The Healthy Diabetic

Coach Ken Kniss
  • 4.8 (16)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. #339: Inhalable Insulin, Diabetes Costs, and the Truth Doctors Don’t Talk About

    3D AGO

    #339: Inhalable Insulin, Diabetes Costs, and the Truth Doctors Don’t Talk About

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, Coach Ken and Graham dive into a wide-ranging conversation about diabetes management, inhalable insulin, and the importance of taking ownership of your care. Ken shares his experience getting Afrezza (inhalable insulin) approved again through insurance and how it’s dramatically improving his blood sugar stability. The discussion explores how Afrezza works differently from traditional rapid-acting insulin and why some people living with diabetes use it as a powerful tool for correcting highs quickly.  The conversation also moves into several old-school diabetes practices—from the 15-15 rule for treating lows to how people managed blood sugars before CGMs existed. Ken and Graham reflect on how diabetes care has evolved and why experimentation and personal data play such an important role in finding what works. Later in the episode, they discuss the real financial burden of living with diabetes, breaking down how medical costs, supplies, insurance deductibles, and daily management tools add up each year. Ken also shares why advocating for yourself during endocrinologist appointments is critical. Rather than relying solely on your doctor to solve problems, the most successful patients come prepared with questions, trends, and data that help guide productive conversations - and take ownership of their own care.  🔑 Key Takeaways What Afrezza inhalable insulin is and how it worksWhy Afrezza can help correct high blood sugars faster than traditional insulinThe pros and cons of using Afrezza with MDI or other insulin strategiesThe classic 15-15 rule for treating low blood sugar and how to adapt itHow T1D management worked before CGMs existedThe real cost of living with diabetes each yearWhy advocating for yourself at doctor appointments is essentialHow preparation and data can improve your endocrinology visitsWhy diabetes management requires experimentation and personalization"There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Our job is to figure out what works for us and build a system that keeps our blood sugars stable.” Additional Resources: 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Simplify Your Diabetes - 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 YouTube 🎧Podcast Disclaimer: Nothin Support the show

    54 min
  2. #338: CGM Breaks, Diabetes Burnout, and the 5-Lessons You Can’t Learn From Your Doctor

    4D AGO

    #338: CGM Breaks, Diabetes Burnout, and the 5-Lessons You Can’t Learn From Your Doctor

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, Coach Ken and Graham dive into a real and honest conversation about the realities of living with Type 1 diabetes. They begin by discussing Ken’s recent interview with Katie Beth Hand, Patient #9 in the Eledon clinical trial, a groundbreaking study exploring new approaches to islet cell transplantation. The conversation touches on how these evolving trials may one day contribute to a potential cure for Type 1 diabetes and why the current research landscape is more promising than ever before.  From there, the discussion shifts into everyday diabetes management—covering topics like CGM fatigue, taking breaks from technology, and the importance of understanding your relationship with diabetes tools like pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Ken and Graham also explore the mental side of diabetes management, debating different coaching styles, the role of tough love versus compassion, and why communication matters when helping others navigate the challenges of diabetes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • The difference between emerging diabetes cure trials like Eledon and Vertex • Why researchers believe multiple trials may eventually combine into a cure strategy • The pros and cons of taking a break from CGMs or diabetes technology • Why fingerstick glucose meters are still important tools • How insulin timing and digestion impact overnight blood sugars • The debate between “tough love” coaching and compassionate coaching • The role mental health plays in diabetes management • Ken’s Five Pillars of Diabetes Success • An introduction to the new 5 Lessons You Can’t Learn From Your Doctor program 🔑 Key Takeaways Diabetes management doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or chaotic. When you understand the patterns behind your blood sugars—and develop the right mindset, routines, and decision-making strategies—you can create stability and confidence in your management. “It doesn’t matter where you are in your diabetes right now. What matters is putting one foot in front of the other and figuring it out.” Additional Resources: 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Simplify Your Diabetes - 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 YouTube 🎧Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be consider Support the show

    54 min
  3. #337: Katie Beth Hand Shares Her Experience as patient NINE in the Eledon Clinical Trial

    MAR 10

    #337: Katie Beth Hand Shares Her Experience as patient NINE in the Eledon Clinical Trial

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. What would life look like if Type 1 diabetes suddenly… stopped controlling every decision you make? In this episode of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, Coach Ken sits down with Katie Beth Hand, a participant in the groundbreaking Eledon clinical trial, which is exploring a potential functional cure for Type 1 diabetes through islet cell transplantation and targeted immune therapy. Katie Beth shares her powerful story—from her unexpected diagnosis at age 26 to becoming Patient 9 in the Eledon trial, a study that has allowed several participants to live without insulin. Together, Ken and Katie explore the emotional reality of diagnosis, the challenges of navigating diabetes as an adult, and the excitement surrounding emerging research that may redefine the future of diabetes treatment. This conversation goes beyond the science. It highlights the lived experience of diabetes and the hope that real progress is finally being made toward a cure. 🔑 Key TakeawaysKatie Beth’s diagnosis story and being hospitalized in diabetic ketoacidosisThe emotional and mental health impact of adult-onset Type 1 diabetesHow the Eladon clinical trial worksIslet cell transplantation explainedThe difference between traditional immunosuppressants and the trial medication TegaprubartWhy eliminating severe lows has been the most life-changing part of the trialThe challenges of misdiagnosis in adult Type 1 diabetesWhy multiple cure pathways (Vertex, Eladon, prevention trials) are importantThe future hurdles to making a cure widely availableWhy advocacy and research funding still matterConnect With Katie on 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 con Support the show

    1h 12m
  4. #336: Life Expectancy, Diabetes Stats, and What Actually Matters - (LIVE #007)

    MAR 7

    #336: Life Expectancy, Diabetes Stats, and What Actually Matters - (LIVE #007)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Does having Type 1 diabetes shorten your life? In this episode, Coach Ken and Graham dive into a topic that many people living with diabetes have quietly Googled at some point: life expectancy with Type 1 diabetes. After uncovering statistics suggesting that people with Type 1 diabetes may lose 10–13 years off their life, the conversation quickly evolves into a deeper discussion about what those numbers really mean — and whether they actually define your future. Ken challenges the idea that a statistic determines someone’s destiny and explains why blood sugar stability, overall health habits, and mindset may play a far bigger role than any headline statistic. The conversation also explores Ken’s Five Pillars framework for diabetes success, which focuses on the key areas that influence long-term health and blood sugar stability.  This episode is a reminder that while statistics may provide context, they do not determine your outcome. What you do day-to-day — your habits, decisions, and mindset — plays a far greater role in shaping your health and your life. 🔑 Key Takeaways Type 1 diabetes life expectancy statisticsBlood sugar stability vs. time in rangeWhy lifestyle habits impact diabetes outcomesThe Five Pillars of diabetes successThe role of mindset in diabetes managementThe importance of storytelling and community support🎧 Notable Movements  Why statistics about life expectancy can be misleadingHow improving lifestyle habits can impact long-term healthWhy diabetes management is about more than just insulin dosingA powerful discussion on compassion and communication in healthcare🌐 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 YouTube 🎧Podcast 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 4m
  5. #335: The Trap of Diabetes Perfection & Why “Good Enough” Wins (LIVE #006)

    MAR 6

    #335: The Trap of Diabetes Perfection & Why “Good Enough” Wins (LIVE #006)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Is perfect blood sugar actually the goal? In today's episode, Graham and I dive into one of the most common mental traps in the diabetes community: the pursuit of perfection. Many people living with diabetes believe they need: Perfect blood sugarsPerfect A1C100% time in rangeA constant blood sugar of 100But the reality is far different. Graham and I unpack why chasing perfection can actually hold you back, increase mental burden, and lead to burnout. They also explore how confidence, experimentation, and learning what truly works for you can create a healthier and more sustainable approach to managing diabetes. 🔑 Key Takeaways The myth of “perfect” diabetes managementWhy perfection can lead to burnoutUnderstanding fear of hypoglycemiaEmotional resilience with diabetesWhy experience builds confidence in decision-makingLearning through trial and errorIndividualized diabetes managementTaking action instead of staying stuck🌐 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

    49 min
  6. #334: Testosterone, Cortisol & Hormones in T1D - (LIVE #006 with Kelly Schmidt)

    FEB 28

    #334: Testosterone, Cortisol & Hormones in T1D - (LIVE #006 with Kelly Schmidt)

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Hormones don’t get talked about enough in the Type 1 diabetes world — especially male hormones. In this live episode, I sit down with my good friend and colleague Type 1 Diabetic, registered dietitian and functional nutrition expert Kelly Schmidt to unpack testosterone, cortisol, thyroid health, sleep, labs, intimacy, and the systemic impact hormones have on blood sugar, energy, and quality of life. This conversation goes far beyond “low T.” This episode reinforces a powerful truth: Type 1 diabetes is not just a pancreas condition — it’s a systems condition. If you’ve been feeling fatigued, burned out, low energy, low drive, or just “off,” this episode will give you language and direction for your next conversation with your healthcare team. Important Resources We Discussed: Magnesium Glycinate & Other ImpactfulLab Panels - interpreted with a t1d lens (Kelly reads the labs and then explains the results in great detail.)Kelly's Previous Episodes: Diabetes Vulnerabilities - #135Debunking Diabetes Detox Myths - Episode #130Manipulating Your Blood Sugars During The Female Cycle - Episode #123The 5-Pillars to Healthy Blood Sugars - Episode #119Gut Health w/T1D Dietitian - Episode #117Food Sensitivities - Episode #72The Expert Dietitian Series - Part 3 - Episode #44The Expert Dietitian Series - Part 2 - Episode #40The Expert Dietitian Series - Part 1 - Episode #35Why Is Nutrition Important in Diabetes? - Episode #9🌐 Kelly Schmidt – T1D Functional Nutrition 🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com 💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching 📞 Schedule a Free Call: Book Now 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 he Support the show

    58 min
  7. #333: Should Type 1 Diabetes Have a Different Name? Insulin Access, Stress & Real-Life Decisions (LIVE Episode 004)

    FEB 25

    #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
  8. #332: Exercise, Consistency & Why “Just Moving” Still Matters in Diabetes (LIVE Episode 003)

    FEB 20

    #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
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4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

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
    338
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Healthy Diabetic
  • Show Website
    The Healthy Diabetic

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