Bad Diabetic Club

Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES | Type 1 Diabetes Expert Coach
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Bad Diabetic Club — the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re doing diabetes “wrong” or tired of one-size-fits-all advice. Hosted by Madi Cheever, a girlie with type 1 diabetes, dietitian nutritionist, and a type 1 diabetes expert coach, this show is all about ditching outdated rules, personalizing your care, and building a life you actually love. If the standard advice isn’t cutting it, your blood sugars feel chaotic, and you’re craving support that actually gets it — pull up a chair. You’re one of us now. Leave each episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

  1. 1D AGO

    Weight loss with Type 1 Diabetes can feel like a lot. Let’s talk about it.

    In this episode, Madi sits down with registered dietitian and diabetes care specialist Sarah Hormachea for an honest, practical conversation about weight management with t1d. If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or stuck when it comes to weight changes, insulin needs, or conflicting advice, you’re not alone. In many cases, weight loss with type 1 diabetes isn’t just about calories or willpower. It might involve hormones, insulin sensitivity, lows that force you to eat, tech adjustments, and a whole lot of mental load. Sarah helps break down what’s actually going on, and why traditional dieting advice doesn’t always translate well to t1d. Together, Madi and Sarah explore how a more personalized, compassionate approach might help many people feel safer, more supported, and more confident in their bodies. 📌 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ why weight management can look different with type 1 diabetes ✨ how insulin resistance can show up in t1d ✨ why aggressive calorie cutting or ultra low carb approaches might backfire for some people ✨ what “don’t feed the insulin” really means in real life ✨ how GLP-1 medications and microdosing are being discussed in the t1d community ✨ why backups, flexibility, and individualized care often matter more than perfection ✨ how mindset, support, and evidence-based guidance might reduce overwhelm Sarah also shares how clinical bias can affect care, why one-size-fits-all plans often miss the mark, and how clinicians and people living with t1d alike might benefit from looking at the whole picture, not just blood sugar or the scale. If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t responding the way it “should,” this episode might help you feel seen, validated, and a little less alone. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 🩷 Doors are OPEN for the Bad Diabetic ACADEMY waitlist - https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148742669 ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management.

    27 min

  2. FEB 11

    What Living Off Grid Taught Him About Managing Type 1 Diabetes

    Living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t automatically mean giving up adventure, travel, or time outdoors. In many cases, it just means learning how to prepare differently. In this episode of The Bad Diabetic Club, Madi sits down with Paul Reed, founder of Type 1 Outdoors and someone who has lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 40 years. From hiking and mountaineering to managing blood sugar miles from home, Paul shares what actually helps people build confidence outside, especially when fear has kept them stuck. Rather than focusing on restriction, this conversation explores how planning, mindset, and simple systems might make adventure feel more accessible for many people living with t1d. 📌In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨why preparation often matters more than courage with type 1 diabetes ✨how small, manageable steps might help rebuild confidence after fear or burnout ✨what to pack for outdoor activities, from short hikes to multi day trips ✨why backups for your backups can reduce mental load ✨how nature and time outdoors might support mental health for some people with chronic conditions ✨why living with type 1 diabetes does not have to mean living smaller Paul also shares how Type 1 Outdoors was created, what he’s seen help others feel more capable, and why community can play a powerful role in confidence and sustainability. If you’ve ever felt held back by fear of lows, tech failure, or being far from help, this conversation might help you think differently about what’s possible. Learn more about Paul and Type 1 Outdoors: https://www.typeoneoutdoors.com 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 🩷 Doors are OPEN for the Bad Diabetic ACADEMY waitlist - https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148742669 ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    27 min

  3. FEB 4

    17 Years Managing Type 1 Diabetes Alone - The ONE Thing That Changed Everything

    In this episode, Madi sits down with Michelle Hale, founder of Global Diabetic, to talk about what it was like managing diabetes in silence for nearly two decades and the one shift that changed everything. Michelle shares how hiding her diabetes didn’t actually make life easier. In many cases, it made the mental load heavier. From learning how to speak up for herself, to preparing for adventures like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to navigating pregnancy and motherhood with type 1 diabetes, this conversation explores what it really means to live fully while managing a chronic condition. They also talk about why visibility matters, how community can reduce shame, and why diabetes does not get to decide what kind of life you are allowed to live. Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager can feel isolating. You are expected to grow up fast, manage complex decisions on your own, and explain your condition to people who often do not understand it. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:✨What it’s really like managing type 1 diabetes alone for 17 years ✨Why hiding diabetes often increases the mental load instead of protecting you✨How finding community can completely change your confidence and quality of life✨Why speaking up for yourself is one of the most powerful diabetes tools you have✨How preparation creates freedom, not restriction✨The difference between living WITH diabetes vs. living FOR diabetes This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they had to manage diabetes quietly, perfectly, or alone. It is a reminder that thriving does not mean doing everything right. It means showing up, asking for support, and giving yourself permission to be human. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 🩷 DOORS are OPEN for the Bad Diabetic Club Academy - https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148742669 ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    23 min

  4. JAN 26

    Doctor Prevented Type 1 Diabetes After 40 Years - What Worked and What Every Family Should Know

    In this episode, Madi sits down with Dr. Larry Deeb, a pediatric endocrinologist with more than 40 years of experience caring for children with diabetes and a former president of the American Diabetes Association. Over 4 decades in practice, Dr. Deeb has witnessed diabetes care evolve from urine glucose testing to automated insulin delivery systems. But what he shares in this conversation goes far beyond technology. He walks through a recent case that may suggest type 1 diabetes can be delayed, and possibly prevented, in certain high risk situations when families are identified early and closely monitored. They discuss what antibody screening can reveal, how TrialNet works, and why early detection may matter for some families with a history of type 1 diabetes. Dr. Deeb also shares lessons learned from global diabetes care through Life for a Child, highlights the importance of collaboration between providers and patients, and explains why curiosity may be one of the most important traits in medicine. This conversation also explores the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in children, how early signs may sometimes be overlooked, and why perfection is never the goal when managing blood sugar. Dr. Deeb offers a powerful mindset shift that many people living with diabetes may find grounding, focusing on living with diabetes rather than for it. 📌 In this episode, you will learn ✨How diabetes treatment has changed over the last 40 years ✨What antibody screening may reveal before diagnosis ✨Why not everyone with antibodies develops type 1 diabetes ✨How early intervention might delay progression in some cases ✨The role of TrialNet for families with a history of type 1 diabetes ✨Key differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes in children ✨Why collaboration and perspective matter in diabetes care ✨How technology may continue to reduce the daily burden of management ✨Why time in range matters more than perfection ✨What it really means to live with diabetes instead of for it 🔗 Resources mentioned: TrialNet screening information may be helpful for families with a loved one who has type 1 diabetes. More information can be found at https://www.trialnet.org Learn more about Life for a Child at https://lifeforachild.org For additional diabetes education resources, visit https://directdiabetes.com This conversation may challenge the idea that diabetes management has to be rigid, overwhelming, or perfect to be successful. For many people, progress looks like curiosity, collaboration, and giving yourself permission to live your life while managing diabetes along the way. Hope, perspective, and optimism are woven throughout this episode, especially for families navigating uncertainty or newly diagnosed seasons. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 📚 Free book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun 🎙️ More episodes: https://typeonetypefun.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    33 min

  5. JAN 7

    The One Lesson You HAVE to know That Will Change Everything About Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode, you'll learn: Why "progress over perfection" isn't just a phrase - it's a survival strategy for Type 1 diabetesHow to stop chasing perfect A1Cs and start celebrating betterThe difference between goals, intentions, and systems (and why only systems actually work)Why you're not failing - your settings or your systems might just be wrongHow to redefine success on YOUR terms, not your endo's or Instagram'sThe one mindset shift that changed how Madi manages diabetes, shows up for T1D clients, and lives her life This episode is for you if: You're tired of feeling like you're failing at diabetesYou're chasing perfect numbers but losing yourselfYou're burned out from 180+ daily diabetes decisionsYou're doing this alone and exhaustedYou want to stop surviving and start thriving The Reality: Madi's a professional diabetic - registered dietitian, diabetes educator, 13 years with T1D. And she STILL has diabetes support. She still has 400 & 40 blood sugars. She still struggles. This disease doesn't care about credentials. It humbles all of us. But here's what changed everything this year: she stopped expecting herself to be perfect and started celebrating BETTER. Better than yesterday. Better than last month. Better than where she started. That's it. That's the whole lesson. And when she let go of perfection, she actually got better results. Her stress went down. Her blood sugar improved. She enjoyed life more. Here's what you'll walk away with: How to redefine what success means to YOU (not what your A1C says)Why celebrating small wins matters (yes, even pre-bolusing counts)How to stop comparing your chapter 3 to someone else's chapter 20Why you need a support system (and how to find yours)The difference between living WITH diabetes vs. living FOR diabetesT1Ds who thrive aren't the ones doing everything perfectly. They're the ones who keep going even when it's messy. Give yourself permission to be human. You're doing hard things every single day. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 📚 Free book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun 🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    20 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    Stop Waiting for January 1st: Your Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Reset Framework for Thriving in 2026

    Everyone waits for January 1st to make a change. Not us. Your reset starts NOW. 🎯 December isn't just holiday chaos. It's actually the perfect time to set yourself up so you're not scrambling in January feeling behind before you even start. Today I'm giving you the exact framework I use with my clients to prep for a new year of thriving with T1D, not just surviving. 🎯 The 5-Step Reset Framework: 1️⃣ Reflect Before You ResetYou can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. What worked this year? What didn't? What drained you most? What gave you energy? Did you have support or were you doing this alone? Write down ONE win and ONE struggle from 2025. That's it. Awareness is step one. 2️⃣ Check Your Settings AND Your SystemsBefore you set goals, let's make sure your foundation isn't cracked. When's the last time you reviewed your basal or long-acting insulin? Are your carb ratios working or are you constantly correcting? Is your correction factor actually correcting? Sometimes you're not failing. Your settings are just wrong. And sometimes your systems need a refresh too. 3️⃣ Set Intentions, Not Just GoalsGoals are great. But intentions are what actually change your life. The difference? A goal is "I want a lower A1C." An intention is "I want to feel confident and in control of my blood sugars." When you focus on how you want to FEEL, the actions become clearer. 4️⃣ Find Your SupportYou cannot do this alone. And honestly? You shouldn't have to. People who thrive with T1D have support. Period. They have people in their corner who understand the 3am alarms, the mental load, the invisible exhaustion. If you don't have someone you can text when diabetes is hard, 2026 needs to include finding your people. 5️⃣ Take Action in December (Not January)December isn't wasted time. It's prep time. Do the work now so in January you get to coast. Your New Year's resolution can literally just be maintaining what you built in December. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ How to reflect on 2025 without judgment (what worked, what didn't)✅ Why your settings AND systems both need a check before the new year✅ The difference between goals and intentions (and why it matters)✅ How to find support so you're not doing this alone in 2026✅ Why December is the BEST time to reset (not January 1st) This episode is for you IF: ✅ You're tired of starting every January feeling behind✅ You want 2026 to feel different but don't know where to start✅ You've been managing T1D alone and you're exhausted✅ You're ready to stop surviving and start thriving✅ You want a clear framework (not just motivation) The Reality: Type 1 diabetes is TOUGH. So are you. You're managing a disease that requires constant decisions just to LIVE. Give yourself more credit. Your gut feelings matter. Your struggles are valid. And you deserve support that actually works for YOUR life. Whether you're celebrating your own fresh start or supporting someone with T1D, this framework will give you the tools, mindset, and plan to make 2026 your best year yet. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 📚 Get my FREE book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book ✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun 🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    16 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Can't Figure Out Bolusing? Post-Meal Spikes? Fear of Lows? Here Are The Real T1D Solutions

    Diabetes Awareness Month brought SO many questions, DMs, emails, and conversations. And honestly? I'm here for it. Because the questions you're asking? They're the exact struggles that keep you stuck. The ones that make diabetes feel harder than it needs to be. So today I'm breaking down the TOP 5 things you asked about this month and giving you real, actionable solutions you can use starting right now. 🎯 The 5 T1D Struggles We're Solving Today: 1️⃣ Bolusing Confusion - Dosing, timing, amounts, pre-bolusing, rage bolusing, stacking insulin... all of it. If you're overwhelmed by when and how much insulin to take, this section is for you. 2️⃣ Food-Related Struggles - Can't eat pizza anymore? Struggling with carb counting? Trying to lose weight while managing blood sugar? Not sure how to handle "fun foods"? Let's fix it. 3️⃣ Post-Meal Spikes & Highs - Why do you spike after eating? Why does your automated mode pause insulin for too long? Why are you stuck at 200 for no reason? We're getting to the bottom of it. 4️⃣ Roller Coaster Blood Sugars - The inconsistency. The ups and downs. The "why does this meal work one day but not the next?" We're talking about what's ACTUALLY causing the chaos. 5️⃣ Fear of Going Low - You're scared to correct before bed. You overcorrect lows and end up high. You're paralyzed by the fear. Let's work through it together. 💡 Here's My Framework: If it works, great. You figured it out.If it doesn't work, ALSO great. Because now you have information. Your blood sugar isn't failing you. It's teaching you. Real Example: Let's say you go out for chicken alfredo (yes, I was hungry recording this 😅). You estimate 60 carbs, but the restaurant's nutrition info says 75. That's 2 units of difference for me. HUGE difference in how high I go and how long I stay there.So you take for 75 carbs. And then what happens? ✅ If it works - awesome, you nailed it ✅ If you stay at 200 - now you know you need more insulin next time ✅ If you go low - you took too much, adjust for next timeKnowledge is power. Your blood sugar is actively telling you what's working and what's not. 🔥 Key Takeaways: ✅ Either your SETTINGS are wrong (carb ratio, basal, correction factor) or your SYSTEM is wrong (your strategy, timing, approach) ✅ Quiz yourself on carb counts - it takes a few minutes upfront but saves you HOURS of frustration ✅ Your pump is smart. You are smarter. Don't let automation do all the thinking ✅ Fear of lows is valid - but how you handle it makes all the difference ✅ Sometimes things don't make sense... but there's ALWAYS a factor (sleep, stress, digestion, timing, etc.) This episode is for you IF: ✅ You're confused about bolusing and insulin timing ✅ You feel like you "can't eat" certain foods anymore ✅ Post-meal spikes are ruining your day ✅ Your blood sugars are all over the place with no pattern ✅ You're terrified of going low (especially at night) ✅ You're doing your best but feel stuckYou're not failing. You're learning. And learning isn't linear. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 📚 Grab my FREE book with hardcore T1D strategies (including the 42 factors chart, insulin math, and carb counting help): typeonetypefun.com/free-book 💬 DM me your questions: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun 🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.comStill have questions after listening? Reach out. I read every message and I'm here to help. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    28 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Metrics That Actually Matter with T1D: Stop Letting Your A1C Define You, It Isn't The Full Story

    Two people. Same 7.0% A1C. Completely different experiences. Person A spends their day bouncing between 60 and 250. Constantly correcting. Constantly treating lows. Exhausted from the roller coaster. Person B hangs out between 100 and 180 most of the day. Rarely going low. Feeling good. Living their life. Same A1C. Very different realities. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down why your A1C does NOT tell the whole story and why you need to stop letting that one number define your success with Type 1 diabetes. 💡 What You'll Learn: ✅ What A1C actually measures (and what it completely misses)✅ Why a "good" A1C can still mean burnout, restriction, and misery✅ The hidden danger of chasing a lower A1C at any cost✅ Time in range, time below range, and coefficient of variation explained✅ The questions to ask yourself that matter MORE than your A1C✅ How to reframe success with T1D (hint: it's not about perfection) This episode is for you if:✅ You leave your endo appointment feeling unseen despite a "good" A1C✅ You're exhausted from the blood sugar roller coaster✅ You've sacrificed quality of life for a decimal point✅ You're constantly chasing lows just to keep your A1C down✅ You need a reminder that you are MORE than a number Here's the truth: You can have a perfect A1C and be completely burned out. And you can have a slightly higher A1C with 75% time in range, minimal lows, and a life you actually enjoy living. Your A1C is useful information. But it's not the only information. And it's definitely not the most important information. You are so much more than a number 💙 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 📚 Get my FREE book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book💬 DM me: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun🎙️ More episodes at TypeOneTypeFun.com & https://directdiabetes.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Bad Diabetic Club — the podcast for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re doing diabetes “wrong” or tired of one-size-fits-all advice. Hosted by Madi Cheever, a girlie with type 1 diabetes, dietitian nutritionist, and a type 1 diabetes expert coach, this show is all about ditching outdated rules, personalizing your care, and building a life you actually love. If the standard advice isn’t cutting it, your blood sugars feel chaotic, and you’re craving support that actually gets it — pull up a chair. You’re one of us now. Leave each episode feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

Information

  • Creator
    Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES | Type 1 Diabetes Expert Coach
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES | Type 1 Diabetes Expert Coach
  • Show Website
    Bad Diabetic Club