Diabetes Nerd
By: Diabetes Nerd
Language: en-us
Categories: Health, Fitness, Medicine
Seriously? Another diabetes podcast? Yup. I couldn't help myself: I love talking about real life with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with friends, strangers, colleagues, and clinicians. Why not record these chats and share them with you?No Scripts. Very little planning. Definitely zero editing. This podcast is simply a real conversation about life with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.ABOUT THE HOST: Ginger Vieira has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1999. She is an author, advocate, journalist, content creator, and diabetes content marketing specialist. Over the years, she's published many books, including Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes, Dealing with Diabetes Burnout, Pregnancy with Ty...
Episodes
Why Exercise Feels So Much Harder With Type 1 Diabetes
Jan 08, 2026Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we’re talking with Matt Rehrig about what it really takes to build muscle with diabetes—yes, even with insulin in the mix.
We dig into strength training, insulin management, and the often-overlooked mental load that comes with exercising when you live with type 1 diabetes. Matt shares his own journey and how he’s helping others move past fear, frustration, and burnout around fitness.
Finding a workout routine that works for you takes time—and patience—but it is absolutely...
He Dropped 40 Pounds and 4 Points in His A1C
Jan 01, 2026Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast, we’re chatting with Kirk Pero about his journey with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Kirk spills on his diagnosis story, the lifestyle moves he’s made—including dietary tweaks and getting active—and the social hurdles he's encountered along the way.
Kirk shares that he's all about finding what works for YOU and drops some practical tips for anyone wrestling with diabetes management. Plus, we dive into medication’s role and the power of support systems in crushing health goals.
A grea...
Success with Type 1.5 Diabetes (You're Not Crazy!)
Dec 25, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we talk with Linnea May Huxford about how to succeed with Type 1.5 Diabetes (also known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). Yep, we're covering all things LADA today!
Healthcare providers love to put you in the middle when you're diagnosed with LADA, but the truth is, it more closely resembles type 1 diabetes (T1D) than type 2 and speaks to the fact that diabetes is super personal, no matter what type you're living with.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed while...
9 Months After Pancreas Transplant: Is It Still Working?
Dec 18, 2025Send us a text
Nine months after a dual organ transplant, Ali Dugger never thought she would be living the life she does today. Sure, things aren't perfect, but her gratitude is contagious!
Ali still has to take immunosuppressants every day, but now she can accept kisses from her dog, garden, dine out, and even travel, with fewer precautions and more joy. The journey to get here wasn't always easy.
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we sit down with Ali to discuss her new normal and the words o...
Duration: 00:39:30We Tested the Twiist Pump… Here’s the Truth
Dec 11, 2025Send us a text
We chatted with Lindsay Cohen about the real-life chaos of type 1 diabetes (T1D)—the highs, the lows, and the stuff no brochure prepares you for. Plus, the importance of health equity and access to care.
Today, we got into a hot topic in the T1D world: the Twiist insulin pump. What we love, what we don’t, and where it actually fits among today’s insulin delivery options. No fluff. Just honest takes!
Lindsay also walked us through her DIY looping system and shared practical strategies for making...
Insulin Resistance: The Hidden T1D Problem
Dec 04, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we chat with Aimee Jose about the power of everyday movement and its impact on insulin resistance.
Aimee breaks down how physical activity doesn’t have to mean gym memberships, punishing workouts, or finding an extra hour you don’t have. Instead, she shows us how simple shifts—like standing more, using your desk differently, or sneaking in a few squats—can meaningfully support insulin sensitivity.
We dig into why muscle activation matters, how small consistent habits build big health wins, and why “effective exercise” might look a lot s...
Ridiculously Easy Blood Sugar Hack
Nov 27, 2025Send us a text
Meet the guy who made “checking your blood sugar without moving” a real thing.
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, John—T1D veteran and creator of the Glucose Projector—shares the story behind his hands-free blood glucose display. Imagine waking up, glancing at the ceiling, and instantly seeing your number.
No reaching.
No fumbling.
No fighting with gravity at 3 a.m.
John opens up about the decades he’s spent navigating T1D, the moment he realized this tool needed to exist, and why he...
I Realized THIS Matters Most in Diabetes
Nov 20, 2025Send us a text
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) isn’t just a medical reality—it’s a lifelong relationship.
In this soulful, candid conversation, Neil Greathouse opens up about his own journey, from years of brushing diabetes aside to finally choosing himself with steady, sustainable care.
He talks about the quiet power of small, daily shifts—the kind of changes that don’t demand perfection, just presence. Through honesty, humor, and a hard-won sense of compassion, Neil shows how mindset shapes the path forward far more than numbers ever could.
Togeth...
Aging with Type 1 Diabetes
Nov 13, 2025Send us a text
Can you imagine living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) until age 100? Just a decade ago, that might have seemed impossible. But now, things are different. Joanne Milo, a T1D advocate, author, blogger, DIY loop creator, and founder of T1D to 100, is living proof. She's more than halfway there!
Joanne has lived with T1D for the past 60 years with no signs of slowing down. She serves as an example for everyone living with diabetes and reminds us of what's possible when you prioritize your health.
If you're...
Insulin, Carbs, Turning 40, and Feeding Your Body
Nov 06, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we sit down with one of our favorite people, BJ Garceau, to talk insulin, turning 40, running marathons, and what it really means to take care of your body in midlife.
From laughing about sneezing mishaps (“if you sneeze wrong, you might pee your pants”) to delving into the realities of women’s health, aging, and type 1 diabetes (T1D), this episode is relatable, genuine, and full of heart.
Whether you’re managing diabetes, navigating life changes, or just trying to under...
She Was Misdiagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Oct 30, 2025Send us a text
Diabetes misdiagnoses can change—and endanger—lives.
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we sit down with Logan, who was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She opens up about the emotional toll, pregnancy complications, and the long road to finding the right diagnosis and care.
If you’ve ever questioned your own diagnosis or struggled to find answers, this conversation is for you.
Thanks to Eversense 365 for sponsoring today's episode. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. Learn more about it at www.eversensecgm.com.
Pregnancy & Type 1 Diabetes: What Every Woman Should Know
Oct 23, 2025Send us a text
What’s it really like to manage diabetes during pregnancy?
We talked with Dr. Camille E. Powe, a leading expert who helps women navigate this tough but powerful journey. She shared how diabetes care has changed, why insulin resistance is a normal part of pregnancy, and how tools like continuous glucose monitors can make a huge difference.
We also talked about the emotional side—what it’s like to balance stress, blood sugars, and the pressure to “do everything right.” Dr. Powe reminds us that pregnancy isn’t about perfection...
Using Tzield to Delay Type 1 Diabetes
Oct 16, 2025Send us a text
If you could delay the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D), would you?
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast, I sit down with Stephanie, a mom navigating the world of T1D after her daughter’s recent diagnosis. We discuss what early detection entails, the stages of diabetes, and how Tzield, a groundbreaking therapy, can actually delay the progression of T1D.
Recent studies have shown that Tzield can delay the onset of T1D by an average of:
- 24 months (2 years): in adults and children (ag...
Training for My First Marathon with Type 1 Diabetes
Oct 09, 2025Send us a text
What's it like training for a marathon with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? Just ask Erika Szumel, Marketing Coordinator at Blue Circle Health. Erika ran her first marathon with Beyond Type 1 in 2022.
Erika went from 0 to 26.2 miles in under one year at the TCS New York City Marathon! A seriously impressive feat for any runner, much less one living with T1D.
In this episode, Erika shares her inspiring journey, lessons learned along the way, and the advice she'd share with others who have big goals...
YES, Perimenopause Affects Type 1: You’re Not Crazy
Oct 02, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast, I chat with expert Melissa Slemp about the intersection of type 1 diabetes and women's health, focusing on the challenges of navigating perimenopause.
Together, we explore the hormonal changes that affect blood sugar management, the significance of lifestyle adjustments, and the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
T1D is tricky enough. Women with diabetes need (and deserve) support when it comes to balancing all of these hormones. Yeesh!
Follow Melissa for more tips on perimenopause and type 1 diabetes:<...
5 Months Later: Life with a Pancreas/Kidney Transplant
Sep 25, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we catch up with Ali Dugger five months after her pancreas and kidney transplant. While she’s now insulin-free, her journey is far from challenge-free, and her gratitude through it all is nothing short of inspiring.
Ali opens up about what life really looks like after a transplant, the ups and downs she’s faced, and the mindset that keeps her moving forward. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the reality of life beyond type 1 diab...
Duration: 00:56:35Lockdown with Type 1 Diabetes: Are You Prepared?
Sep 18, 2025Send us a text
Emergency preparedness is crucial in today's world, especially if you live with a chronic illness like type 1 diabetes (T1D). It's a sobering reality, but we can take proactive steps to improve our safety and security in these situations.
This week, we spoke with BJ Garceau to discuss the troubling rise of violence in public settings such as healthcare offices and the unique challenges faced by individuals living with T1D during emergencies.
BJ shares a personal experience of being in a lockdown at work, including how she handled...
Losing Weight with Diabetes: What Actually Works
Sep 11, 2025Send us a text
Managing type 1 diabetes while chasing fitness goals isn’t easy, but it is possible.
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, I sit down with personal trainer and T1D advocate Lachlan Trowell, who was diagnosed at 14 and now helps others take control of their health.
From the truth about protein and energy balance to practical tips for nutrition, exercise, and sustainable weight management, Lachy shares how to build a stronger, healthier life with diabetes.
Listen now to learn how fitness and fo...
Duration: 00:38:01Breaking the Binge-Eating Habit with Type 1 Diabetes
Sep 04, 2025Send us a text
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often means constant focus on food, numbers, and control, which can sometimes spiral into disordered eating.
In this powerful episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we speak with guest expert Beth Braun, PhD, to explore the connection between diabetes and eating disorders, such as emotional eating, binge eating, and diabulimia.
Beth works closely with diabetes nonprofits such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), running support groups and integrating body and mind wellness.
Beth shares her e...
Using a GLP-1 with Type 1 Diabetes Eliminated Her Food Noise
Aug 28, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast, I chat with Lindsay Cohen, a mother and advocate living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). You might know her as Mama Betes on social media.
In this episode, we discuss the use of GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, in managing diabetes, particularly for women. Lindsay shares her personal experiences with GLP-1s, including the challenges of insurance approval and the benefits of microdosing.
This conversation highlights the importance of personalized dosing and the potential of GLP-1s to ease the burden of...
Going Low? Creating the Yummiest Glucose Product Ever
Aug 21, 2025Send us a text
In this week's episode, I sat down with Naomi, the founder of Glow Gummies, to discuss her standout product for managing low blood sugar. If you live with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you've probably heard of Glow Gummies! They're the hottest new product.
They're gluten-free, vegan, and made with all-natural ingredients. Naomi discusses how customer feedback is essential for product development and flavor options. She is also committed to providing education about diabetes management to Glow Gummies users.
You've heard of Glow Gummies' story before, but you might not...
ChatGPT Fixed Her Insulin Pump Doses
Aug 14, 2025Send us a text
Ginger sat down with Kelsey Conover, known as @t1disco on Instagram, to discuss the challenges, successes, and chaos of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Kelsey is used to being in the driver's seat with type 1 diabetes (T1D). After feeling territorial about her management, she finally decided to let her long-term boyfriend sit in the passenger seat, and is grateful to have a great person in that role.
Additionally, Kelsey shares how she used ChatGPT to improve her A1C by 30% after moving to a n...
She was Seizing: Her Wife Didn't Know if She'd Survive
Aug 07, 2025Send us a text
Are you afraid of going outside your target blood sugar range? Have you ever worked so hard to stay within it that it backfired?
Ginger and BJ talk about navigating unconsciousness, experiencing seizures, the devils on their backs, and the demon of obsession in life with T1D.
If you've ever felt stuck with time-in-range issues, we invite you to join this discussion.
Your comfort zone might not be healthy for you. We discuss how to develop a healthy mindset around time in range and more in...
GLP-1s with T1D: Answers to Your Burning Questions
Jul 31, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, Ginger and Tara sat down with Robert A. Gabbay, MD, PhD, FACP, who is Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President at Joslin Diabetes Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, about his extensive experience in diabetes care, the evolution of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and the impact of GLP-1 and SGLT-2 medications on diabetes management.
They discuss personal experiences with these medications, the importance of eye health, and the potential future of diabetes treatments, including oral GLP-1s a...
This "Unusual" Insulin Technique Has Us Hooked!
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
Inhaled insulin doesn’t get nearly enough credit—but for both Kristin Schaner and me, it’s been a game-changer in managing type 1 diabetes.
In this episode, we dive into how we each use it a little differently, the benefits we’ve seen, and why it might be worth considering for your own T1D toolkit.
If you’re curious but unsure, or hitting roadblocks with your doctor, this conversation is for you. Let’s clear up the misconceptions and break down how to make inhaled insulin part of your plan.
Was This Man Misdiagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes? Ginger Thinks So!
Jul 17, 2025Send us a text
Matthew Tremellen is the founder and CEO of DiabeticU, a company dedicated to empowering people with diabetes to take control and live their best lives. In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast, Ginger and Matthew discuss what's happening at DiabeticU, Matthew's personal connection to diabetes, and more.
Was Matthew actually misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Find out when you watch this week's episode.
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team...
Duration: 00:32:08Relationships & Diabetes: Hypoglycemia Makes for a Bad 1st Date
Jul 10, 2025Send us a text
Rage-bolusing, dating disasters, and the ruthlessness of type 1 diabetes (T1D). That's what my friend, BJ, and I are talking about during this week's episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast! 🎙️
We started this episode out on a low note (not the emotional kind) but ended on a high (the emotional kind).
I don't edit these episodes, and I think it makes every episode exactly what it is: REAL LIFE with diabetes! If you love off-the-cuff talk with my pals with diabetes, this podcast is for YOU. 💥
Thanks f...
She Was in Diabetes Denial for Years!
Jul 03, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Ginger Vieira chats with Michelle Hale—better known as @globaldiabetic on Instagram—about the highs and lows of traveling with type 1 diabetes. They dive into the power of sharing raw, real-life experiences on social media and what it means to embrace your voice and live boldly with T1D.
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
FIND...
Duration: 00:36:08This Inspired Her to Care More About Her T1D
Jun 26, 2025Send us a text
Amanda Mueller opens up about disassociating from type 1 diabetes, the moment she got her sh*t together, and how finding others with T1D changed everything.
Being vulnerable online was new territory—but now, Amanda’s thriving in ways she never imagined.
If her story resonates with you, this is just a glimpse. Don’t miss this honest, powerful conversation with a truly beautiful human—now on Diabetes Nerd.
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice...
Duration: 00:30:46Even Diabetes Clinicians Ride the Blood Sugar Rollercoaster
Jun 19, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Ginger Vieira chats with diabetes psychologist and author of "Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It," Dr. Mark Heyman.
They dive into the emotional realities of life with diabetes—and how identifying a lack of support inspired them to be the resource they once needed.
If you’ve ever struggled with the fear of lows or wondered whether therapy could help you navigate diabetes, this conversation is for you.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Diabetes Nerd podcast to hear their...
Duration: 00:33:36My Best Friend Doesn't Remember Life Without Diabetes
Jun 12, 2025Send us a text
We accidentally bestie’d so hard that now Tara can’t even remember a time before diabetes was part of the picture—wild, right?! 🎙️
In this week’s episode, we’re getting into what it’s like having your best friend as part of your diabetes care team, how our perspectives have evolved over time, and how Tara thinks she’d handle a T1D diagnosis if it happened tomorrow.
💡 Give this episode a like if you think Tara should take over my diabetes management at ADA’s 85th Scientific Sessions!
... Duration: 00:38:20Ali's Pancreas Transplant Part 2
Jun 05, 2025Send us a text
Diabetes Nerd sits down with Ali Dugger to discuss how life is going months following a dual organ transplant. After experiencing severe complications from years of struggling to manage her type 1 diabetes, Ali needed a pancreas and kidney transplant. Today, she no longer has to take insulin shots or check her blood sugar levels. She shares what that experience is like in this episode, along with the challenges she still faces while on immunosuppressants.
Listen to Part 1, Ali’s Fight to Live: Pancreas Transplant, here: https://youtu.be/5l3CXwamm7M.
<... Duration: 00:56:41Travel Disasters with Type 1 Diabetes: Don't Make These Mistakes!
May 29, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Ginger and Ben Tzeel, RD, CDCES, share their most memorable T1D travel disasters — and how they survived the trip anyway.
By the way, Ben Tzeel is a virtual diabetes coach at YourDiabetesInsider.com! Looking for help losing weight, improving your time-in-range, or reducing your A1C? Ben and his team of CDCES with type 1 diabetes can help!
Ben's YouTube Channel: @yourdiabetesinsider
Diabetes Coaching with Ben: https://www.yourdiabetesinsider.com
Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manoftzeel
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCL...
She Stopped Taking Her Insulin for a Week
May 22, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, Julia Flaherty shares the week she thought she could fix everything about her body by skipping her insulin. It was not a good week.
Find more from Julia on her website, blog, article, and Instagram:
👉 https://www.heyitsjuliaflaherty.com/
👉 https://www.heyitsjuliaflaherty.com/chronically-climbing-blog
👉 https://www.instagram.com/heyitsjuliaflaherty/
👉 https://beyondtype1.org/body-dysmorphia-type-1-diabetes/
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This episode is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before...
This Cures Constant Hunger with Type 1 Diabetes
May 15, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Ginger Vieira and Natalie Poulton discuss their personal experience taking GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic for type 1 diabetes.
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA
YOUTUBEBOOKSARTICLES PODCASTINSTAGRAM LINKEDINGINGER's DIABETES BOOKS
Stop Overeating During LowsExercise with DiabetesDealing with Diabetes BurnoutPregnancy with Type 1 DiabetesEmotional Eating with DiabetesWhen I G... Duration: 00:37:34I Diagnosed Myself with Diabetes at 13 Years Old
May 08, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Ginger shares that funny little time in the 7th grade when she realized she had type 1 diabetes. Oh, by the way, the amazing BJ Garceau is taking over and hosting this episode!
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA
YOUTUBEBOOKSARTICLES PODCASTINSTAGRAM LINKEDINGINGER's DIABETES BOOKS
Stop Overeating Dur... Duration: 00:48:13Eversense CGM: I Didn't Realize I'd Love It This Much!
May 01, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we are just a few days into my experience with the 365-day Eversense implantable continuous glucose monitor. Feeling totally giddy about it, BJ Garceau and I discuss the insertion procedure and my first few days of gathering data compared to the Freestyle Libre 3+.
Stay tuned for real footage of the insertion procedure and my entire first week with the Eversense in next week's episode on YouTube.com/@DiabetesNerd.
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is...
Duration: 00:34:57Ali's Fight to Live: Curing Type 1 Diabetes with a Pancreas Transplant
Apr 24, 2025Send us a text
Sounds amazing, right? Just get a new pancreas, and your type 1 diabetes will magically disappear. Not so fast. In this episode, Ali Dugger describes her life today after receiving a kidney and pancreas transplant two months ago after struggling to survive with T1D.
Connect with Ali Dugger on Facebook & Instagram
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making a...
Duration: 00:52:11The Side-Effects Are Killing You — But Your Doctor is Clueless
Apr 17, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, Tara Mayo — my best friend and business partner — shares the moment she realized her grandmother's medicine was killing her. Despite a half-dozen tests, not a single doctor ever thought to check the side effects of her medicine.
For people with diabetes, it's a big reminder to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for yourself!
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before maki...
Duration: 00:29:36Scary Diabetes Motivation: He Held a Gun to Her Head
Apr 10, 2025Send us a text
BJ Garceau shares the very scary day that changed the entire trajectory of her life with type 1 diabetes.
Find BJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjgarceaut1d/
Thanks for tuning in!
DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA
YOUTUBEBOOKSARTICLES PODCASTINSTAGRAM LINKEDINGINGER's DIABETES BOOKS
Stop Overeating During LowsExercise with DiabetesDealing with Diab... Duration: 00:40:38