Diabetics Doing Things Podcast

On episode 1 of Doing Well with Diabetes Season 2 Rob opens with a global nutritionist panel featuring three voices from three continents—Ravi Subramanian (India/Australia), Sally Anne Shirto (Zimbabwe/South Africa), and Marina Cavalin (Brazil). Each shares how diabetes shaped their lives, their careers, and the way they support others in their communities. The episode tracks the realities of type 1 and type 2 diabetes across vastly different health systems, highlighting gaps in education, access to insulin and supplies, food insecurity, misinformation, cultural nutrition challenges, and the emotional and physical toll of the condition worldwide. Through personal stories—from childhood polo matches with royalty to managing a teen’s diabetes in an under-resourced setting—the conversation reinforces a central theme: education, movement, and community support remain the strongest levers for improving global health and wellbeing for people with diabetes. Chapters 01:23 – Meet Ravi: Pilot Dreams to Type 2 Diagnosis 02:05 – Two Decades of Uncontrolled Diabetes & Complications 06:11 – Going Back to School: Becoming a Nutritionist 08:49 – Carbs, Fats, and the Omega-6:3 Problem in Indian Diets 11:39 – Portion Control, Festivals, and Insulin as a Double-Edged Sword 16:15 – Walking, Sweat, and Safe Exercise for Blood Pressure 19:14 – Resistance Training as Medicine 20:35 – Polo with Prince Charles: Childhood, Horses, and Loss of Function 23:03 – Meet Sally Anne: Mom, Coach, and Advocate in Zimbabwe & South Africa 24:08 – Learning Diabetes From Zero as a Parent 27:02 – The Affordability Crisis: Insulin, Strips, and Food 31:11 – Education Gaps: Fixed Doses, Hypers vs Hypos, and No Corrections 33:09 – Doing the Most With Very Little: Education as the First Line of Care 39:19 – Tackling Stigma at School and on the Netball Court 39:55 – Glucobuddies: Building Community in Under-Resourced Settings 42:08 – The Missing Link: Diabetes Educators, Not Just Dietitians 47:11 – Fighting Misinformation About “Healthy” Foods 50:42 – Meet Marina: Insulin Girl from Brazil 54:38 – Living With Type 1 in Brazil: Access and Inequality 58:46 – Brazilian Food Culture and the Carb-Counting Gap 1:02:54 – Learning to Count Carbs and Choosing Nutrition as a Career 1:05:24 – Mental Health, Burnout, and the Role of Exercise 1:11:42 – Young Leaders in Diabetes and Impact at Human Scale 1:15:40 – Self-Acceptance, Complications, and Redefining “Doing Well” Resources: https://www.instagram.com/guriadainsulina/  ravismani@gmail.com - Ravi Subramanian’s email Blue Circle Voices IDF Glucose Buddy Sally Anne Shirto LinkedIn

Summary In this special episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob Howe interviews Jordan Keltner, a participant from Netflix's Love is Blind Season 9, who shares his journey as a caregiver for his son with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). They discuss the challenges of misdiagnosis, the importance of advocacy, and the impact of public awareness. Jordan also talks about his children's book series, "Dear Luca," which aims to spread awareness and support for T1D, with proceeds benefiting the charity Life for a Child. Chapters * 00:00:00 Introduction and Welcome * 00:03:00 Jordan's T1D Caregiver Journey * 00:06:00 Luca’s Misdiagnosis and Challenges * 00:09:00 Public Awareness and Advocacy * 00:12:00 ‘Dear Luca’ Children's Book Series * 00:15:00 Supporting Life for a Child Resources Dear Luca - Children’s Book Series Life for a Child

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, host Rob Howe sits down with Allan Coukell, Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer at Civica Rx, to discuss one of the most significant healthcare developments in years: California’s announcement that insulin pens will be available for $11 each ($55 for a five-pack) beginning January 1, 2026. They unpack how CalRx and Civica Rx partnered to manufacture biosimilar insulins—beginning with insulin glargine, the long-acting insulin—and how this effort represents a national, non-profit model for lowering drug costs. The conversation explores how these low-cost insulins will reach patients across the U.S., how Civica Rx’s unique business model disrupts traditional pharmaceutical pricing, and what’s next for rapid-acting insulins (aspart, Humalog, Novolog) and other affordable drugs in Civica’s pipeline. Rob and Allan also dive into the broader implications of nonprofit manufacturing, state partnerships, and how patients, advocates, and policymakers can support the movement toward transparent, sustainable drug pricing. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:51 – CalRX announcement 02:40 – Meet Allan Coukell 03:16 – Policy and Affordability 04:40 – Breaking down the CalRx Announcement 05:12 – How the Partnership Works 07:03 – Scaling Access Nationwide 08:34 – The Role of State Partnerships 10:08 – Beyond Insulin: Civica’s Drug Pipeline 13:02 – The Timeline and Transparency 14:47 – What’s Next for Patients 15:32 – Advocacy and How to Help Resources: * CivicaRx.org * CalRx.gov Key Takeaways * Insulin Glargine (long-acting) launches January 1, 2026 for $11/pen in California and nationwide. * Rapid-acting insulin (aspart) is in development with no public release date yet. * Civica Rx’s nonprofit model eliminates rebates and profit markups, targeting transparency and affordability. * Other Civica products already cut prices on cancer, MS, and chronic care drugs by over 90%. * Patients can help by requesting coverage, spreading awareness, and advocating for more states to partner with Civica.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sponsored by Abbott Summary In this episode, Rob Howe interviews Danica Collins, a long-time type 1 diabetes advocate, about her personal journey with diabetes and a recent experience with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Danica shares her story of living with diabetes for nearly 20 years, the importance of community support, and the challenges she faced during a severe DKA episode while traveling. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, understanding DKA, and the emotional aftermath of such experiences. Danica's insights aim to educate and empower others in the diabetes community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Diabetes Advocacy 02:53 Reflecting on 19 Years with Type 1 Diabetes 05:50 The Importance of Community in Diabetes Management 08:47 Experiencing DKA: A Personal Story 11:35 Navigating the Hospital Experience 14:57 The Role of Self-Advocacy in Healthcare 17:55 Understanding DKA and Its Implications 20:42 The Aftermath of DKA: Recovery and Reflection 23:32 Sharing Stories to Raise Awareness 26:37 The Emotional Impact of Diabetes and DKA 29:49 Final Thoughts on Living with Diabetes Resources https://www.instagram.com/danicathediabetic/?hl=en https://www.dia-log.co/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sponsored by Abbott Summary In this conversation, Leigh Fickling shares her journey as a diabetes mom after her daughter Ava was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of three. She reflects on the signs and symptoms of diabetes and DKA that were overlooked initially, the importance of education and awareness in managing diabetes, and her role as a caregiver and advocate for others with diabetes. Leigh discusses the challenges of navigating workplace accommodations for diabetes and emphasizes the need for community support and preparedness in managing diabetes effectively. Chapters 00:00 The Diagnosis Journey Begins 08:02 Understanding DKA and Its Symptoms 17:03 Navigating Diabetes Management as a Caregiver 22:06 Workplace Accommodations for Diabetes 33:56 Empowering Others Through Shared Experiences Resources: https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighfickling

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sponsored by Abbott Summary In this episode, Dr. Eden Miller discusses the concept of Euglycemic DKA, a condition that can occur even when blood sugar levels are normal. The conversation covers the importance of understanding the symptoms, the role of medications like SGLT2 and GLP1 in increasing the risk of DKA, and the necessity of regular ketone checks. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need for education and empowerment in managing diabetes, especially in unique situations like pregnancy and prolonged fasting. The episode concludes with strategies for preventing Euglycemic DKA. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Euglycemic DKA 02:00 Understanding Euglycemic DKA 04:08 Impact of Medications on DKA 07:10 Symptoms and Confirmation of DKA 09:20 The Importance of Regular Ketone Checks 11:07 Exploring GLP-1 Medications 12:30 Other Causes of DKA 16:22 Preventing Euglycemic DKA Resources: https://diabetesandobesity-care.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-miller-b02a5a178

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sponsored by Abbott Summary In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Dr. Eden Miller discusses the prevention and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The conversation emphasizes the importance of knowledge and awareness in managing diabetes, particularly in understanding one's own ketone levels. Dr. Miller uses analogies to make the topic more accessible and encourages patients to develop a personalized action plan for monitoring ketones. The discussion also highlights the significance of communication with healthcare providers and the role of support systems in managing diabetes effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DKA Awareness Series 01:13 Knowledge is Power: Understanding DKA 05:24 Communicating DKA Risks Effectively 08:08 Using Analogies to Understand DKA 10:02 Developing a Personal Ketone Action Plan 12:54 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Ketones 16:01 Empowering Yourself and Your Support System Resources: https://diabetesandobesity-care.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-miller-b02a5a178

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary. Sponsored by Abbott Summary In this episode, Dr. Eden Miller discusses diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes. She explains the basics of DKA, its signs and symptoms, and the importance of monitoring ketones. The conversation also covers the causes of DKA, personalizing awareness and management strategies, and the significance of de-emotionalizing diabetes management. Dr. Miller emphasizes the need for proactive measures and open communication with healthcare providers to prevent and manage DKA effectively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) 02:00 Understanding DKA: The Basics 05:07 Signs and Symptoms of DKA 10:02 Monitoring Ketones: Tools and Techniques 14:45 Causes of DKA: Understanding Triggers 19:57 Personalizing DKA Awareness and Management 24:45 De-emotionalizing Diabetes Management 30:11 Conclusion and Next Steps Resources: https://diabetesandobesity-care.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-miller-b02a5a178

In this episode, Nancy Cox shares her inspiring journey as a collegiate golfer living with type 1 diabetes. From her diagnosis to her recent tournament win, Nancy discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing diabetes while competing at a high level. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, mental resilience, and community support, particularly from fellow athletes like JJ Spaun. Nancy offers valuable advice for young girls with diabetes, encouraging them to embrace their dreams and navigate the unique challenges they face in sports. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nancy Cox and Her Journey 02:55 Diagnosis and Early Experiences with Diabetes 05:59 Preparing for Competitive Golf as a Diabetic 08:49 Winning the First Coast Women Amateur Championship 11:40 Inspiration from JJ Spaun and the Diabetic Community 14:55 Advice for Young Girls with Diabetes 17:46 Daily Life and Diabetes Management in Golf 20:46 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Resources: Follow Nancy Cox on Instagram

In this episode, Rob Howe interviews Cooper Farrall, a college basketball player living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). They discuss Cooper's journey from diagnosis at age 11, the challenges he faced growing up with diabetes in a small town, and his decision to share his story publicly to inspire others. The conversation delves into the complexities of managing diabetes while playing elite sports, the importance of community support, and Cooper's initiative to give back through a basketball camp for kids with diabetes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of T1D Hoopers 01:41 Cooper's Diagnosis and Early Challenges 04:43 The Decision to Share His Story 09:18 Growing Up with T1D in a Small Town 12:24 Navigating the Recruiting Process with T1D 19:19 Managing Blood Sugar During College Sports 25:20 Overcoming Mental Battles in Sports 32:23 Embracing Diabetes as Part of the Journey 38:21 Giving Back Through Basketball Camps Follow The T1D Hooper on Instagram

In this episode, Rob interviews Cassadie Farnsworth, a creator and advocate for those living with diabetes. Cassadie shares her personal journey of being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes before receiving the correct type 1 diagnosis. The conversation delves into the importance of mental health in diabetes management, the role of humor in coping with challenges, and the significance of building a supportive community. Cassadie discusses her transition from a career in cancer research to pursuing a path in healthcare, emphasizing the need for self-love and grace in managing diabetes. The episode also highlights the importance of partners in diabetes care and creating safe spaces for open conversations about the condition. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cassadie Farnsworth 00:44 Cassadie's Diagnosis Journey 03:43 Transitioning from Research to Clinical Practice 05:43 The Importance of Mental Health in Diabetes Management 10:30 Complications and Self-Love 16:26 Celebrating Small Wins in Diabetes Management 19:22 Influence of Psychology on Diabetes Care 21:10 Navigating Mental Health and Diabetes 21:47 The Importance of Daily Work for Mental Health 22:41 Finding Humor in Diabetes 23:40 Building Community Through Shared Experiences 26:28 The Role of Partners in Diabetes Management 27:17 Asking for Help: A Personal Journey 30:57 Creating a Supportive Environment 32:16 Navigating Relationships with Diabetes 37:30 Mental Health Strategies for Living with Diabetes Resources: Cassidy’s Instagram (@the_pa.tient)

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, the conversation explores the evolution of diabetes treatment, the challenges faced in managing diabetes today, and the future of diabetes research. Zan, an endocrinologist and former FDA executive and Founder and executive chairman of Kinexum, shares insights from his career, including the historical context of diabetes management, the importance of A1C as a marker, and the potential of new treatments like GLP-1 agonists. The discussion also touches on the concept of meta-abesity, the shared root causes of chronic diseases, and the need for a focus on health span rather than just lifespan. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diabetes Innovation Series 03:06 Zan's Journey in Diabetes Research 06:05 Transforming Diabetes Treatment: A Historical Perspective 09:00 The Evolution of Diabetes Management Tools 11:42 Challenges in Diabetes Management Today 14:41 The Future of Diabetes Treatment: Aiming for a Cure 17:57 Understanding the Drug Approval Process 20:32 Meta-Abesity: A New Perspective on Chronic Diseases 23:48 Innovations in Longevity and Health Span 26:27 The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Diabetes Management 29:29 Future Directions in Diabetes Research 32:29 Memorable Moments in Drug Proposals 35:37 Conclusion and Future Collaborations Resources: Kinexum Zan Fleming

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Stacey Simms, host of Diabetes Connections, author of World’s Worst Diabetes Mom Series, and host and creator of Diabetes Connections Presents Mom’s Night Out event. They discuss the innovative approaches to diabetes support, particularly through the Moms Night Out events. Stacey shares her journey from being a diabetes mom to creating a community for other mothers, emphasizing the importance of connection and support. They explore the evolution of diabetes care, the challenges faced by caregivers, and the significance of media literacy in diabetes advocacy. The discussion highlights memorable moments from the events and the impact they have on participants, as well as the future of diabetes innovations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diabetes Connections and Innovators 03:03 The Evolution of Diabetes Support and Community 05:54 The Birth of Moms Night Out 08:51 The Impact of Moms Night Out Events 11:47 Navigating the Challenges of Diabetes Caregiving 14:50 Memorable Moments from Moms Night Out 17:56 The Journey of a Diabetes Creator 20:46 The Importance of Media Literacy in Diabetes Advocacy 23:45 Looking Ahead: Future of Diabetes Innovations Resources: Diabetes Connections Mom’s Night Out World’s Worst Diabetes Mom Series

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Dr. Monica Gomberg and Leonard D'Avolio from Blue Circle Health, discussing the innovative approaches they are taking to improve diabetes care, particularly for those with type 1 diabetes. They emphasize the importance of accessibility, community support, and a holistic approach to healthcare, aiming to bridge the gap between patients and the resources they need. The team shares insights on their personalized care model, collaboration with healthcare providers, and the positive outcomes they are achieving for their patients. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blue Circle Health 01:44 The Promise of Accessibility in Diabetes Care 04:55 Innovative Care Models for Type 1 Diabetes 10:21 Holistic Support and Community Connection 15:02 Building a Dedicated Team for Diabetes Care 19:54 Collaboration with Healthcare Providers 25:14 Measuring Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction 29:28 Expanding Access and Future Plans Resources: Blue Circle Health Dr. Monica Gomberg Leonard D'Avolio

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Farhaneh Ahmadi, CEO and co-founder of Eddii, a virtual care solution for diabetes management. They discuss the evolution of Eddie from a daily management app to a comprehensive virtual clinic, addressing barriers to endocrinology care, the importance of insurance coverage, and the integration of technology for better patient outcomes. Farhan shares his personal journey with diabetes and how it inspired the creation of Eddie, emphasizing the need for accessible and patient-centric care. The conversation also touches on future directions for Eddie, including expanding services and enhancing mental health support. Chapters 00:00 Embracing the Cringe: Personal Reflections on Self-Image 01:00 Introducing Eddie: A Comprehensive Virtual Care Solution 02:17 The Evolution of Eddie: From App to Virtual Clinic 03:25 Breaking Barriers: Access to Endocrinology Care 05:18 Insurance and Accessibility: Making Care Affordable 07:38 Empowering Providers: A New Model for Endocrinology 08:56 Patient-Centric Care: Customizing the Experience 10:19 The Inspiration Behind Eddie: A Personal Journey 12:34 Integrating Technology: Real-Time Data for Better Management 13:58 Unique Features: Glucose Alert Calls and Support 15:44 Future Directions: AI and Expanding Care Options 17:54 Raising Awareness: The Need for Accessible Endocrinology 20:13 Navigating Care: Understanding Options and Costs 21:35 Leadership Insights: Books and Personal Growth Resources: Eddie Farhaneh Ahmadi LinkedIn

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Jonathan Rigby, CEO of Sernova Biotherapeutics, about the innovative approaches to treating type 1 diabetes, particularly through the development of a biohybrid organ known as the cell pouch. Jonathan shares his personal journey as a type 1 diabetic and discusses the clinical trials, patient selection, and the future of diabetes treatment, including the challenges of immunosuppression and the complexities of daily diabetes management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of innovation in diabetes care and the hope for a future where patients can achieve insulin independence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diabetes and Innovation 02:51 The Cell Pouch Biohybrid Organ 05:53 Clinical Trials and Patient Selection 08:48 Living with Type 1 Diabetes 11:51 Future of Diabetes Treatment 14:47 Immunosuppressants and Cell Acceptance 17:48 The Complexity of Diabetes Management 20:44 Conclusion and Future Outlook Resources: Sernova Jonathan Rigby LinkedIn

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Dr. Viral N Shah discussing the Adjust T1D trial, which investigates the effects of semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, on adults with type 1 diabetes. The trial aims to explore adjunctive treatment options beyond insulin, focusing on improving glycemic control, weight loss, and overall patient outcomes. Dr. Shah shares insights on the trial's design, results, safety profile, and implications for future diabetes management, emphasizing the need for continued research and community support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Adjust T1D Trial 03:06 Understanding Type 1 Diabetes and Treatment Options 05:46 Results of the Adjust T1D Trial 08:54 Safety and Efficacy of Semaglutide 11:45 Implications for Type 1 Diabetes Management 14:52 Future Research and Community Impact Resources: Dr. Viral Shah

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Dr. Anath Shalev discussing the recent advancements in TIXiMed's TIX100, an oral therapy for type 1 diabetes. The conversation covers the successful completion of a phase one study, the implications of the results, and the potential impact of TIX100 on diabetes management. Dr. Shalev emphasizes the importance of addressing beta cell dysfunction and the exciting metabolic signals observed during the study. The discussion also touches on the future directions for TIX100 and its role in improving the lives of diabetes patients. Chapters Chapters 00:00 Introduction to TixiMed and TIX100 01:16 Phase One Study Results and Implications 05:22 Metabolic Signals and Future Studies 08:11 The Role of TIX100 in Diabetes Management 09:47 Future Directions and Patient Impact Resources: TIXiMED Dr. Anath Shalev

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Rob interviews Dr. Michael Riddell and discuss the latest innovations in diabetes management, particularly focusing on exercise, education, and emerging therapies. He emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to diabetes care, the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing treatment, and the hope surrounding potential cures such as islet transplants. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by individuals with diabetes, the significance of education and support, and the exciting advancements in technology and medication that are shaping the future of diabetes management. Chapters 00:00 Intentionality in Diabetes Management 02:11 Innovations in Diabetes and Exercise 05:51 Education and Support for Exercise 09:35 Personalized Approaches to Diabetes Management 10:34 The Role of AI in Diabetes Care 12:50 Emerging Therapies and Medications 15:40 Hope for a Cure: Islet Transplants 17:20 The Impact of Technology on Diabetes Management 18:49 The Influence of Lifestyle Factors 20:52 Inhaled Insulin and Its Benefits Resources: Glucose Control During Physical Activity and Exercise Using Closed Loop Technology in Adults and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes by Dr. Riddell & Dr. Dessi Zaharieva Dr. Michael Riddell

In this episode of the Diabetes Innovators Series, Eric Benjamin, Chief Product and Customer Experience Officer at Insulet, discusses the latest innovations in diabetes management, particularly focusing on the integration of the Dexcom G7 with the Omnipod 5 system. He emphasizes the importance of usability, patient-centric design, and the company's commitment to making diabetes management easier and more effective for users. Eric shares insights into the future of closed-loop systems and the cultural ethos at Insulet that drives their innovation efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Insulet and Eric Benjamin 00:40 Integration of Dexcom G7 with Omnipod 5 02:22 Innovations in Diabetes Management 04:58 Patient-Centric Approach to Diabetes Technology 07:54 Cultural Ethos at Insulet 09:32 Quality and Reliability in Diabetes Solutions 11:29 Conclusion and Future Outlook Resources: Omnipod Insulet Eric Benjamin LinkedIn