Diabetics Doing Things Podcast Diabetics Doing Things

June is Pride Month and to celebrate Pride in the Diabetes community, we
are highlighting amazing stories from the LGBTQ+ diabetes community to show
that diabetes doesn’t stop you from being who you are and living your best
life. Please be welcoming and respectful to our guests and if you feel the
need to be bigoted, hateful or discriminatory, we will protect our guests
and respond in-kind. Happy Pride!

Our guest today is Justin Eastzer, the host of the Diabetech podcast and
YouTube channel. Justin has become a prominent voice in the diabetes online
community, sharing his personal experiences and insights about managing
type 1 diabetes.

## Topics Covered

- Justin's diagnosis journey and initial misdiagnosis as type 2 diabetes
(00:02:37)

- The power of social media and online communities in finding the right
diagnosis and treatment (00:04:04)

- Navigating dating and intimate relationships as a person with diabetes
(00:14:51)

- Staying positive and confident while living with a chronic condition
(00:15:34)

- Exciting developments in diabetes technology, including smart insulin and
faster-acting insulin (00:41:52)

- Announcement of an upcoming diabetes community meetup at ADA in Orlando
on June 22nd (00:47:10)

---

Where to Find Justin

- Diabetech Podcast:

- Diabetech YouTube Channel: (https://www.youtube.com/diabe_tech)

- Instagram: [@diabe_tech]

- TikTok: [@diabetech](https://www.tiktok.com/@diabetech)

In this episode of Diabetes Doing Things, Tanner Saunders shares his
personal journey of being diagnosed with diabetes at a young age,
highlighting the intersection of travel, diabetes management, and finding a
supportive community. The conversation also includes stories about him and
his partner, who both have diabetes and work in the journalism industry,
emphasizing their synchronized approach to managing their health condition.
Additionally, the episode explores his experience working in travel while
living with diabetes, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in
traveling with the condition.

Topics discussed:

* Personal Journey with Diabetes

* Being diagnosed with diabetes at a young age

* Embracing self-reliance and independence in managing insulin
injections

* Importance of empowerment and self-care in living with diabetes

* Normalizing diabetes in small-town communities and schools

* Challenges of explaining the condition to peers and adults

* Balancing freedom and support from parents

* Relationship Dynamics with Diabetes

* Couple's experiences: Meeting through work and bonding over diabetes

* Synchronized management using Omnipod and DexCom

* Navigating conflicts and daily life while supporting each other

* Traveling with Diabetes

* Informing airline staff about the condition

* Managing supplies and blood sugar levels during flights

* Travel accessibility regardless of financial status

* Setting goals, utilizing resources like the Points Guy, and using
credit cards for travel benefits

* Exploring local and international destinations for personal growth

* Finding joy in travel experiences despite challenges like the
COVID-19 pandemic


References:

The Points Guy

Omnipod

DexCom 

Tanner Saunders' Instagram


00:00  Exploring the World with Diabetes: A Special Guest on Travel
Stories

00:03  Exploring the Connection Between Travel, Independence, and
Diabetes with Tanner Saunders

03:05  Growing Up with Diabetes: A Journey of Independence and
Community Support

07:53  Navigating Diabetes Advocacy and Independence from a Young Age

14:58  A Unique Love Story: Navigating a Relationship with Diabetes
Together

18:39  Navigating Independence and Partnership with Diabetes: A
Heartfelt Journey

26:41  Navigating Travel as a Diabetic: Personal Experiences and Tips

31:43  Navigating Air Travel with Diabetes: Personal Experiences and
Precautions

35:38  Traveling with Diabetes: Tips and Tricks for Staying Prepared

42:20  Unlocking Travel Experiences: Tips and Inspiration

50:05  Exploring the Mundane to Find Marvelous Experiences: An
Inspiring Conversation with Tanner Saunders

54:24  Empowering Pride Message with a Call to Action

In this episode of Diabetics doing things, Rob interviews Paul Edick from
Xeris Biopharma and Sean Saint from Beta Bionics. They discuss the formal
partnership announcement between Xeris Biopharma and Beta Bionics, focusing
on the development of a bi-hormonal insulin pump for diabetes management.
The conversation touches on the challenges and benefits of the partnership,
the development process, and the potential impact on diabetes care.

Topics discussed:

1. Partnership between Xeris Biopharma and Beta Bionics

2. The unique challenges faced by a bihormonal pump compared to
traditional insulin pumps.

3. The formulation process of the pump and collaboration between Xeris
and Beta Bionics.

4. The upcoming phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials.

5. The importance of glucagon in diabetes management and the need for
increased awareness and availability of glucagon.

6. The potential for a fully automated diabetes therapy experience.

7. The role of technology in reducing the burden of diabetes management
and enhancing quality of life.

8. The journey towards regulatory approval and commercialization.

9. The historical context of glucagon use and the evolving perceptions
around its importance.

10. The positive impact of the partnership on advancing diabetes care and
glycemic control.

Key takeaways:

* The partnership between Xeris Biopharma and Beta Bionics aims to
develop a bihormonal pump for diabetes management.

* The collaboration involves overcoming unique challenges associated
with incorporating both insulin and glucagon in the pump.

* The development process includes formulation, clinical trials, and
regulatory approval.

* The partnership highlights the importance of increasing awareness and
availability of glucagon for diabetes patients.

* The ultimate goal is to provide a hands-off, automated diabetes
therapy experience to improve quality of life for individuals with
diabetes.

References:

* Xeris Biopharma

* Beta Bionics

00:00  Exploring Inspiring Stories of People with Diabetes and Industry
Announcements
00:18  Exciting Partnership Announcement: Xeris Biopharma and Beta Bionics
Join Forces for Innovative Diabetes Solution
03:58  Revolutionizing Diabetes Care with Biohormonal Pump and Xerasol
Technology
08:52  Exploring the Future of Glucagon Use and Reducing Stigma in Diabetes
Management
13:41  Revolutionizing Diabetes Therapy: The Future of Automated Insulin
and Glucagon Pump Systems
23:41  Overcoming Fear and Stigma: The Journey with Glucagon and the Future
of Insulin Pumps
25:17  Challenges and Partnerships in Developing a Bi-Hormonal Pump for
Diabetes Management
30:47  Exciting Innovations in Diabetes Care: A Look into Bi Hormonal Pumps

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Mila Clarke shares her personal
journey of significant life changes, including career shifts, personal
challenges, a re-diagnosis of LADA, and the passing of her mother due to
diabetes-related complications. She discusses finding herself, managing
diabetes, and embracing a new path forward. The episode also delves into
the challenges of burnout, building a support system, navigating changes in
diabetes diagnosis, and the importance of representation in the diabetes
community.

Topics discussed:

1. Mila's Personal Journey including leaving her job to focus on Hangry
Woman full-time

2. Career Shift and Health Coaching: Transition from a marketer to a
health coach

3. Bridging the gap between fear of eating and enjoying meals

4. Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries: Prioritizing self-care to
avoid burnout

5. Support System in Content Creation: Managing overwhelm by
acknowledging limitations

6. The role of support team members in providing feedback and managing
projects

7. Navigating Changes in Diabetes Diagnosis: Transition from type 2 to
type 1 diabetes diagnosis

8. Representing Diverse Voices in the Diabetes Community: Importance of
diversity representation and transparency in collaborations

9. Kindness, Respect, and Accountability: Impact of chronic illness on
behavior and comparison culture

10. Addressing misconceptions about online personas and supporting
creators

11. Building a Supportive Diabetes App

Key takeaways:

* Embracing personal growth amidst challenges and life changes

* Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing emotional
well-being

* Navigating career shifts and advocating for representation in the
diabetes community

* Building a supportive community and offering personalized health
support through technology

* Upholding kindness, respect, and accountability in online
interactions and content creation

References:

* The Hangry Woman

* Glucose Guide App

00:00  Celebrating Diabetes Stories Worldwide
00:02  The Evolution of Mila Clarke: Navigating Life Changes and Diabetes
Management
04:15  From Marketer to Health Coach: A Journey of Personal and
Professional Growth
08:16  Learning to Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care: A Journey of
Self-Discovery and Growth
12:16  Navigating Burnout and Building a Support System in Content Creation
17:26  Navigating a Diabetes Diagnosis Change: Impact on Community,
Relationships, and Advocacy
23:49  Navigating a New Diagnosis and its Impact on Personal Branding
28:04  Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges in the Diabetes Community
32:36  Debunking Myths and Realities of Being a Successful Black Woman
Entrepreneur
42:36  Embracing Kindness and Abundance in a World of Competition
52:36  Navigating Social Media Etiquette and Misconceptions as a Creator
55:53  Navigating Online Criticism and Embracing the Journey to Success in
Content Creation
01:02:49  Revolutionizing Diabetes Support with a Unique Pocket Guide App
01:06:10  Empowering Diabetes Management through Personalized Support and
Community Connection
01:09:21  Building a Supportive Community Beyond Social Media Platforms
01:14:05  Empowering Health and Support Through a Unique Approach
01:17:12  The Value of Ads and Support in Providing Free Content and
Services

In this podcast episode, Rob, Eritrea, and guest, Sam Tullman, discuss the
transformative power of mindfulness, meditation, and resilience in the face
of chronic illnesses like diabetes and mast cell activation syndrome. The
conversation delves into personal experiences, coping mechanisms, the
impact of support systems, and the importance of self-awareness in
navigating health challenges.

Trigger Warning: psychedelic drug use

Topics discussed:

1. Sam Tolman's Journey with Chronic Illnesses

2. Reflection on challenges and benefits of facing a new diagnosis after
20 years of living with diabetes.

3. Importance of therapy, self-awareness, and familial support in
managing chronic illnesses.

4. Managing Expectations and Finding Resilience

5. Coping with fragmented realities and embracing change.

6. Utilizing mindfulness practices in managing chronic illness.

7. Addressing the impact of chronic stressors, trauma, and social media
addiction on mental health.

8. Transition from focusing on physical health (football) to mental
health (research, meditation).

9. Experiences with psychedelics, emphasizing safety, supervision, and
managing expectations.

10. Momentum in the scientific community regarding psychedelics for
treating conditions like depression.

11. Benefits of mindfulness and meditation in healing trauma and personal
growth.

12. Exploring how mindfulness and meditation can help individuals with
diabetes cope with anxiety and stress.

13. Importance of setting realistic expectations and navigating
discomfort in meditation.

14. Cyclical nature of meditation experiences and finding calmness in
challenging moments.

15. Embracing mindfulness as a journey of self-awareness and acceptance.

16. Introduction to the Diabetes Sangha community and upcoming course on
mindfulness and diabetes.

17. Exploring the connection between mindfulness, diabetes, and
transforming suffering into joy and compassion.

18. Importance of gratitude and resilience in facing challenging
situations.

19. Personal story of shifting perspectives through gratitude.

20. Impact of childhood experiences, karate, and vulnerability in
personal growth.

Key takeaways:

* Mindfulness and meditation can aid in coping with chronic illnesses
by promoting self-awareness and managing stress.

* Support systems, therapy, and self-awareness play crucial roles in
navigating health challenges.

* Embracing mindfulness as a personal journey can lead to personal
growth and resilience in the face of adversity.

* Gratitude and resilience are powerful tools in shifting perspectives
and facing life's challenges with strength.

References:

* Thich Nhat Hanh: Vietnamese Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher,
author.

* Diabetes Sangha Community: Community focusing on mindfulness
practices for individuals with diabetes.

00:00  Exploring the Power of Mindfulness and Meditation
00:04  Navigating Chronic Illness: A Journey of Resilience and Growth
06:26  Navigating Life with Diabetes: Self-awareness, Support, and
Mindfulness
16:26  Unpacking the Mind-Body Connection and the Impact of Stress on
Mental Health
26:26  Exploring the Intersection of Meditation, Psychedelics, and Healing
Trauma
32:28  Exploring the Relationship Between Mindfulness, Meditation, and
Diabetes
35:59  Navigating Life's Ups and Downs through Mindfulness and
Investigation
39:00  Unlocking Mindfulness: Intention, Attention, and Retention
49:00  The Importance of Tuning into Yourself and Deep Self-Reflection
50:53  Transforming Suffering into Joy: Mindfulness and Diabetes
57:40  The Power of Gratitude and Resilience: A Conversation with Sam

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea interview
Phyllis Kaplan, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for 50 years. They
talk about various aspects of Phyllis's journey with diabetes, including
her early diagnosis, managing diabetes in childhood, attending diabetes
camp, dealing with diabetes-related complications, and the impact of
technology on her diabetes management.

Topics discussed:

1. Introduction to Phyllis Kaplan and her 50-year journey with type 1
diabetes

2. Early memories of being diagnosed with diabetes at a young age

3. Childhood experiences of managing diabetes, including testing sugars
with rudimentary methods

4. Attending diabetes camp and the importance of the diabetes community

5. Transitioning to insulin pump therapy to gain flexibility in diabetes
management

6. Coping with diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy

7. The psychological impact of living with diabetes and dealing with
guilt and self-blame

8. The importance of accepting the uncontrollable aspects of diabetes
and seeking support from healthcare providers

9. The relief and normalcy brought by modern diabetes technology, such
as hybrid closed-loop systems

10. Gratitude for waking up in range and the shift in perspective over
time

Key takeaways:

* Acceptance and Perspective: Phyllis emphasizes the importance of
accepting the uncontrollable aspects of living with diabetes and
shifting perspectives to avoid self-blame and guilt for complications
or high/low blood sugars.

* Community and Support: Being part of the diabetes community and
connecting with others who understand the challenges of diabetes can
provide comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

* Adaptation to Technology: The advancement of technology in diabetes
management, such as insulin pumps and CGMs, can bring relief,
normalcy, and added flexibility to daily life.

* Growth and Resilience: Over time, individuals with diabetes learn to
navigate the challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and find ways to
thrive despite the ups and downs of living with a chronic condition.

* Gratitude and Reflection: Reflecting on the journey with diabetes,
celebrating milestones, and finding gratitude in waking up in range
can bring a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for progress
made.

References:

* Medtronic

* JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

00:00  Celebrating 50 Years with Type 1 Diabetes: A Journey with Phyllis
Kaplan
00:31  Celebrating 50 Years with Type 1 Diabetes: A Journey of Resilience
and Community
04:57  The Impact and Nostalgia of Diabetes Camp: A Journey of Empowerment
and Friendship
14:57  Evolution of Diabetes Management: From Manual Checks to Advanced
Automated Systems
19:37  Navigating Stigma and Building Connections Through Diabetes Advocacy
29:37  Navigating Diabetes Conversations and Reflecting on Milestones
31:40  Celebrating a Life with Diabetes: Reflections on Surviving and
Thriving
35:37  Empowering Advice for Living with Type 1 Diabetes for 50 Years
39:06  Navigating Complications and Control in Life with Diabetes
48:36  Finding Relief and Normalcy with Technology in Managing Diabetes: A
Personal Journey