter. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10, her first passions were basketball and theater. Pageants came along later and she found great success, becoming Miss America Outstanding Teen New Hampshire in 2014 and then Miss New Hampshire 2016 in May. Caroline talks to Stacey about wearing her diabetes tech (pump and cgm) during pageants and how she prepares for the long hours and constant travel. She talks about her friendships with Miss America 1999 Nicole Johnson and Miss Idaho 2015 Sierra Sandison, both of whom have T1D. You can vote for Caroline as the People's Choice for the Miss America Competition in the link below. The winner of this voting moves onto the pageant finals. Stacey also shares her advice for parents with children going back to school right now, including a letter/email she sent home to parents when her son was in elementary school.

After years of rejecting his family's love of running, Casey Boren "got talked into" a mini-triathlon and found his passion. He trained for and successfully finished an IRONMAN triathlon at the age of 35 but was almost immediately after diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He talks to Stacey about learning to train with T1D and how he not only finished more IRONMAN races, but competed at the World Championship in Hawaii. Casey and other elite athletes with type 1 started the Diabetes Sports Project last year. It's a way to inspire and share stories in order to help others live active healthy lives with diabetes. You can vote for Casey this week in the Runner's World Cover Search contest. He is one of 100 semifinalists and needs your vote by 8/21/16. (Vote here) Stacey also talks to 16-year-old Canadian soccer phenom Michael Thornton. He and his family moved to Spain in 2013 to allow Michael to compete among the best in the world. He talks about learning the language and managing diabetes in a completely new environment. Diagnosed at age six, Michael and his family are back in Canada. Stacey caught up to him at this summer's Friends for Life conference in Florida.

Bigfoot Biomedical came on the scene in 2014 determined to change the way companies look at diabetes technology. They've moved forward quickly and are now starting their first clinical trial for their "Smartloop" automated insulin delivery system. Stacey talks to Bigfoot Chief Engineer Lane Desborough about what this system is, what the trial is testing, and how you can find out if you're eligible to enroll. Desborough is also the co-creator of Nightscout, the free, open source CGM remote monitoring system and is credited with coining the term "We are not waiting." Like all four founders of Bigfoot, Desborough has a child with type 1 diabetes.

This week, the American Association of Diabetes Educators holds its annual conference. Do you have a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)? We'll talk about the help they provide and how to get the most out of your relationship. AADE President Hope Warshaw shares her message to people with diabetes and to educators. Hope is also the author of many books including Eat out Eat Well, the Guide to Healthy Eating in Any Restaurant and Diabetes Meal Planning Made Easy. She is a registered dietitian, a certified diabetes educator and a sought-after consultant. This year's AADE conference will see something new, a live Twitter chat hosted by DSMA. Diabetes Social Media Advocacy is a powerhouse when it comes to connected people within the diabetes online community. Stacey talks about DSMA and more with advocate and blogger Scott Johnson.

Many parents of young children with type 1 diabetes have found childcare very difficult to navigate. But rarely are children with type 1 excluded, in writing, from daycare, camp and before and after school programs. That's the case right now, though, in the US Military. An Army policy dictates that T1D kids can't be cared for in those programs. Recently, the American Diabetes Association joined a lawsuit to try and change that. Stacey talks to Sarah Fech-Baughman, the director of litigation for the American Diabetes Association. Find out more about this case, what you can do if you have trouble finding childcare and Sarah's unique connection to type 1.

Imagine a social media network where what we say about our lives with diabetes actually drives research. It's out there, and it's called Glu. Outreach manager Anna Floreen explains what Glu, and the T1D Exchange are, and how they help researchers focus on what really matters to people living with diabetes and their loved ones. Anna was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 6. She found great support at camp and recently took part in one of the Bionic Pancreas trials. She tells Stacey how surprised she was at how much of the mental burden of diabetes was lifted, and how difficult it was at the end of the trial to give that up.

This summer, Nichole Nichols reached out to her state lawmakers for help navigating the system for her T1D daughter and other families having issues with Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) . Instead of guidance, she got a pretty rude response. Rep. Jeffrey Guice emailing "I'm sorry for your problem. Have you thought about buying supplies with the money you earn?" Nicki responded by publishing the email on social media and the diabetes community, then the national media, picked up the story. Rep. Guice apologized and Nicki received support directly from Medicaid and her state (but not from Guice). However, she says what happened next at the legislature was even worse. In this episode, Stacey also talks about the new UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago.