Think Like A Pancreas...The Podcast!

Integrated Diabetes Services
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  • Updated Weekly

Living It. Teaching It. Transforming Diabetes Care Together! Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast is where diabetes expertise meets real-life experience. Hosted by a compassionate team of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists who live with type 1 diabetes, this show delivers practical guidance, the latest diabetes management strategies, and emotional support for those affected by diabetes. Our goal is simple: keep you informed, inspired, and yes, a little entertained as you navigate life with diabetes. In every episode, our clinicians provide listeners with actionable tips, honest conversations, and relatable stories. Subscribe today and join a community where diabetes care is personal because we live it too!

  1. 20h ago

    Think Like A Pancreas--Chapter 9: Taming highs and lows

    In episode 108 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Tavia Vital, RN, CDCES, sits down with author Gary Scheiner to discuss Chapter 9 of Think Like a Pancreas. Together, they take an honest look at the highs and lows that affect everyone living with diabetes and offer practical guidance for handling them safely. Throughout the conversation, Gary and Tavia emphasize that perfection is not the goal. Mild, infrequent highs and lows are a normal part of life with diabetes but understanding how to respond can make those moments less overwhelming. Listen to learn why dextrose is often the preferred treatment for hypoglycemia, what to expect after using glucagon, why extreme highs and lows should be rare, and when frequent episodes may be a sign that it is time to reassess your diabetes management plan. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️Speed matters when you are low. Consider foods that spike your blood sugar levels. ✔️ Highs and lows are normal, but if you are experiencing continuous high or low blood glucose levels, it is time to speak to someone about making changes in your diabetes management. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 03:57  Even the “Experts”  Have Highs and Lows 06:00 How NOT to Treat “Hypos from Hell” 08:47 Why Dextrose 11:50 The Real Dangers of Low Blood Glucose 14:23 What to Expect After Glucagon 16:26 Explaining a High Blood Sugar 18:11 But My Blood Glucose Level is Supposed to Rise 21:40 Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and Final Takeaways RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition https://integrateddiabetes.com/ids-packages/ Coping with Burnout in Diabetes Management: Strategies for Success   https://Integrateddiabetesservices.podbean.com/e/coping-with-burnout-in-diabetes-management/ CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  2. 4d ago

    Think Like a Pancreas: Chapter 8- 101 Variables (factors that raise & lower glucose)

    In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas—the Podcast, Dr. Paula Diab sits down with author, Gary Scheiner to discuss chapter eight of his book Think Like a Pancreas. This chapter looks at the daily challenges of living with diabetes and the many things that can influence blood glucose levels. From coffee to aging, mental exertion to weight changes, Paula and Gary share how some diabetes detective" work can effectively improve self-management. Listen to learn more from this insightful chapter from Think Like a Pancreas. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Dr Paula Diab MBChB, MFamMed, PhD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Managing type 1 diabetes is about the nearly impossible task of maintaining the equivalent of one teaspoon of sugar in your blood despite the many variables working against you. ✔️ Treat glucose management like detective work, looking beyond food and insulin to identify patterns across all these variables so adjustments can be made proactively.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:24 Why Identical Days Produce Different Glucose Results 05:17 A Never-ending List of Variables 07:50 Surprising Things That Impact on Glucose Levels 12:23 Body Rhythms and Their Impact on Blood Sugars 18:53 Medications that Raise Glucose Levels 23:06 If you can predict it, you can prevent it RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  3. Sep 1

    Think Like a Pancreas Chapter 7: In search of the PERFECT bolus (dosing, timing)

    In episode 106 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Jennifer Smith, RD, CDCES, sits down with author Gary Scheiner to unpack the key to a successful bolus. Together, they break down the six key factors discussed in Chapter 7 of Think Like a Pancreas that go into every dosing decision. Learn how insulin-to-carb ratio, correction dose, glucose trend and direction, insulin on board, physical activity, and timing all work together to help create a well-timed bolus. Together, these factors form a practical, real-world approach to the math—and the mindset—behind dosing insulin well. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Eating for a person with type 1 diabetes requires mathematical gymnastics. ✔️The perfect bolus won’t give perfect results every time, but it will put you in a position to succeed. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:52 The Steps to Figuring out a Bolus Dose 03:36 Insulin to Carb Ratio 7:24 Bolusing for All of the Components of Your Plate 08:53 The Correction Dose 10:41 Adjusting Your Bolus Based on the Direction of Your Blood Sugar 12:00 Insulin On Board 15:26 Physical Activity 19:20 Mastering the Timing of Your Insulin 22:41 The Value of Experimentation 25:24 Recap RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  4. Aug 28 ·  Bonus

    Think Like a Pancreas Chapter 6: Laying the Foundation (fine-tuning basal insulin)

    Basal insulin may not get the attention that bolus doses do, but it's the foundation every diabetes management plan is built on. In this bonus episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Jennifer Smith talks with author, Gary Scheiner and breaks down what basal insulin does, why needs vary throughout the day (and from person to person), and how to tell if your dose is right. You'll learn how to evaluate basal insulin using fasting blood sugar patterns, the difference between testing basal on injections versus insulin pumps, and why most people's basal needs make up 40–50% of their total daily insulin and much more. Whether you're on multiple daily injections or a pump, this episode will help you understand the "why" behind basal insulin dosing so you can build a stronger foundation for the rest of your diabetes management.   MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Basal insulin needs are not flat or the same across all times of day. ✔️ If your basal is set properly, your blood glucose values should be stable throughout the night.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:46 Your Basal is Your Foundation 04:10 How to Establish Your Correct Basal Dose of Insulin 05:31Basal Insulin on MDI vs an Insulin Pump 09:46 When Short Term Basal Rate Changes are Required 13:23 Finetuning Your Basal Rates 15:56 Recap RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  5. Aug 25

    Think Like a Pancreas: Chapter 5: Basal vs. Bolus (what, why, how)

    In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas—the Podcast, Jennifer Smith sits down with author, Gary Scheiner to discuss chapter five of his book Think Like a Pancreas. They break down the difference between basal and bolus insulin and then share why they are important and how they each work. Listen to learn more insights into this fundamental chapter from Think Like a Pancreas. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ Before anything else, ensure that you have your basal insulin set properly. It is the foundation on which all of your settings are built. ✔️ There can be a lot of value in using the right bolus insulin for the right situation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:11 The Restrictive Approaches of Insulins Past 04:46 Understanding Foundation Insulin 06:16 Is Your Basal Dose Correct? 07:48 The Differences in Basal Insulin Options 09:36  The Limitations of Injected  Basal Insulin 11:53 The Basal/Bolus Approach RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!   Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  6. Aug 21 ·  Bonus

    Think Like a Pancreas Chapter 4: The 3 Keys to Diabetes Management

    In this bonus episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Katlyn Agosta talks to author Gary Scheiner about the Three Keys to Diabetes Management. Listen to know what you need in your diabetes toolbox to successfully manage your diabetes. Understand the skills that will serve you well over the years, and hear just how important attitude is in maintaining your over all health. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Katlyn Agosta, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CDCES is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and nurse practitioner who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2002. She is currently rocking an automated insulin delivery system, but has years of personal and professional experience with a variety of diabetes management approaches. After earning her bachelor’s in nursing from George Mason University in 2010, Katlyn became a board-certified nurse practitioner in 2020 and provides primary care services locally for patients in Florida.   Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.   KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️Patterns require changes to your diabetes care, occurrences do not. ✔️Attitude, the right tools, and skills all work together to create optimal diabetes management.     CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:39 The Goal of Diabetes Management 02:42 The Three Keys to Diabetes Management 06:05 The Tools For Optimal Diabetes Care 12:14 The Skills Required 16:53 The Importance of a Positive Attitude 21:13 Gary’s Favourite Diabetes Tool 23:02 The Value of a Good Clinician RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition https://integrateddiabetes.com/ids-packages/ CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  7. Aug 18

    Think Like a Pancreas Chapter 3: The lowdown on insulin (what it is, how it works, options available)

    Understanding insulin is the foundation everything else in diabetes management builds on. In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas--the Podcast, Tavia Vital is joined by author, Gary Scheiner to break down the basics. They talk about how insulin actually works in the body (Gary's "key and lock" analogy), the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and why some people can have features of both at once. You'll learn the real purpose of basal insulin versus bolus insulin, why "waking up with a good number" doesn't necessarily mean your basal dose is right, and how the major factors — food, stress hormones, physical activity, and insulin — work together to raise or lower blood sugar.  Whether you're newly diagnosed or just want a refresher on the fundamentals, this episode lays the groundwork for everything else covered in Think Like a Pancreas. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.   Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️There are many types and sub-types of diabetes. ✔️ There are at least 11 different classes of medications for lowering glucose levels. ✔️ Basal insulin should keep blood glucose levels flat, while bolus insulin is used to cover food that is eaten. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:43 The Types of Diabetes 10:12 What Kind of Diabetes Do I Have? 11:48 Things That Impact Blood Glucose 17:26 The Role of Basal Insulin 19:12 Bolus Insulin 20:13 The Job of Insulin in the Body 22:16 Adjusting Insulin 24:38 The Most Important Chapter in Think Like a Pancreas   RESOURCES: Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition https://integrateddiabetes.com/ids-packages/ CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode! Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

  8. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    Think Like a Pancreas Chapter 2--Why are we doing this? (what's MEANINGFUL to be gained by managing one's diabetes)

    Chapter two of Think Like a Pancreas examines the motivation behind good glucose control. In this special episode, Dr. Paula Diab talks to author Gary Scheiner about the value of good glucose management now. Listen to learn why short-term benefits like better mood, energy, and focus are much more motivating than the fear of complications 20 years away, and why perfectionism has no place in diabetes management. MEET YOUR HOST AND HER GUEST: Dr Paula Diab MBChB, MFamMed, PhD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are. Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor. KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS: ✔️ The threat of complications that may occur in 20 years does not motivate improved glucose control. ✔️ Glucose control that is too tight can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. ✔️ About half of complication risk relates to blood sugar; the rest relates to genetics, lifestyle, environment, and unknown factors. Glucose management is the one piece within your control. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:23 The Positive Aspects of Diabetes Management 06:59 Why Short-Term Benefits Motivate More than Long-Term Complication Fears 12:49 The Impact of Poor Glucose Management 15:40 The Benefit of Proper Glucose Management 16:59 Learning from the Data 19:15 Closing Thoughts RESOURCES: Fear of Low Blood Sugars. Breaking it Down with Bill Polonsky   https://youtu.be/s3TtvAB409Y?si=oW15UoLwRHS9Vx6r Think Like A Pancreas - 4th edition   https://integrateddiabetes.com/store/think-like-a-pancreas-4th-edition   CONNECT WITH US: 🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com 🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook 🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/   or email info@integrateddiabetes.com SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW: If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!   Disclaimer The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

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Living It. Teaching It. Transforming Diabetes Care Together! Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast is where diabetes expertise meets real-life experience. Hosted by a compassionate team of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists who live with type 1 diabetes, this show delivers practical guidance, the latest diabetes management strategies, and emotional support for those affected by diabetes. Our goal is simple: keep you informed, inspired, and yes, a little entertained as you navigate life with diabetes. In every episode, our clinicians provide listeners with actionable tips, honest conversations, and relatable stories. Subscribe today and join a community where diabetes care is personal because we live it too!

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