The Healthy Diabetic

Coach Ken Kniss
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Welcome to The healthy Diabetic Podcast, each week I talk about how to navigate the complexities of diabetes. I interview doctors, Endo's, dietitians, CDE's, technology leaders, caregivers, and of course anybody who is affected by diabetes. This show is for you if you're looking for safe, educational, and engaging conversations. I promise to brighten your day, and you'll be sure to leave educated, supported, and guided on your way to a healthier and happier life with diabetes. Remember, your only job as a diabetic is to figure out what works for you! See you inside!Coach Ken.

  1. #333: Should Type 1 Diabetes Have a Different Name? Insulin Access, Stress & Real-Life Decisions (LIVE Episode 004)

    1 DAY AGO

    #333: Should Type 1 Diabetes Have a Different Name? Insulin Access, Stress & Real-Life Decisions (LIVE Episode 004)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In Episode 333, Coach Ken and Graham dive into a wide-ranging, honest conversation sparked by a viral question: Should Type 1 diabetes even be called diabetes? What started as a short social media clip turned into thousands of views, healthy debates, and emotional responses—highlighting the confusion, stigma, and misunderstanding that still surrounds diabetes today. Ken and Graham unpack why this topic struck such a nerve, how language shapes perception, and why clarity matters—not division. From there, the conversation expands into real-world diabetes challenges: insulin access and affordability, rationing fears, stress-driven insulin resistance, CGM infections, reusing supplies, and how everyday decisions—exercise, food quality, sleep, and stress—can dramatically change insulin needs. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on Dexcom’s new 15-day CGM, environmental impact, patient assistance programs, and what progress actually looks like for people living with diabetes. This is raw, unscripted diabetes conversation—exactly what the live show is designed to be. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why the word “diabetes” carries stigma and confusionThe difference between Type 1 and Type 2 at a biological levelWhy insulin access is still a real issueHow stress drives insulin resistancePractical ways to reduce insulin needs without perfectionThe reality of reusing needles and CGM complicationsDexcom 15-day CGM expectations and concernsHow language, education, and community shape confidence🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nWatch on YouTubePodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management. Support the show

    58 min
  2. #332: Exercise, Consistency & Why “Just Moving” Still Matters in Diabetes (LIVE Episode 003)

    20 FEB

    #332: Exercise, Consistency & Why “Just Moving” Still Matters in Diabetes (LIVE Episode 003)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In Episode 332 of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, Coach Ken is joined by Graham for another live, unscripted conversation that blends fitness, diabetes management, and real-world decision making. This episode starts with a surprisingly deep unscripted discussion on exercise selection, and why most people overcomplicate exercise—especially when living with diabetes. From there, the conversation expands into consistency vs optimization, habit-building, insulin sensitivity, and how any form of intentional movement can support blood sugar regulation. The second half of the episode dives into the future of diabetes technology, including closed-loop systems, implantable pumps, glucagon integration, and how innovation is reshaping what “hands-off” diabetes management could look like. The episode wraps with a thoughtful debate on AI in diabetes, research, education, and why human connection will always matter more than automation. This will challenge how you think about fitness, technology, and progress with diabetes. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why “just moving” is more important than perfect workoutsHow consistency beats optimization for blood sugar controlLegs vs upper body: what actually matters for diabetesExercise, insulin sensitivity, and adaptation over timeWhat closed-loop systems really mean (and what they don’t)Implantable pumps and the future of diabetes techThe role of AI in diabetes education and decision-makingWhy human connection can’t be replaced by technology🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nWatch on YoutubePodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management. Support the show

    56 min
  3. #331: TIR vs A1C, Afrezza, and Rethinking Diabetes Decisions - (LIVE Episode #002)

    14 FEB

    #331: TIR vs A1C, Afrezza, and Rethinking Diabetes Decisions - (LIVE Episode #002)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In Episode 331 of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, Coach Ken is joined by Graham Hubbard for Episode 003 of the live show, where they dive into how people with diabetes actually make decisions—and why some of the most common metrics may be missing the bigger picture. The conversation covers Time in Range vs A1C, redefining what a personal blood sugar “target” really means, and why stability and variability matter more than chasing perfect numbers. Ken also shares real-world insights on Afrezza, insurance challenges, CGM access, early screening for Type 1 diabetes, and the pros and cons of modern intervention strategies. This episode is raw, honest, and full of practical perspective—exactly what this new live format is designed to deliver. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why Time in Range alone doesn’t tell the full storyThe difference between target range and personal targetHow defining a single blood sugar target improves stabilityWhy variability matters as much as averagesPros and limitations of Afrezza in real lifeInsurance barriers and access to diabetes technologyEarly screening for Type 1 diabetes: benefits and concernsHow lifestyle, food quality, and stress shape outcomesListen to this episode with Sanofi about screening for Type 1 Diabetes - #186 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nWatch on YoutubePodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management. Support the show

    54 min
  4. #330: Is Diabetes Easier Than Ever — Or Are We Missing the Point? - (LIVE Episode #001)

    11 FEB

    #330: Is Diabetes Easier Than Ever — Or Are We Missing the Point? - (LIVE Episode #001)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this milestone episode of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, I'm joined by longtime friend and former co-host Graham Hubbard for Episode 330—and the first-ever live episode of the show. Graham and I dive into a wide-ranging, honest conversation about whether modern diabetes technology has truly made life easier for people with Type 1 diabetes—or if something important has been lost along the way. They explore topics including insulin sensitivity, fear of lows, CGMs, fitness, food quality, GLP-1 medications, obesity trends in Type 1 diabetes, and the emotional weight of living with a misunderstood condition. The episode also introduces the new live format, with weekly discussions happening in real time and continuing on YouTube. This episode sets the tone for what’s coming next: deeper conversations, more nuance, and a stronger focus on the real-life factors that impact diabetes beyond numbers and devices. 🔑 Key Takeaways Diabetes technology has improved—but management isn’t automatically easierFear of lows can limit insulin decisions and quality of lifeInsulin sensitivity varies dramatically from person to personFitness, sleep, and food quality still matter—maybe more than everGLP-1 medications can be helpful, but context mattersType 1 diabetes is not insulin resistance—and shouldn’t be treated as suchMental health and self-trust are foundational to good diabetes management🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nWatch on YoutubePodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management. Support the show

    54 min
  5. #329: Why Pediatric Diabetes Care Feels So Different Than Adult Care

    6 FEB

    #329: Why Pediatric Diabetes Care Feels So Different Than Adult Care

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Faber MS, RD, LDN, CDCES and Nicole Cordoba RN, CDCES, known online as CDE Diabuddies, to explore what diabetes care looks like when providers are also patients—and why pediatric diabetes care often feels worlds apart from adult care. Rachel and Nicole share their personal diagnosis stories—one diagnosed at age 4, the other at 17—and how those experiences shaped their paths into healthcare as Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES). Together, they walk through what pediatric diabetes education which actually includes: multi-day hospital education, family involvement, hands-on insulin training, mental health screening, and structured follow-ups. The conversation dives deep into the systemic gaps that appear when patients transition into adult care, including shorter visits, less education, fewer resources, and limited emotional support. Ken and the guests discuss misdiagnosis, insurance barriers, Dexcom-induced anxiety, parental dynamics, and why flexibility—not rigidity—is key to long-term diabetes success. 🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode Why pediatric diabetes care includes more education and supportHow early diagnosis shapes confidence and self-trustThe emotional toll of transitioning from pediatric to adult careWhy adult diabetes education is often limited or missingHow flexibility improves long-term diabetes outcomesThe role parents play in shaping a child’s relationship with diabetesWhy mental health support is just as important as insulin dosingHow community, podcasts, and social media fill care gapsWhat a better adult diabetes care model could look likeNicole & Rachel’s - Instagram Handle:  I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications. 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nPodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you he Support the show

    1h 27m
  6. #328: False Lows, Real Fear - When Your CGM Says “LOW” but Your Body Says Otherwise - Danielle Batiste

    23 JAN

    #328: False Lows, Real Fear - When Your CGM Says “LOW” but Your Body Says Otherwise - Danielle Batiste

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Danielle, who shares a powerful and vulnerable story about how false low readings from her CGM led to extreme anxiety, an ER visit, and a complete shift in how she now approaches diabetes management. Danielle walks us through a terrifying day where her CGM repeatedly showed dangerously low glucose readings—despite her body showing no symptoms and fingerstick checks telling a different story. The constant alarms, conflicting data, and uncertainty triggered intense anxiety and ultimately landed her in the hospital, where she was treated as if she were hypoglycemic even though lab results showed otherwise. 🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode CGMs are helpful tools—but they are not perfectFalse low readings can trigger real fear and anxietyFingerstick checks are still the gold standard in critical momentsTreating numbers without symptoms can lead to overcorrectionDiabetes technology can contribute to emotional burnoutTaking a break from devices is sometimes necessary and healthyYour body’s signals matter just as much as the dataAnxiety and diabetes are deeply connected—and often overlooked🧠 Topics We Cover CGM inaccuracies and false lowsAbbott Libre sensor issues and recallsInterstitial glucose vs. fingerstick readingsER protocols for hypoglycemiaDiabetes-related anxiety and panicPTSD after severe diabetes eventsTechnology burnoutTrusting physical symptomsTaking breaks from CGMsLong-term diabetes self-awarenessDanielle's Instagram: I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications. 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nPodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabete Support the show

    33 min
  7. #327: What T1D Care Should Look Like — A Conversation with Sara Lerner @Blue Circle Health

    16 JAN

    #327: What T1D Care Should Look Like — A Conversation with Sara Lerner @Blue Circle Health

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Sara Lerner, Director of Community Engagement at Blue Circle Health, to talk about what it really takes to live well with Type 1 Diabetes—and why the current healthcare system often falls short. Sara shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) as an adult at age 25, including the fear, missteps, and challenges that come with adult-onset diagnosis. Drawing from both her lived experience and her professional background as a social worker, Sara explains how access, education, mental health support, insurance navigation, and community all play critical roles in diabetes success. The conversation dives deep into why so many adults are misdiagnosed, why “compliance” is the wrong word in diabetes care, and how Blue Circle Health was created to close the massive gaps between what people with T1D need and what they can actually access. If you’ve ever felt unheard, unsupported, overwhelmed by insurance, or unsure where to turn for help with diabetes—this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode Why adults are frequently misdiagnosed with Type 1 diabetesThe emotional and mental health toll of living with T1DWhy “compliance” is an outdated and harmful term in diabetes careHow access to education and support directly impacts outcomesThe role community plays in day-to-day diabetes managementWhy primary care alone often isn’t enough for T1DHow Blue Circle Health helps bridge gaps in diabetes careWhy empowerment and advocacy are essential skills for people with diabetes🌐 Learn more & check eligibility: https://www.bluecirclehealth.org Blue Circle Health - Instagram I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications. 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nPodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The H Support the show

    57 min
  8. #326: From The “Dark Ages” of Diabetes to Transplant, Hope, and Purpose - Ty Gibson

    9 JAN

    #326: From The “Dark Ages” of Diabetes to Transplant, Hope, and Purpose - Ty Gibson

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today’s episode, I sit down with Ty Gibson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in the 1970s—long before CGMs, insulin pumps, or modern tools existed. Ty shares an incredibly powerful and honest story that spans decades of living with diabetes, including: This episode goes far beyond diabetes management. It’s a conversation about resilience, mindset, choice, mental fortitude, and what’s possible on the other side of adversity. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burnt out, scared of complications, or unsure whether you can truly live a full life with diabetes—this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode What managing diabetes looked like before modern technologyWhy perspective matters when we talk about complicationsThe reality of kidney and pancreas transplants—and what people don’t talk aboutHow mental resilience plays a bigger role than perfectionWhy technology is a tool—not a permission slip for unhealthy habitsThe importance of ownership, choice, and personal responsibilityHow adversity can become purpose when you’re willing to share your storyWhy thriving with diabetes starts in your mindset, not your devicesTy's Resources: WebsitePodcastI’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications. 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people living with diabetes discover the podcast. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement and a reminder that they’re not alone in their diabetes journey. Ways to Support the Show Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyShare this episode with a diabuddyFollow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3nPodcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management. Support the show

    1h 1m
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About

Welcome to The healthy Diabetic Podcast, each week I talk about how to navigate the complexities of diabetes. I interview doctors, Endo's, dietitians, CDE's, technology leaders, caregivers, and of course anybody who is affected by diabetes. This show is for you if you're looking for safe, educational, and engaging conversations. I promise to brighten your day, and you'll be sure to leave educated, supported, and guided on your way to a healthier and happier life with diabetes. Remember, your only job as a diabetic is to figure out what works for you! See you inside!Coach Ken.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Ken Kniss
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    332
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Healthy Diabetic
  • Show Website
    The Healthy Diabetic

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