The Healthy Diabetic

Coach Ken Kniss
  • 4.6 (17)
  • 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. 3d ago

    #369: I Skipped My Basal Insulin for 2 Days at Diabetes Camp — Here's What Happened...

    Ken just returned from diabetes camp and Graham had questions. Lots of them. What started as a catch-up conversation turned into one of the most relatable episodes Ken and Graham have recorded — because at the heart of it is something every person with Type 1 diabetes knows intimately: the moment your normal routine disappears, diabetes gets unpredictable fast. Ken breaks down what it actually looked like to manage his blood sugar during camp — the increased physical activity, the completely different food environment, and why he went the first two days without taking any basal insulin at all. It's a real-world example of something Ken coaches his clients through constantly — that diabetes management isn't a fixed system. It's a living, breathing process that has to flex with your life. From there the conversation shifts into nutrition — and this is where Ken gets personal. He's currently trying to identify which foods are inflaming his digestive system, why bloating and inflammation are directly connected to insulin resistance, and why reading the ingredient list matters far more than reading the nutrition label. Graham shares his own grocery habits, the Fairlife protein shakes he swears by, and — in a moment of perfect irony — admits they might be the very thing making him feel bloated every night. This one is warm, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation you'd have with two friends who happen to know more about diabetes than almost anyone else you'll ever meet. 🔑 Key Takeaways What diabetes camp actually looks like — and why Ken recommends it for every young diabeticWhy Ken skipped basal insulin for the first two days of camp and what that tells us about activity and blood sugarHow to adjust your insulin ratios when your daily routine changes significantlyWhy inflammation is one of the most underrated factors in insulin resistanceThe difference between reading nutrition labels and reading ingredient lists — and why one matters far moreHow dairy, processed protein shakes, and convenience foods can quietly inflame your systemWhy what works nutritionally for one diabetic may be causing problems for anotherWhere to find diabetes camps across the US and Canada — and why Ken wants to start oneYour diabetes management is only as good as its ability to adapt. When your routine changes — whether it's camp, travel, or just a different week — your insulin needs change too. The goal isn't a perfect plan. It's a plan that can adapt. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HereIf 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's ever wondered whether intermittent fasting is worth trying with Type 1 diabetes. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #369: I Skipped My Basal Insulin for 2 Days at Diabetes Camp — Here's What Happened...

  2. 6d ago

    #368: Heart Rate, Heat & Hard Diabetes Truths — The Exercise Episode Every Diabetic Needs to Hear

    It started with a deceptively simple question — do you burn more calories when it's hot outside? The real truth is that sweating has nothing to do with calorie burn. Heart rate has everything to do with it. Graham and Ken discuss their thoughts about how aerobic and anaerobic exercise can help your blood sugar stability and insulin sensitivity. Which is better for your diabetes? From there the episode goes wide. Ken walks through the five heart rate zones, explains why zone two aerobic training (cardio) is where fat burning actually happens, and makes the case for why building your aerobic capacity is the foundation of long-term physical health — especially with Type 1 diabetes. Graham challenges, questions, and pushes back in all the right ways, and the conversation gets more interesting with every exchange. Then things get real. Moving from alcohol, addiction, and what it truly takes to change one's behavior. The conversation then moves into worldviews, personal responsibility, instant gratification, and why knowing what you should do and actually taking action are two entirely different things. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why sweating has nothing to do with calorie burn — and what actually doesHow heat affects your heart rate and why it makes exercise harder than it looksThe five heart rate zones and what each one means for your blood sugarWhy zone two cardio is where fat burning happens and why it matters for diabeticsWhat your aerobic and anaerobic thresholds are and why they change everything about how you trainHow alcohol hijacks your liver's ability to regulate blood sugar — and what to do about itWhy high intensity exercise drops blood sugar fast and how to manage itWhy knowing what you should do and actually doing it are two completely different challengesExercise is one of the most powerful tools a Type 1 diabetic has — but only if you understand what it's actually doing to your blood sugar. Knowing your heart rate zones isn't just fitness knowledge. For a diabetic, it's diabetes management. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HereIf 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's ever wondered whether intermittent fasting is worth trying with Type 1 diabetes. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #368: Heart Rate, Heat & Hard Diabetes Truths — The Exercise Episode Every Diabetic Needs to Hear

  3. Jul 17

    #367: Does Intermittent Fasting Actually Work for Diabetics?

    It started with a simple question — does intermittent fasting live up to the hype? Ken and Graham both have opinions. And as usual, those opinions don't fully line up. Ken makes the case that the real benefits of intermittent fasting don't kick in until you hit that 16 to 18 hour window — and that for diabetics specifically, the morning hours are full of landmines that can derail a fast before it even gets started. Blood sugar drops during a morning workout, coffee, treating a low — any of these technically breaks the fast and changes the equation entirely. Graham takes a different angle. He's not opposed to intermittent fasting in theory, but his relationship with food goes far deeper than timing windows and eating schedules. And that's where the conversation takes a turn nobody saw coming. What starts as a nutrition debate evolves into one of the most honest conversations Ken and Graham have had about food, culture, identity, and how the way you were raised shapes everything about how you eat — including how you manage your blood sugar. Graham introduces a phrase that might just end up on a t-shirt — TFD for life — and explains what it means to live with a diabetes philosophy that was forged not just by medical advice, but by culture, family, and lived experience. This one goes places. And it's better for it. 🔑 Key Takeaways What intermittent fasting actually is — and when the real benefits start kicking inWhy the 16 to 18 hour fasting window matters more than most people realizeThe specific challenges intermittent fasting creates for Type 1 diabeticsWhy morning exercise and blood sugar management can derail a fast before it startsHow food culture and upbringing shape diabetes management in ways medicine doesn't account forWhy what works for one diabetic may never work for another — and why that's okayKen's honest take on GLP-1 medications and where they fit in a diabetes management strategyWhy looking in the mirror and being honest with yourself is the foundation of everythingWhat works for one person with diabetes may never work for another — and that's not failure, that's individuality. The goal isn't to follow someone else's plan. It's to understand your own body and how diabetes is going to fit into your life so you can take control of your LIFE.   Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HereIf 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's ever wondered whether intermittent fasting is worth trying with Type 1 diabetes. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #367: Does Intermittent Fasting Actually Work for Diabetics?

  4. Jul 14

    #366: Unfiltered Debate - Pre-Bolusing, Hard Truths & Two T1D's Who See Everything Differently

    It started as a straightforward question — what are three things you do consistently well as a diabetic, and three things you wish you did better? Ken leads with pre-bolusing — the timing of insulin before meals — and makes the case that it is arguably the single most important habit in Type 1 Diabetes management outside of taking the correct amount of insulin. What follows is over 50 minutes of two people who genuinely respect each other but see diabetes management, coaching philosophy, personal accountability, and what it means to THRIVE with this condition through completely different lenses. The conversation gets heated and their views clash like thunder across the diabetes community. They debate weight management and whether the number on the scale actually matters. They get into what real consistency looks like — and why it's far easier to talk about than to actually take action. They disagree on how hard truths should be delivered and whether compassion or directness is the more powerful tool. Ken and Graham's different personalities, values, and philosophies collide like never before — raw, real, and unlike anything they've recorded before. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why pre-bolusing is arguably the most important habit in Type 1 diabetes managementHow to pre-bolus strategically even when you don't know how much you're going to eatWhy consistency is easier said than done — and what it actually takes to build itThe debate over whether body weight is a meaningful metric for diabeticsHow Ken's coaching mindset shapes every aspect of how he manages diabetes and lifeWhy Graham's competitive instinct drives his diabetes control in ways most people can't replicateWhat sports taught both Ken and Graham about hard work, honesty, and resilienceWhy you already know if you're not doing the things you should be doingYou know if you're not pre-bolusing. You know if you're not sleeping enough. You know if you're not exercising. You know if you're eating crap. You always know. And if you don't — that's your open invitation to start learning. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HerePodcast 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #366: Unfiltered Debate - Pre-Bolusing, Hard Truths & Two T1D's Who See Everything Differently

  5. Jul 10

    #365: Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Cured? — What It Means for the Diabetes Community

    In today's episode, the conversation leads into something Ken feels deeply — the frustration of hearing people claim that Type 1 diabetes can be cured. As an autoimmune condition, Type 1 operates differently than Type 2, and the constant lumping together of both conditions by researchers, politicians, and the media creates real harm for people navigating the daily reality of living insulin dependent. Ken makes the case for why the principles of good health apply to everyone — but the mechanisms, and especially the medication piece, are not the same. Then the episode shifts into one of the most practical conversations Ken and Graham have had — the real tradeoffs between wearing a CGM and going without one. Graham has chosen to step away from CGM and rely on finger sticks and MDI, and Ken respects that. But he also gets honest about what that choice means when it comes to getting meaningful support from your endocrinologist. Without continuous data, your doctor is working with a handful of snapshots. With it, they can see the full picture — and that changes everything about the quality of care you can receive. 🔑 Key Takeaways What happened at the ADA conference and why researchers were removedWhy the claim that Type 1 diabetes can be cured is so triggering for the communityHow the five pillars of health apply to everyone — diabetic or notThe key difference between Type 1 and Type 2 that gets overlooked constantlyWhy CGM data changes what your doctor can actually do for you in a 15-minute appointmentThe real tradeoffs of going CGM-free — and when it makes senseHow to advocate for yourself at a doctor's appointment without continuous dataWhy Ken is launching a new series called Diabetes ConfessionsYour doctor can only support you with the information you give them. The more data you bring to the table — whether from a CGM or careful self-monitoring — the better equipped they are to actually help you. Your care is only as good as your data. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HereIf 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 to hear an honest conversation about diabetes advocacy and what real support actually looks like. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #365: Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Cured? — What It Means for the Diabetes Community

  6. Jul 8

    #364: No Finish Line — How to Find Peace Living with Type 1 Diabetes

    Every person with Type 1 diabetes has a date that changed their life forever. Ken and Graham get into whether we should celebrate it, fear it, or somewhere in between — and what your answer says about your relationship with this condition. It started with a simple question — do you know your diaversary? For Ken it's sometime in late June. For Graham it's around February 15th, the same month his family company was founded and named after him. But beyond the dates themselves, the question opened up one of the most honest conversations Ken and Graham have had about what it actually means to live with Type 1 diabetes for decades. Should we celebrate our diaversaries? Is it healthy to mark the day your life changed forever — or does it keep us tethered to a moment that's better left behind? Ken and Graham explore both sides of that coin and land somewhere that will resonate with anyone who has spent years navigating the emotional complexity of this condition. From there the conversation moves into one of the biggest questions in the Type 1 community — will there ever be a cure? Ken shares his honest perspective on what focusing on a cure does to your mental state, why he chooses to live in the present rather than wait for a finish line that may or may not come, and why that mindset shift is one of the most powerful things a person with diabetes can make. This one is equal parts honest, emotional, and grounding. It's exactly what the diabetes community needs to hear. 🔑 Key Takeaways What a diaversary is and why so many people in the diabetes community mark itWhy your relationship with your diagnosis date says a lot about your mindsetHow to approach the diaversary with positivity rather than grief or negativityWhy focusing on a diabetes cure can quietly fuel burnout and stall your lifeThe difference between advocating for a cure and waiting for oneWhy celebrating small wins in diabetes management matters more than most people thinkHow positive reinforcement — from your endo, your community, or yourself — changes everythingWhy giving yourself grace is one of the most underrated tools in diabetes managementYou can advocate for a cure and still choose to live fully right now. Waiting for a finish line that isn't guaranteed is a fast road to burnout — but celebrating the small wins, your  decisions, and the progress you've already made is a path to confidence. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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🎙 Keep the Podcast going - Donate Today: Contribute HereIf 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 a reminder that they're doing better than they think. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #364: No Finish Line — How to Find Peace Living with Type 1 Diabetes

  7. Jul 3

    #363: CGMs, Closed Loop Systems & The Future of Type 1 Diabetes Technology

    Diabetes technology is evolving faster than most people realize — and Ken and Graham break down exactly what that means for your day-to-day management. Plus, Ken closes with something every person living with diabetes needs to hear right now. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why Type 2 diabetics have historically not been prescribed CGMs — and how that's changingWhat the Dexcom Stelo and Abbott's new sensor mean for the broader diabetes populationWhy the explosion of diabetes technology companies is a sign of a major industry shiftWhat a true closed loop system actually is — and why what we've been calling one isn'tWhat Omnipod, Tandem, and Medtronic are working on that will change Type 1 managementKey findings from the 2026 ADA Conference and why it was one of the biggest yetWhy giving yourself grace is one of the most important parts of diabetes managementHow to reach out when diabetes feels isolating and overwhelmingThis condition is hard enough without constantly being in your own head. Give yourself grace, lean on your community, and remember that progress — not perfection — is the goal. Additional Resources Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST — Tune in Here🎯 5 Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor — Free 5-Day Experience🌐 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 HereIf 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 to hear that they're not alone in their diabetes journey. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #363: CGMs, Closed Loop Systems & The Future of Type 1 Diabetes Technology

  8. Jun 30

    #362: Why Everything You've Been Told About GLP-1 Might Be Wrong - (LIVE-028)

    Graham walked out of his endocrinologist appointment with two things nobody saw coming — a brand new insulin delivery patch and an Ozempic prescription. Ken had questions. A lot of them. First up is the CEQUR Simplicity insulin patch — a band-aid sized device that holds up to 200 units of insulin and delivers two units per click. No app, no screen, no tubing. Just insulin on your body, ready when you need it. Ken and Graham break down who this actually makes sense for and how it fits into a real insulin management strategy. Then comes the Ozempic conversation. Ken digs into what GLP-1 medications actually do biologically in Type 1 diabetes, why the way they're being marketed to the public is dangerously oversimplified, and why the reason you're taking it matters just as much as the medication itself. And somewhere in between — BMI. Why Ken thinks it's one of the most misleading metrics in medicine, and what should actually be happening at the point of a diabetes diagnosis. Two Type 1 diabetics. Nearly 50 years of lived experience. Zero sugarcoating. 🔑 Key Takeaways What the CEQUR Simplicity insulin patch is and how it actually worksWho benefits most from a two-unit click-delivery insulin systemWhy Graham's endocrinologist recommended Ozempic — and what that means for T1DWhat GLP-1 medications actually do biologically versus how they're marketedWhy the dose and the reason behind taking Ozempic matters enormouslyWhy Ken believes BMI is one of the least useful metrics in medicineThe difference between a pre-diabetes diagnosis and a single elevated readingWhy every diabetes diagnosis should include a 7-14 day follow-up and a glucose monitorHow to think about new diabetes technology as the CEO of your own healthAdditional Resources: Watch our LIVE episodes Mondays & Wednesdays @2pm EST - Tune in Here🎯 The 5-Lessons You Can't Learn From Your Doctor" - A 5-day all-encompassing educational experience - ITS-FREE🌐 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. 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. Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Support the show

    #362: Why Everything You've Been Told About GLP-1 Might Be Wrong - (LIVE-028)
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4.6
out of 5
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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
    368
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Healthy Diabetic
  • Show Website
    The Healthy Diabetic

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