Navigating College with Type 1 Diabetes – A New Podcast Series to Guide You!
Heading off to college is a monumental step for any young adult, but for those with type 1 diabetes, it comes with unique challenges. That’s why we created a comprehensive three-part series on The Juicebox Podcast to equip students and their families with the tools, strategies, and insights they need for a successful transition. Whether it's managing accommodations, handling medical supplies, or dealing with the dreaded low blood sugars, this series has you covered.
Part 1: The Essentials of College Accommodations
In the first episode, Andrea Lafleche, a diabetes advocate and former higher education professional, unpacks the world of college accommodations. Learn about navigating FERPA (the HIPAA of education), advocating for reasonable accommodations, and setting up systems to support your diabetes management on campus. From fridge policies to the importance of ADA-protected stop-the-clock testing, this episode is your roadmap to setting a strong foundation. - Listen on your favorite audio app or online.
Part 2: Building Self-Advocacy and Communication Skills
College is about independence. In this episode, we focus on empowering students to take the reins of their care while navigating complex relationships with parents and college staff. Andrea shares invaluable advice about working with disability services, communicating with professors, and even prepping peers or roommates about emergency protocols like glucagon use. - Listen on your favorite audio app or online.
Part 3: Staying Safe and Prepared on Campus
Finally, we tackle the everyday realities of living on campus with diabetes, including low blood sugar management, food challenges in dining halls, and navigating late-night emergencies. From stocking glucose tabs to ensuring roommates understand critical signs of trouble, Andrea offers practical advice to ensure safety without compromising the college experience. - Listen on your favorite audio app or online.
This series isn't just about tips—it's about fostering confidence. Whether you’re a parent sending your child off for the first time or a student wanting to conquer campus life with diabetes, this series provides actionable insights for everyone. Listen to these episodes now and share them with anyone you think could benefit from this life-changing advice.
Caregiving, Connection, and Coping – Inside the Juicebox Podcast's Caregiver Burnout Series
Caring for someone with type 1 diabetes is an incredible act of love, but it’s also a journey marked by stress, isolation, and emotional weight. The Juicebox Podcast, hosted by Scott Benner, dives deep into these challenges in a compelling new series on caregiver burnout. In partnership with Erika Forsyth, a licensed therapist and long-time advocate for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community, this series offers an honest exploration of the emotional toll caregiving takes—and practical tools for navigating it.
The first episode sets the stage with stories of connection, vulnerability, and validation. Erika recalls speaking at a T1D conference and witnessing the powerful bond between caregivers who finally felt seen and understood. These moments inspired the series, which aims to create a similar safe space for listeners through the podcast.
A major focus is the concept of "chronic sorrow", a grief unique to caregiving for a chronic illness. Erika explains how this sorrow ebbs and flows, often resurfacing during life’s milestones or challenges, like a child’s first birthday party after diagnosis or navigating TSA with diabetes supplies. These moments can isolate caregivers and leave them stuck in cycles of frustration and sadness.
Scott and Erika tackle heavy topics with warmth and relatability, balancing hard truths with hopeful insights. The episode doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions: How do we grieve without a timeline? How can caregivers avoid burnout while supporting their loved ones? And what tools can turn moments of despair into opportunities for growth?
Through shared stories and research-backed strategies, this series empowers caregivers to redefine self-care. Erika introduces tools like the "Dear Diabetes Letter," a reflective exercise to release pent-up emotions, and emphasizes the importance of finding community—whether through local groups or the Juicebox Podcast’s thriving online network. These spaces remind caregivers they’re not alone, offering emotional validation and practical guidance.
This episode is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline for anyone caring for someone with T1D. Whether you’re new to caregiving or a seasoned pro, Scott and Erika’s thoughtful discussion provides clarity, comfort, and actionable advice. Tune in to hear stories that will resonate deeply and tools that will help lighten the load. Caregiving isn’t easy, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be lonely.
Dexcom G7 iPhone Lock Screen Widget
The Dexcom G7 widget offers quick access to your glucose readings right from your iPhone’s home screen. Here's a straightforward guide to help you set it up:
Step 1: Check Device Compatibility
Before setting up the widget, ensure your device meets the requirements:
iOS 14 or later
A compatible iPhone (Check Dexcom's website for a full list of supported models.)
Step 2: Update the Dexcom G7 App
Make sure you have the latest version of the Dexcom G7 app installed:
Open the App Store.
Search for Dexcom G7 and check for available updates.
Step 3: Add the Dexcom G7 Widget to Your Home Screen
Once your app is updated:
Long press on any empty spot on your home screen until the apps start to wiggle.
Tap the plus (+) button in the top-left corner.
Use the search bar or scroll until you find Dexcom G7.
Select the widget size (small, medium, or large) and tap Add Widget.
Position it where you want and tap Done to finalize.
Step 4: Customize the Widget
To personalize the widget display:
Tap and hold the widget until a menu pops up.
Select Edit Widget to adjust the look and the data displayed.
Step 5: Monitor in Real-Time
With the widget now on your home screen, you can easily view your glucose levels at a glance. The widget updates automatically with data from your Dexcom G7 sensor, keeping you informed without needing to open the app.
Grand Rounds: Hospitals, Urgent Care And Initial Contact
Tear sheet from Juicebox Podcast episode #1097
Grand Rounds: Hospitals, Urgent Care And Initial Contact
Scott Benner and Jennifer Smith RD, LD, CDCES share diabetes insights for clinicians who want to do better...
Key takeaways for physicians:
Physicians should recognize the importance of providing accurate and clear information to patients with diabetes.
It is crucial for physicians to understand the mental trauma that can accompany a diabetes diagnosis and to provide a supportive and empathetic environment.
Physicians should be aware of the limitations of their knowledge and expertise in diabetes management and should refer patients to specialists when necessary.
It is important for physicians to communicate to patients that diabetes management is a dynamic process and that treatment plans may need adjustments over time.
Physicians should avoid scare tactics or overly negative information when discussing diabetes with patients, as it can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety.
Physicians should encourage patients to be proactive in seeking out resources and education about diabetes, both from their healthcare team and from reputable online sources.
Physicians should be open to learning from patients who may have a deeper understanding of their own diabetes management and should be willing to collaborate with patients in developing treatment plans.
Physicians should strive to provide comprehensive care for patients with diabetes, including addressing both physical and mental health needs.
Physicians should be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on patients and should strive to provide clear and accurate information in a compassionate manner.
Physicians should recognize the importance of ongoing education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in diabetes management.
Key takeaways for patience:
Patients should expect and demand good care from their physicians.
It is important for clinicians to provide accurate and clear information to newly diagnosed patients.
Clinicians in emergency rooms and urgent care settings may not have specialized knowledge about diabetes, so it is important for patients to advocate for themselves and seek specialized care.
Newly diagnosed patients should understand that diabetes management is a dynamic process and their treatment plan may need adjustments over time.
It is crucial for clinicians to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for patients, as a diabetes diagnosis can be mentally traumatic.
Patients should be proactive in seeking out resources and education about diabetes, whether through their healthcare team or online communities.
Advocating for oneself and effectively communicating with healthcare professionals is essential for receiving appropriate care and treatment.
Patients should be aware that not all healthcare professionals may have a deep understanding of diabetes, and it is important to seek out specialists who can provide comprehensive care.
Patients should be cautious of scare tactics or overly negative information about diabetes, as it can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety.
It is important for patients to be actively involved in their diabetes management and to continuously educate themselves about the condition.
Listen to the full episode
Timestamps:
[00:03:12] Emergent situations in diabetes diagnosis.
[00:06:42] Predisposing newly diagnosed individuals.
[00:07:31] Balancing hope and realism.
[00:12:08] Lack of knowledge in diabetes care.
[00:14:33] Navigating insulin and carb intake.
[00:18:20] Living with a new diagnosis.
[00:22:37] Don't Die Advice.
[00:24:54] Mental trauma of diabetes diagnosis.
[00:29:10] The pressure of learning.
[00:32:44] Delay in getting specialist care.
[00:35:29] Healthcare professionals and diagnosis.
[00:39:14] Diabetes and healthcare challenges.
[00:42:37] Advocating for diabetes care.
[00:47:14] Dating and revealing the good stuff.
[00:47:15] Insulin management during surgery.
Welcome back to the Juicebox Podcast for our 10th season! We're kicking off with a new series called Grand Rounds, where Scott Benner and Jenny Smith aim to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, especially those living with type 1 diabetes. Our goal is to ensure patients receive the care they deserve and to enlighten physicians about the nuances of diabetes they may not be aware of.
In this episode, we delve into the initial healthcare encounters for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, often occurring in urgent care or hospital settings. We discuss the critical role these first points of contact play in setting the trajectory for a patient's long-term diabetes management. We emphasize the importance of providing accurate, foundational information without overwhelming or scaring patients, and the need for clear communication about the nature of diabetes as a condition that requires ongoing learning and adjustment.
We also touch on the challenges faced by adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, who may not receive immediate specialist care due to system constraints. The episode highlights the responsibility of emergency and urgent care staff to provide a good launchpad for patients, even if they can't offer comprehensive diabetes education.
Lastly, we stress the importance of self-advocacy for patients, both in emergency situations and in managing their long-term care. We encourage patients to seek out resources, ask for specialist consultations when needed, and to be proactive in their diabetes education.
Type 2 Diabetes Pro Tip Series from the Juicebox Podcast
This new series is for people living with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is widely misunderstood by both people living with it and the people around them - this often includes their physicians.
The series is hosted by Scott Benner and Jenny Smith, RDN, LD, CDCES. Their simple goal is to help improve the health outcomes of their listeners with these easy to understand episodes.
Through no fault of their own many people living with type 2 diabetes have a limited understanding of the condition and many more have pre diabetes and no idea where to begin.
Type 2 diabetes is frequently downplayed by medical professionals, family and friends. Instructions to “change your diet and exercise more” fall flat when you don’t know what to change or why it matters.
Orders seldom come with clear information about how and when to test or what the results even mean. The list of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes is long and ever-changing. If you are confused about which medicines to look into, lifestyle changes or even what type 2 is, this series is for you!
Scott and Jenny break down everything type 2 and explain why you may want medications like Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (Trulicity, Ozempic, Victoza), and insulin.
When you’re done with the Pro Tip series check out the ‘Type Two Stories’ for insightful interviews with a variety of people living with type 2 diabetes.
This series empowers people living with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, and caregivers with the information, insights, and tools they need to make positive life changes. It is absolutely free and I hope you try it.