Embracing Diabetes, compassion, community and creativity

Dr. Liz Stephens & Amy Stockwell

Welcome to Embracing Diabetes, a podcast that explores the many different ways people are living with diabetes in the world. Join co-hosts Amy Stockwell and Dr Liz Stephens, colleagues and friends who have lived with type one diabetes for decades. Liz and Amy launched Embracing Diabetes so they could talk to creative, smart, inspiring, and thoughtful people living with type one and share their stories with you! People with type one diabetes come in all shapes and sizes, but we share this one thing -- this frustrating, challenging, expensive chronic illness -- that binds us together and we are always stronger together. We hope you are as inspired by these interviews as we are.

  1. Sweet Dreams: Navigating Sleep and Diabetes with Dr. Stacey Simon

    07/01/2024

    Sweet Dreams: Navigating Sleep and Diabetes with Dr. Stacey Simon

    Send us a text Intro: In this episode of Embracing Diabetes, hosts Amy Stockwell and Dr. Liz Stevens talk with Dr. Stacey Simon, an associate professor of pediatrics and director of behavioral sleep medicine. Dr. Simon discusses her extensive research on the impact of insufficient sleep on health outcomes, particularly in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The conversation delves into the challenges of managing diabetes-related sleep disruptions, the role of diabetes technology and practical strategies to improve sleep health. Dr. Simon emphasizes the importance of sleep for overall well-being and offers insights into how families can manage overnight diabetes care while ensuring better sleep. The episode is a valuable resource for understanding the critical relationship between sleep and diabetes, applicable to both teens and adults. Bio: Stacey L. Simon, PhD, DBSM, studied psychology and music performance at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and received her master's and PhD in clinical and health psychology from the University of Florida. Her research in women’s health was inspired by the fact that females have historically been understudied in sleep research. Women have higher rates of insomnia than men while obstructive sleep apnea is less often diagnosed in females, perhaps due in part to poor recognition of their unique symptoms. These differences begin to emerge in adolescence, motivating Dr. Simon’s research with the intention to increase awareness around women’s sleep and promote good sleep health for women and girls.   Dr. Simon currently sees patients in the sleep clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado where she serves as the associate director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine in the division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. She sees children from infancy to young adulthood with behavioral sleep concerns, such as insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.    Her current research is focused broadly on the mechanisms underlying the negative physical and mental health consequences of insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment in adolescents. With a number of evidence-based behavioral interventions for sleep problems, Dr. Simon finds it very rewarding to see how the entire family benefits when children are sleeping well.

    29 min
  2. How to THRIVE with type one diabetes

    04/21/2024

    How to THRIVE with type one diabetes

    Send us a text Brooke Cassoff is a Certified Compassion Facilitator & Educator, international traveler, runner, surfer, and cookie enthusiast that has been living life with T1D since 2005. She is also a firm believer that those of us with diabetes can thrive not in spite of, but because of our condition and that contemplative practices can play a key role in supporting this transformation.  Brooke was introduced to mindfulness and contemplative practices shortly after being diagnosed with diabetes and has dedicated herself to deepening and sharing these practices ever since. As a graduate of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research & Education (CCARE) Applied Compassion Training, Brooke develops and leads self-compassion trainings designed to address the unique needs and experiences of those living with diabetes and also serves as a facilitator for DiabetesSangha- an online community that offers free, weekly mindfulness and compassion-based practices, events, and resources to individuals affected by T1D. A Favorite Quote: “Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you’re good enough, self-compassion asks, what’s good for you?” -Dr. Kristin Neff Links: DiabetesSangha website - Information on our free, weekly events and practices can be found under the 'Events & Schedule' tab.DiabetesSangha Youtube channel - Access free, guided meditations and talks on mindfulness and diabetes from DiabetesSangha.

    30 min
  3. Empowering Women with Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Anne Marie MacDonald

    03/10/2024

    Empowering Women with Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Anne Marie MacDonald

    Send us a text On this episode we talk to Dr. Anne Marie McDonald, national research manager for the JDRF in Toronto, mother of two, and Ironman athlete who has lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of four. We had a great conversation and got to hear about her presentations on T1D and pregnancy, and women with T1D and aging, at the 2024 Connected In Motion virtual slipstream. Featured on this episode: Anne Marie MacDonald, MD MSc, is a modern health care professional and passionate medical thought leader who advocates for chronic disease self-management, preventive medicine, and healthy active living. She holds an undergraduate degree in Physiology from McGill University (Montreal, Canada), a Medical degree from the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum (Krakow, Poland) and a Master of Science degree from the University of Toronto (Toronto, Canada). Her expertise lies in healthy active living, digital health and behavior change, and chronic disease prevention and management. Dr. MacDonald has been living with type 1 diabetes for over 35 years. As an Ironman triathlete and marathon runner she loves helping T1Ds reach their athletic goals. When she's not working out, drinking a coffee or chasing after her 2 young children, she leads the Improving Lives research portfolio at JDRF Canada, the world's largest funder of type 1 diabetes research. Resources from this episode: Connected in Motion Slipstream Twitter: @AM_MacDonaldMD drannemariemacdonald.com Dr. Michael Riddell, expert on T1D and exercise

    23 min
  4. Motivational Interviewing and Diabetes: A Deep Dive with Dr. Michael Fulop

    03/07/2024

    Motivational Interviewing and Diabetes: A Deep Dive with Dr. Michael Fulop

    Send us a text On this episode we talk to Dr. Michael Fulop, a clinical psychologist in Portland, Oregon who lives with type 1.  Michael's used his perspective in his work with children and adults with diabetes, often with co occurring learning, emotional, or attentional disorders. He's been very involved in research with Type 1 and practices using motivational interviewing. He has been a huge advocate and support for our diabetes community, and I hope you enjoy our conversation. Featured on this Episode: As a practicing clinical psychologist, Michael Fulop was attracted to MI because of his work with people struggling to manage or make changes in how they manage chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes, ADHD, learning disorders, obesity, and the issues often accompanying these problems. Dr. Fulop was drawn to MI due to his own personal experiences with medical providers. Because he lives with T1 diabetes every day, he is often “a patient, too.” He has seen a bevy of health care providers. One thing he has noticed is that he does much better with doctors, nurses, and even medical assistants who treat him with respect and don’t treat him as a “case.” “I’ve found the best way to engage with my clients is to listen with a deep respect for their plight, their skills, what they are doing well; to get out of the way of their already earnest change efforts. I try to put aside my own needs to appear smart, to warn, cajole, instruct, teach, or confront.” He thinks the most important efficient manner of learning MI is through focused practice and feedback. He feels there is no magic path or “best way” to train people in MI & motivation enhancement. Dr. Fulop’s training principles: HumilityCuriosityStart where you areStay openLearn more about Dr. Fulop’s MI Training Journey What is Motivational Interviewing dr.michael.fulop@bdtxpdx.com

    28 min
  5. How to Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy During the Holidays

    12/19/2023

    How to Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy During the Holidays

    Send us a text The lovely and talented Jennifer Smith returned for another conversation, this time focusing on  staying physically and emotionally healthy during the holidays.  Jenny is the director of lifestyle and nutrition at integrated diabetes, and also works as a registered dietitian, CDE and pump trainer. When this podcast was recorded, Christmas and New Year's were right around the corner followed by the season of resolutions. So we wanted to kick off our conversation with a few questions about staying physically and emotionally healthy during the holidays.  Featured on this Episode: Jennifer Smith RD, LD, CDCES Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Integrated Diabetes Services Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES, Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition, has lived with diabetes since childhood and has first-hand knowledge of diabetes management. She is passionate about achieving healthy nutrition and fitness goals while living with diabetes and in teaching others with diabetes to reach their goals. In 2009 she completed her first 70.3 triathlon, which brought a deeper understanding of athletic training requirements and the importance of nutrition to realize athletic goals. Women's health education is important to her and she works extensively with women to assist them in navigating the ins and outs of managing diabetes before, during and after pregnancy.  Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She is a Registered (and Licensed) Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and is an active member of the American Diabetes Association and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. She is a contributing author for DiabetesSisters and Diabetes Daily and a contributor to the Juicebox podcasts. Resources from this Episode Co-Author: Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month to Month guide to Blood Sugar Management https://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Type-Diabetes-Month-Month/dp/1544267347/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1490135930&sr=1-4 Podcast: https://www.juiceboxpodcast.com/diabetesprotip Thinking Like A Pancreas Blog - integrateddiabetes.com/blog/ Facebook:  Integrated Diabetes Services Twitter: @Integ_Diabetes www.integrateddiabetes.com

    30 min
4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Embracing Diabetes, a podcast that explores the many different ways people are living with diabetes in the world. Join co-hosts Amy Stockwell and Dr Liz Stephens, colleagues and friends who have lived with type one diabetes for decades. Liz and Amy launched Embracing Diabetes so they could talk to creative, smart, inspiring, and thoughtful people living with type one and share their stories with you! People with type one diabetes come in all shapes and sizes, but we share this one thing -- this frustrating, challenging, expensive chronic illness -- that binds us together and we are always stronger together. We hope you are as inspired by these interviews as we are.