Diabetics Doing Things Podcast Diabetics Doing Things

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea interview Jeremy
Robertson, a pilot and doctor with type 1 diabetes. They discuss Jeremy's
journey from losing his pilot license due to diabetes to regaining it and
pursuing a career as a commercial pilot. They delve into the requirements
and challenges of managing diabetes while flying and reflect on the
advancements in diabetes management technology. The conversation highlights
the resilience, determination, and inspiration found in Jeremy's story.

Topics discussed:

1. Jeremy Robertson's journey from losing his pilot license to regaining
it

2. Requirements for managing diabetes while flying commercially

3. Reflections on advancements in diabetes management technology

4. The emotional journey of overcoming setbacks and pursuing dreams

5. The impact of Jeremy's story on inspiring others with diabetes to
pursue their goals

6. The intersection of being a pilot and a doctor with diabetes

7. The importance of perseverance and long-term goals in managing
diabetes

Key takeaways:

* Long-term goals and perseverance are key in overcoming setbacks and
achieving dreams.

* Advancements in diabetes management technology have opened up new
possibilities for individuals with diabetes to pursue diverse careers
and activities.

* The story of resilience and determination in Jeremy's journey serves
as an inspiration for others facing challenges with diabetes
management.

00:00 Exciting Interview on Diabetics Doing Things Podcast
00:03  Heartwarming Friendship and Global Connections: A Special Interview
in Dallas
04:46  Emotional Journey of a Type 1 Diabetic Pilot: From Diagnosis to
Returning to the Cockpit
08:31  A Rollercoaster Journey of Challenges and Triumphs: A Story of
Persistence and Resilience
15:11  The Intersection of Medicine and Personal Experience with Diabetes:
A Healthcare Provider's Journey
20:58  Shifting Conversations on Diabetes and Piloting, Inspiring Young
Pilots with Diabetes, and a Random Condorman Story
25:16  Requirements and Guidelines for Pilots with Diabetes
30:09  Exploring the Intersection of Aviation and Medical Regulations
33:56  Journey to Becoming an Airline Pilot: Overcoming Challenges and
Finding Inspiration
37:53  Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Obstacles in the Pilot Community
42:27  The T1D Renaissance: A Decade of Progress in Diabetes Technology
45:57  Exploring the T1D Renaissance and Friendship in a Podcast

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this interview reflect the personal
opinions of Jonathan Tijerina and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or the University of Miami Health. Medical
decisions should be made with the collaboration of a licensed healthcare
provider. Thank you! 

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea are joined by
Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina, a former athlete turned medical resident,
shares valuable insights on diabetic eye complications, focusing on
retinopathy and macular edema. The conversation delves into the importance
of lifestyle factors, regular eye check-ups, and advancements in treatment
options for preserving vision in diabetic patients.

Topics discussed:

1. Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina's Journey and Expertise

o Former athlete turned medical resident specializing in treating
diabetic eye complications.

o Career progression, including being appointed as the 1st
interior segment chief resident at Baskin Palmer Eye Institute.

2. Understanding Diabetic Eye Complications

o Fear of retinopathy among diabetics and its correlation with
glucose control.

o Impact of physiology and health conditions on susceptibility to
complications.

o Importance of addressing systemic issues along with localized
eye problems.

o Significance of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise in
managing diabetic eye issues.

3. Prevention and Early Detection

o Importance of regular eye exams for early detection and
prevention of complications.

o Guidelines recommending annual eye exams for type 2 diabetics
within the first five years of diagnosis.

o Managing blood sugar, exercise, sleep, high cholesterol, and
blood pressure for preventing eye damage.

4. Treatment Options and Progression

o Treatments including injections and laser therapy to preserve
vision and prevent irreversible damage.

o Early detection through routine screenings for better outcomes
and prevention of serious complications like blindness.

o Evolution of examination processes and data collection in
ophthalmology.

5. Advancements in Imaging Technologies

o Improved screening and imaging methods leading to more
diagnoses and early detection.

o Implications of advanced technologies like at-home retina
photo-taking and cell phone attachments.

o Correlation between risk factors for diabetic eye complications
and overall diabetes control.

6. Challenges in Patient Education and Communication

o Educating patients about diabetic eye disease without blame or
shame.

o Importance of clear communication, continuity clinics, and
early screening.

o Emotional burden faced by healthcare providers in delivering
difficult news to patients.

7. Balancing Health and Quality of Life

o Importance of regular screenings, following medical advice, and
managing conditions like diabetes effectively.

o Prioritizing eye health and establishing personalized vision
goals with ophthalmologists.

o Balancing quality of life with diabetes management, especially
during personal and career changes.

Key takeaways:

* Prioritize health, listen to medical professionals, and take
proactive steps to manage diabetes effectively.

* Seek immediate medical attention for eye issues and establish
personalized care plans with ophthalmologists.

* Educate patients without blame, communicate effectively, and
emphasize the importance of early screening and treatment for
diabetic eye complications.

00:00  Naviga

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob, Eritrea, and guest, Neil
Greathouse, reflect on the journey of the podcast, challenges in the
diabetes community, the evolution of content creation, and the importance
of authenticity and vulnerability. They delve into topics like creating
daily TikTok videos about diabetes, analyzing content performance, managing
type 1 diabetes in everyday life, the impact of ethnic food on blood sugar
levels, and addressing stigma surrounding diabetes.

Topics discussed:

1. Challenges and Rewards of Sustaining a Podcast in the Diabetes
Community

o Importance of long-term dedication

o Building trust in the diabetes community

o Challenges such as burnout and sustainability

o Fulfillment from connecting and helping others

2. Transformation of the Podcast and Personal Journeys

o Transition from a one-man show to a collaborative effort

o Guest's career shift to full-time content creator and diabetes
advocate

o Importance of building relationships and staying connected in
the industry

3. Content Creation and Engagement in the Diabetes Community

o Commitment to consistency and connection

o Authenticity and vulnerability in content creation

o Analyzing content performance and focusing on positive impact

4. Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Everyday Life

o Practical demonstration over verbal instructions

o Balancing accommodations and self-expectations

o Addressing misconceptions and stigma surrounding diabetes

5. Dosage Challenges for Different Foods

o Estimating carb counts for challenging foods like pizza, pasta,
and ethnic dishes

o Importance of timing insulin doses and considering hidden
ingredients

o Personal anecdotes and tips for navigating tricky food
situations

6. Cultural Influences on Blood Sugar Levels

o Impact of lifestyle choices, traditional diets, and activity
levels

o Understanding individual responses to carbs and influences of
sleep and exercise

o Balancing modern sedentary lifestyles with dietary needs

7. Addressing Stigma and Sharing Stories

o Encouraging listeners to open up about encounters with stigma

o Discussing trauma related to diabetes and promoting unity
within the community

Key takeaways:

* Long-term dedication and authenticity are crucial in sustaining a
podcast and building trust within the diabetes community.

* Consistency, connection, and vulnerability are key elements in
content creation that resonate with audiences.

* Managing type 1 diabetes requires a balance between accommodations
and self-expectations, with a focus on honesty and self-assessment.

* Understanding individual responses to different foods and cultural
influences is essential in managing blood sugar levels effectively.

* Addressing stigma surrounding diabetes through open conversations and
shared experiences can help foster unity and understanding within the
community.

00:00  Celebrating Friendship and Longevity in the Diabetic Community
01:25  Building Trust and Longevity in the Diabetes Community
08:21  From Computer Science to Diabetes Advocacy: A Journey of
Transformation
11:47  The Journey of Consistent Content Creation and Connection in the
Diabetes Community
21:47  Navigating Vulnerability and Transparency in Social Media Content
Creation
24:05  Insights on Content Strategy and Audience Engagement in the Diabetes
Community
28:07  Unpacking the Impact of Content Creation and the Journey of
Self-Discovery
31:36  The Importance of Showing vs. Telling in Managing Type 1 Diabetes
35:27  Challenging Misuse of Type 1 Diabetes for Personal Gain and the
Impor

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob goes solo to discuss various
upcoming events, including a diabetes meetup at Pax and Beneficia, where
there will be a pour-over class and discussions on automated insulin
delivery systems. He also delves into his experience at the Advanced
Technologies and Therapies for Diabetes (ATTD) conference in Florence,
highlighting key topics like access, adherence, and automation in diabetes
care. Rob also shares personal updates on his diabetes treatment, goals for
2024, and insights from his Goldman Sachs program. The episode concludes
with a quick discussion on Ramadan, upcoming events, and a call for mailbag
submissions.

Topics discussed:

1. Announcement of upcoming events, including a diabetes meetup at Pax
and Beneficia with a pour-over class and discussions on automated
insulin delivery systems.

2. Recap of Rob's experience at the ATTD conference in Florence,
focusing on access, adherence, and automation in diabetes care.

3. Personal updates on Rob's diabetes treatment, goals for 2024, and
insights from his Goldman Sachs program.

4. Mention of Ramadan, fasting with diabetes, and upcoming events like a
diabetes legends basketball clinic in Dallas and Denver.

5. Call for mailbag submissions and updates on the podcast's content and
goals.

Key takeaways:

* Events like meetups and conferences provide valuable insights and
networking opportunities in the diabetes community.

* Access to technology, adherence to treatment, and automation play
crucial roles in improving diabetes management.

* Patient voices are essential in shaping decisions in diabetes care
and should be valued and compensated.

* Personal accountability and structured programs can aid in achieving
goals and personal growth.

* Fasting with diabetes during events like Ramadan can present unique
challenges, highlighting the importance of advanced diabetes
management systems.

* Engagement with the community through mailbag submissions and social
media interactions helps in sharing experiences and raising awareness
about diabetes.

00:00  Exciting Updates and Announcements for Diabetics Doing Things
Podcast
00:26  Exciting Diabetes Meetup Event Announcement and Thriveable
Partnership Details
03:38  March Madness, T1D Ballers, Clinical Trials, and ATTD Highlights: A
Recap of the Diabetes World
13:38  Empowering Patient Voices at International Diabetes Conferences
18:10  Struggles with Insulin Access, 2024 Goals, and Ramadan Observance: A
Personal Update
22:44  Exciting Updates on Diabetics Doing Things Events and Podcast
Content

Resources mentioned in this episode:

* Pax and Beneficia Spring Meetup 

* Thriveable

* DCB and Tide Pool Clinical Trial

* Rob’s Blog Post about ATTD

* Dr. Addala’s Episode on DDT

* #dedoc°

In this podcast episode, Rob and Eritrea talk with returning guest Basma
Adams, discussing their experiences within the diabetes online community.
They touch on topics such as the growth of their friendship, the importance
of empathy and support, transitioning to healthcare careers, embracing
cultural identities, and the challenges faced by people of color in online
spaces.

Topics discussed:

1. The power of empathy and support within the diabetes community

2. Transitioning from different career paths to healthcare, particularly
in diabetes care

3. Embracing one's cultural identity and the significance of familial
support

4. Challenges faced by individuals of color in online communities and
advocacy efforts

5. Importance of representation, support, and inclusivity in online
spaces

Key takeaways:

* Empathy and Support: The importance of genuine connections,
understanding, and support within the diabetes community.

* Career Transitions: Stories of transitioning to healthcare careers,
emphasizing the importance of personal experiences in shaping patient
care.

* Cultural Identity: Embracing cultural backgrounds and personal
identities while advocating for diabetes awareness.

* Challenges Faced by People of Color: Highlighting instances of
discrimination, lack of inclusivity, and the need for representation
in online communities.

* Resilience and Advocacy: Encouraging perseverance, support, and the
creation of inclusive spaces for marginalized groups in the face of
adversity.

00:00  The Return of Diabetics Doing Things Podcast
00:04  Heartwarming Stories of Connection and Friendship in the Diabetes
Community
03:16  From a 19-Year-Old Podcaster to a Frontline Nurse: A Journey Through
the Pandemic
07:02  From Pediatric ICU to Diabetes Care: A Nurse's Journey of Personal
Growth and Career Transition
17:02  Unveiling the Concept of Chronic Intuition: A Personal Journey with
Diabetes
17:11  Unveiling the Power of Chronic Intuition and Self-Discovery in
Healthcare Journeys
24:18  The Power of Parental Support and Identity in Shaping Confidence and
Belonging
30:12  Embracing Heritage and Self-Discovery: A Journey of Self-Acceptance
on Social Media
33:26  Embracing Cultural Identity and Diabetes Advocacy: A Journey of
Self-Acceptance and Empathy
36:47  Understanding the Perspective of Healthcare Providers in Diabetes
Care
40:14  The Importance of Personalized Patient Care in Healthcare and
Finding Balance as a Healthcare Worker
44:01  Navigating Self-Care and Burnout as a Healthcare Provider Living
with Diabetes
50:20  Embracing Change and Diversity in the Diabetes Online Community
53:45  Navigating Discrimination and Gatekeeping in Diabetes Online
Communities
58:46  Breaking the Loop: Advocacy, Inequity, and Resilience in Communities
of Color

This episode is supported by Thrivable. Thrivable’s mission is to create a
better future together. They achieve this by making it easy for healthcare
companies to include the patient's voice in their decisions so they can
create transformative treatments and products for you. 

And for listeners of Diabetics Doing Things, Thrivable has multiple
opportunities for you to earn money for sharing your story, your insights
and your lived experience for companies who produce and design products for
people with diabetes. You can participate in online surveys and earn up to
$75 per hour and join in-person studies to earn up to $800 per study.

To sign up, just go to thrivable.app/rob and create a profile. It only
takes a few minutes. Then, just wait for study invitations, participate in
a paid diabetes research study and get compensated for your time.

—————

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob, Eritrea, and guest Santiago
Paulos share their experiences and stories about living with diabetes from
different perspectives. Santiago talks about his journey of being diagnosed
with diabetes, his work in the diabetes community, and his recent
experience of becoming a new dad. Their conversation delves into topics
like encountering the diabetes stigma, using humor to navigate diabetes
challenges, and balancing life as a new parent with diabetes. This episode
also includes the opening of the Mailbag! If you want to submit your
question, email mailbag@diabeticsdoingthings.com.

Topics discussed:

1. Meeting Santiago and their initial interaction at a diabetes
conference in Abu Dhabi.

2. Santiago's diabetes diagnosis story and how he was diagnosed during a
road trip to Argentina.

3. Santiago's journey in creating the persona of The Diabetic Survivor
and his background in art and design.

4. Collaborations with organizations like T1International and creating
designs for diabetes awareness campaigns.

5. Exploring the intersection of art, design, and diabetes advocacy.

6. Addressing the diabetes stigma, challenges faced in public settings,
and the importance of communication in relationships.

7. Santiago's experience as a new dad with type 1 diabetes, the impact
of diabetes management on parenting, and finding a balance in
routine.

8. Using humor and the "diabetes card" to navigate diabetes-related
situations and advocating for self-care in relationships.

Key takeaways:

* Navigating the diabetes stigma: Santiago shared experiences of
encountering the diabetes stigma, particularly through jokes and
comments made in social settings, highlighting the importance of
addressing and standing up against such behavior.

* Balancing diabetes management with parenting: Santiago's journey as a
new dad with diabetes showcases the challenges and adjustments
required to manage diabetes effectively while caring for a newborn,
emphasizing the need for open communication and support.

* Using humor and communication: Humor can be a coping mechanism in
dealing with diabetes challenges, and effective communication, both
in personal relationships and professional settings, plays a
significant role in raising awareness and advocating for diabetes
rights.

* Awareness and cultural considerations: Being mindful of cultural
differences and digital literacy challenges can help in creating
inclusive content and messaging that resonates with diverse
audiences, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment
for people with diabetes.

00:00  Exciting Opportunities for People with Diabetes to Earn Money and
Inspiring Stories from International Guests on Diabetics Doing Things
Podcast
03:31  Unveiling a Multicultural Friendship and a Diabetic Survivor's
Journey
06:34  From Scooter Crash to Diabetic Survivor: A Unique Diagnosis Story
and Art