The Long View - Living with Type 1 Diabetes

Ruth Collin

Want to know more about Type 1 Diabetes? Living with Type 1 Diabetes is often described as a full time job. Everything you eat, everything you do, how you feel, who you're supported by, your technology, your lifestyle - these all impact every decision you make. I'm Ruth Collin and I've had diabetes for 50 years. In this podcast I'll be speaking about the condition and with people who have Type 1 or who live with it through someone they love, care for or know. Do note, this is NOT medical advice. Please get expert advice before making any changes.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 11: Pete Lambert - Burnout, recovery and adventure with Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode of The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I’m talking to Pete Lambert about his extraordinary story of resilience, burnout and recovery. Diagnosed at just 18 months old, Pete has lived with Type 1 for more than 40 years. In this conversation he tells about the emotional and mental toll of long‑term diabetes management, including his experience of diabetes burnout — a period where the constant demands of the condition became overwhelming. Pete also opens up about one of his lowest points when he lost his sight for a month due to complications, and how, just three years later, he went on to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This episode explores both the challenges and the strength that can come from living with Type 1 Diabetes, and what it really takes to keep going. In this episode: Growing up with Type 1 from infancyThe reality of diabetes burnout and mental health strugglesThe impact of long-term diabetes managementExperiencing diabetic eye complications and temporary blindnessRebuilding confidence and finding motivation againClimbing Kilimanjaro and leading outdoor expeditionsWhy “bad days” with diabetes are normal — and how to move forwardPete’s message is simple but powerful: you can still achieve whatever you want with Type 1, as long as you take it one day at a time. If you want to find out more about Pete's walking group, visit DG Outdoor Adventures - Hiking - Guildford, England As always, this podcast does not offer medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare team before making any changes.

    38 min

  2. May 15

    Ep 10: Robyn Hawkins - Work, awareness and living with Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode of The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I’m talking to Robyn Hawkins, a researcher looking at how people manage Type 1 at work and at university. Her research looks at how the everyday realities often go unseen, from telling people about your diabetes, to handling hypos while commuting and coping in busy workplaces and shared spaces. Robyn tells us what her research reveals about stigma, awareness and the small changes that could make a big difference to people living and working with Type 1. In this episode: Managing Type 1 Diabetes at work and universityDisclosure, stigma and lack of awarenessThe mental load of constant decision‑makingPractical challenges, including food, spaces and schedulesWhy flexibility and support really matterI'm so pleased to have been able to talk to someone who isn't Type 1 themselves, but who is working to find out what it truly means to live with and manage Type 1 Diabetes in environments that aren't always designed for it. Because we all need a bit of help sometimes, right? As always, this podcast is not medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare team before making any changes.

    40 min

  3. Apr 26

    Ep 9: Gareth Squance - A father's response to Type 1: grief, data and hope

    In this episode of The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I’m talking to Gareth Squance, whose daughter Amelie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes just two months before we recorded. Gareth describes himself as a problem‑solver. And when Amelie was diagnosed aged 15, the family found themselves in an intense time of learning, grief, data overload and emotional adjustment. In this honest conversation, Gareth shares what those early weeks were really like, from the shock of diagnosis to finding ways to support his daughter without letting diabetes define her. This episode is a little different, as Gareth also turns the questions on me. We talk about the differences between a brand‑new diagnosis and living with Type 1 for 50 years and what both parents and young people need most in the early stages. We also talk about Project Amelie, a system Gareth built to bring together diabetes data, communication with clinical teams and emotional support. And why “letting yourself feel it” might be some of the most important advice of all. In this episode: A parent’s perspective on a sudden Type 1 diagnosisThe emotional rollercoaster of the early weeksGrief, data overload and learning hour by hourSupporting a teenager without letting diabetes become her identityUsing technology to simplify communication and careHope, uncertainty and looking aheadAs always, this podcast does not offer medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare team before making any changes.

    1 hr

  4. Apr 12

    Ep 8: Candyce Norris-Jenkins - Confidence, clarity, control and Type 1

    In this episode of The Long View: Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I’m delighted to be speaking to Candyce Norris Jenkins - life coach, speaker and mum, who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for more than 30 years. Diagnosed as a child, Candyce tells us about how she went from denial and burnout to facing serious complications, including diabetic eye disease and kidney failure. After two transplants and years of learning the hard way, she now helps other women move from simply surviving to truly thriving. We talk about motherhood, identity and the importance of putting your own “oxygen mask” on first - a concept that could change the way you think about self-care. Candyce tells us about: Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a childThe emotional impact of growing up with diabetesIgnoring diabetes in her teens and the consequences later in lifeLiving with complications and undergoing two kidney transplantsPregnancy and motherhood after transplantThe challenges of balancing diabetes and family lifeHer “oxygen mask theory” and what thriving really meansBuilding confidence, clarity and control in daily lifeSupporting other mums through coaching and communityWhether you’re living with Type 1, caring for someone who is, or feeling stuck in burnout, this episode is full of honesty, insight and encouragement. Resources & Links: The Diabetic Mom Coach: www.thediabeticmomcoach.com Contact me: thelongviewt1@gmail.com And visit my website: The Long View - Living With Type 1 with Ruth CollinFollow The Long View wherever you get your podcasts for more real-life stories and conversations about living with Type 1 Diabetes.

    44 min

  5. Mar 28

    Ep 7: Sam Walsh - Parenting Type 1 Diabetes, one step at a time

    In this episode of The Long View - Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I'm speaking to Sam Walsh about life as a parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes. Sam’s son Eli was diagnosed at just 10 years old and she tells us about the shock of those early days, the steep learning curve that followed and how their whole family adapted to a completely new normal. From navigating school life and technology to handling emergencies from miles away, Sam talks really honestly about the emotional and practical realities of parenting a child with Type 1. Her story is one of resilience, community and learning to let go, while still keeping a watchful eye. In this episode, we cover: Eli’s diagnosis and the early days of managing type 1 diabetesThe emotional impact on parents and family lifeSchool challenges, support, and advocating for your childTechnology, independence and staying connectedA terrifying school trip abroad - and what it taught themWhy finding your community is so importantFind out more about podcast on my website, www.thelongviewt1.com. I connected with Sam through the Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes in the UK Facebook group which is here: (20+) Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes In The UK | Facebook

    40 min

  6. Mar 15

    Ep 6: Milly Williams - Influencer, researcher and how not to lose yourself to Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode of The Long View – Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I'm talking to Milly Williams, creator of the Instagram account Diabetes with Milly. Diagnosed during her final year at university, Milly transformed her diagnosis into a new role as an influencer and a researcher improving life for others living with Type 1. From sharing her experiences online to researching exercise physiology and women’s health in relation to diabetes, Milly discusses how community, curiosity and resilience helped her rebuild her identity after diagnosis. In this episode: Milly’s diagnosis story – discovering Type 1 Diabetes during university How the online diabetes community helped her deal with the loneliness of early diagnosisTurning social media into a platform for education, support and shared experiencesResearch into exercise, nocturnal hypoglycaemia and the surprising impact of sleep lossWhy women’s health, exercise, hormones and Type 1 Diabetes remain under-researched – and why Milly wants to change thatMilly also shares powerful advice for anyone struggling with Type 1: your condition is not your identity – you are still the person you were before diagnosis. Follow Milly on Instagram: @diabeteswithmilly

    35 min

  7. Feb 28

    Ep 5: Phil Southerland - Diabetes Chooses Champions

    In this powerful episode of The Long View, I’m joined by Phil Southerland. He's the CEO and co-founder of Team Novo Nordisk, the world's first all Type 1 professional cycling team. Phil was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just seven months old and told he wouldn’t live past 25. Instead, Phil built the team to prove that diabetes doesn’t limit champions - it creates them. We talk about resilience, elite sport, mental health and why Phil believes diabetes has been his greatest gift. In this episode, we cover: Phil’s extraordinary Type 1 diagnosis story How elite athletes with Type 1 manage insulin, CGMs and race-day performance The story of Team Novo Nordisk Why community, purpose and mental health matter just as much as race results Phil’s powerful message: “Diabetes only chooses the champions.” Resources and links: Team Novo Nordisk website: All-Diabetes Pro Cycling Team | Type 1 Diabetes | Team Novo Nordisk Team Novo Nordisk on LinkedIn: (13) Team Novo Nordisk: Posts | LinkedIn Phil's book, "Not Dead Yet", available on Amazon: Not Dead Yet: My Race Against Disease: From Diagnosis to Dominance : Amazon.co.uk: Books Team Novo Nordisk film, " Ride for your L1fe" on YouTube: Team Novo Nordisk: Ride For Your L1fe - YouTube Contact Ruth on thelongviewt1@gmail.com

    45 min

  8. Feb 15

    Ep 4: Dr Claudia Berty - From new mum to GP with Type 1

    In this episode of The Long View - Living with Type 1 Diabetes, we hear from Dr Claudia Berty, she's a GP, a mother and has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 37 years. Diagnosed shortly after the birth of her first child, Claudia tells us about how she managed motherhood, medical school, hospital shift work and how she's now using functional medicine both with patients and in her own health. In this episode we find out about: - Being diagnosed shortly after giving birth - Juggling shift work and fear of hypos - Running high sugars to cope as a junior doctor - Looping, low-carb eating and evolving technology - The impact of menopause on blood glucose - Why changing one thing at a time matters This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about resilience, responsibility and taking the long view with Type 1 Diabetes. This podcast does not provide medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment. Resources: For Claudia's cheat sheet on functional medicine, you can email her on info@newlifefunctionalhealth.com. To make an appointment with Claudia and find out more about functional medicine, visit her website, www.newlifefunctionalhealth.com. To make a GP appointment with Claudia, please visit www.dutydoctor.com. If you'd like to appear on this podcast, please contact me on thelongviewt1@gmail.com.

    35 min

  9. Feb 8

    Ep 3: Marcus Davies - Ironman, Trainer, Type 1 Diabetic

    Marcus Davies was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021 after a serious accident - and he didn’t let it slow him down. Starting with just 30 minutes of advice from a diabetes nurse, Marcus is now a full time trainer and Ironman athlete. In this episode Marcus shares how he balances extreme fitness, blood sugar management and everyday life with type 1. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How Marcus fuels himself during a 10-hour Ironman (yes, with pork pies!) - His daily routine as a personal trainer while managing Type 1 - How he helps others with diabetes at his gym - Tips for staying motivated, managing blood sugar and keeping “in the game” A story of resilience, planning, and determination - proof that Type 1 doesn’t define you. Resources Mentioned: A Golden Age by Sir Steve Redgrave Novo Nordisk Pro Cycling Team (LinkedIn) Transcript: Podcast Episode 3: Marcus Davies - Trainer, Ironman, Type 1 Diabetic

    27 min

  10. Feb 8

    Ep 2: Gemma George - Life, Love and Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode of The Long View: Living with Type 1 Diabetes, I'm delighted to be speaking to Gemma George, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in her 30s, just months after getting married. She tells us about her dramatic diagnosis, the challenges of managing diabetes during pregnancy and her experiences as a mother to her healthy baby boy. Gemma shares her experiences with: - Recognising the early symptoms of Type 1 diabetes as an adult - Dealing with pregnancy and birth with diabetes - Managing blood sugars during breastfeeding and the early days at home - Adjusting her career to support her health and family life - Practical tips for travel, insulin management and living life fully with type 1 Whether you’re living with type 1, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about the day-to-day realities of life with diabetes, this episode offers insight, encouragement and real-life stories. Resources & Links: Basking Babies classes: baskingbabies.co.uk/Maldon Episode notes and transcript: Episode 2: Gemma George - Life, love and Type 1 Contact Ruth: thelongviewt1@gmail.com Follow The Long View wherever you get your podcasts for more stories and insights from people living with type 1 diabetes.

    39 min

  11. Feb 8

    Ep 1 : Ruth Collin - Mother, Podcaster, Type 1 Diabetic

    Welcome to The Long View — a podcast about living with Type 1 Diabetes. I’m Ruth Collin, and I’ve lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 50 years. Diagnosed at the age of five, I’ve grown up with this condition and lived through everything from glass syringes to today’s closed-loop systems. In this first episode, I explain why I’ve created this podcast and what I mean by The long view — because Type 1 isn’t a phase or a chapter, it’s forever. We’ll talk honestly about: - Daily life with Type 1 diabetes - Hypos, technology, work, family and support - The mental load and constant decision-making - Living well with a condition that never switches off This podcast is for people with Type 1, their friends and family, and anyone who wants to understand what life with Type 1 is really like. 🎧 Please remember this podcast is not medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare team before making changes to your diabetes management. 📩 Get in touch: thelongviewt1@gmail.com📝 Transcript: Episode 1: Me - Mother, Podcaster, T1 50 years Follow The Long View wherever you get your podcasts.

    18 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Want to know more about Type 1 Diabetes? Living with Type 1 Diabetes is often described as a full time job. Everything you eat, everything you do, how you feel, who you're supported by, your technology, your lifestyle - these all impact every decision you make. I'm Ruth Collin and I've had diabetes for 50 years. In this podcast I'll be speaking about the condition and with people who have Type 1 or who live with it through someone they love, care for or know. Do note, this is NOT medical advice. Please get expert advice before making any changes.

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