The Healthy Diabetic

Coach Ken Kniss
  • 4.7 (15)
  • 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. #331: TIR vs A1C, Afrezza, and Rethinking Diabetes Decisions - (LIVE Episode #002)

    3D AGO

    #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
  2. #330: Is Diabetes Easier Than Ever — Or Are We Missing the Point? - (LIVE Episode #001)

    6D AGO

    #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
  3. #329: Why Pediatric Diabetes Care Feels So Different Than Adult Care

    FEB 6

    #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
  4. #328: False Lows, Real Fear - When Your CGM Says “LOW” but Your Body Says Otherwise - Danielle Batiste

    JAN 23

    #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
  5. #327: What T1D Care Should Look Like — A Conversation with Sara Lerner @Blue Circle Health

    JAN 16

    #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
  6. #326: From The “Dark Ages” of Diabetes to Transplant, Hope, and Purpose - Ty Gibson

    JAN 9

    #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
  7. #325: Is AI the Missing Link in Diabetes Nutrition Management? - Aurelian Briner

    JAN 2

    #325: Is AI the Missing Link in Diabetes Nutrition Management? - Aurelian Briner

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this today's episode, I sit down with Aurelian, CEO and co-founder of SNAQ, a mobile app designed to make meals less guesswork for people living with Type 1 diabetes. SNAQ was born out of lived experience. Aurelian’s wife was diagnosed with T1D over a decade ago, and like many people with diabetes, she constantly faced the same daily questions: How many carbs are in this meal?How heavy is this portion?How will this food affect my blood sugar later?From that frustration came the idea behind SNAQ — an app that allows users to take a photo of their food, estimate carbs and macronutrients, and connect meals directly to CGM, insulin, and activity data to uncover real-world patterns. 🔑 Key TakeawaysCarb counting and portion estimation are major pain points for people with T1D.Taking photos of food can provide a practical starting point — not perfection.AI works best when paired with human awareness and lived experience.Logging some meals can still provide valuable insights — it doesn’t have to be every meal.Connecting meals with CGM and insulin data reveals patterns that numbers alone miss.Technology should reduce overwhelm, not create it.Expectation management is essential with any AI-based health tool.The future of diabetes care likely blends AI support with human connection.📌 Resources: SNAQ's websiteI’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

    48 min
  8. #324: Diagnosed at 7, and Told She Should Never Have Kids - Jillian Khounchanh

    12/26/2025

    #324: Diagnosed at 7, and Told She Should Never Have Kids - Jillian Khounchanh

    Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this powerful and deeply human episode, I sit down with Jillian, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 7 years old in 1991 — growing up in what many now call the dark ages of diabetes care. Jillian’s story is layered, emotional, and incredibly insightful. Raised by a mother who also lived with Type 1 diabetes, she navigated childhood, adolescence, eating disorders, evolving technology, and eventually three healthy pregnancies— all while learning what actually works for her body through Dr Richard K. Bernstein's teachings. 🔑 Key TakeawaysGrowing up with T1D shapes your relationship with food, control, and self-trust.“Eat whatever you want and dose for it” is incomplete advice for many people.Protein and fat do impact blood sugars — often hours later.Low-carb works well for some people, but restriction is a fast path to burnout.Diabetes management must feel livable, not punishing.Pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes is absolutely possible — even multiple times.Hormones (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum) dramatically affect insulin needs.Algorithms and automation can help — but they’re tools, not solutions.📌 Resources & Topics Mentioned in This EpisodeLow-carb & high-protein nutrition strategiesProtein and fat delayed glucose spikesExtended boluses & pump featuresCGM accuracy & algorithm limitationsDr. Richard K. Bernstein & The Law of Small NumbersPregnancy & insulin resistanceBreastfeeding and blood sugar variabilityDiabetic retinopathy treatmentsSelf-advocacy in medical settingsDiabetes stigma around motherhoodI’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 Support the show

    1h 4m
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4.7
out of 5
15 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
    330
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Healthy Diabetic
  • Show Website
    The Healthy Diabetic