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The Healthy Diabetic
The Healthy Diabetic
Author: Coach Ken Kniss
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© 2025 The Healthy Diabetic
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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.
320 Episodes
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Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, I sat down with Carrie Neher, who has been living with Type 1 diabetes since 1981 — long before CGMs, pumps, carb ratios, or even finger-stick meters were available. Diagnosed at 14 and hospitalized for two weeks, Carrie learned to manage diabetes in what she calls “the dark ages.” She shares what it was really like growing up using urine testing tablets, one dai...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Adriana Wright, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just four years old and has now lived with T1D for nearly 35 years. Her story begins in the early 1990s — the “dark ages” of diabetes care — when blood sugar testing required giant blood drops, no CGMs existed, and kids with T1D often felt isolated, limited, or misunderstood. Adria...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I break down one of the biggest debates in Type 1 diabetes: Insulin Pump vs. MDI. But instead of comparing the features, tech, and tools — I flip the discussion completely. Because it’s not really about which method is better — it's about which one supports your personality, your lifestyle, your mental bandwidth, your confidence, and your understanding of insu...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Brooke Lee. Brooke was diagnosed with T1D as a baby and if that isn't crazy her sugar was almost 1000. We talked about her time growing up with T1D and the trials she has faced living with diabetes and moving from MDI to technology. Brooke's Instagram About the Host - Coach Ken I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabete...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked emotional challenges in T1D: the progression toward burnout. Using a clear, step-by-step hierarchy, I explain how confusion, overwhelm, fear, and distrust build on each other — and can ultimately lead to burnout and depression. You’ll learn how to recognize where you are on this ladder, why each stage happens, and wha...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I breakdown the five essential lessons that every person living with Type 1 diabetes must master — lessons you won’t learn in your doctor’s office. Drawing from nearly two decades of personal experience, thousands of conversations, and the evolution of my signature Five Pillars of Diabetes Success, I explain how mental health, strategic dosing, consistency, nu...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Sara Jacklin, a mom whose son Mitchell was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine years old. Sara shares the family’s incredible journey — from early signs and diagnosis during the holidays, to balancing sports, school, and diabetes management without missing a beat. You’ll hear how their family’s calm mindset, teamwork, and open communi...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I talk about the importance of mental health on blood sugar stability. Every person living with diabetes has dealt with challenges within their mental health. But do you know how to navigate these complex feelings and emotions? That's what I hope to share with you today... 💡 Key Takeaways: The importance of giving yourself grace.You have a choice to take actio...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, I sit down once again with returning guest and college athlete Jaci Carpenter for an honest conversation about the realities of navigating diabetes care as a young adult. From frustrating endocrinology visits and inflated medical costs to learning how to advocate for yourself and manage nutrition beyond “just taking insulin for what you eat,” this episode shines ...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Jax & his mother Ashley, who share their candid and heartfelt journey of living with type 1 diabetes. Jax & Ashley open up about the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of managing T1D, the importance of authenticity, and how self-awareness can become a source of empowerment. The conversation dives into how vulnerability, communi...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar—but it can also be one of the most frustrating. In this solo episode, Coach Ken continues the 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar series with Part 6: External Triggers. In today's episode, I break down the different types of external factors that impact your BS. These factors are what I call silent killers...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Erika Buenaflor. Erika is a speech pathologist and group fitness instructor who was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2018 and properly diagnosed with type 1 in 2021. She’s been adapting to her diagnosis ever since. Driven to build representation in fitness for those with chronic conditions, she’s passionate about fostering community and inc...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar—but it can also be one of the most frustrating. In this solo episode, Coach Ken continues the 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar series with Part 5: Biological Factors. In today's episode, I break down the different types of biological factors that impact your BS. These factors are what I call silent kill...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode I sit down with Emma & Sam, who shares their story of having a young type 1 diabetic while navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. Emma opens up about their son's diagnosis, the impact of T1D on pregnancy and postpartum life, and the ways she’s learned to balance her health with raising a family. Emma & Sam also talks about the emotional side of ...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, I sits down with Renee Puleo, who shares her powerful story of living with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at a young age, Renee has faced the highs, lows, and daily challenges of T1D while also carving her own path toward resilience and strength. Renee opens up about the importance of mindset, how her approach to health and life has evolved, and what she’s learned ab...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this solo episode,I dive deep into one of the most debated topics in diabetes care: A1C versus Time in Range—and why both still fall short without focusing on what I call Diabetes Stability. I shares my perspective on why A1C alone doesn’t tell the whole story, how time in range can (and should) be customized to your needs, and why identifying your personal target number inste...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this episode, I sit down with Jenna Smith, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 26. Jenna shares her powerful story of living with T1D for nearly two decades, navigating the challenges of motherhood, divorce, intimacy, and dating, while also facing a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. Jenna’s openness about the emotional and physical toll of managing both T1D and...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar—but it can also be one of the most frustrating. In this solo episode, Coach Ken continues the 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar series with Part 4: Fitness & Activity. In today's episode, I break down the different types of exercise that impact blood sugars, why insulin on board is often the hidden c...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In today's episode, I sit down with Jeffery Miglicco (CEO), Omar Almidani and (Co-Founder), and from PureWay, a company leading the charge in safe sharps disposal and recycling solutions. Together, we explore: Why proper disposal of syringes, pens, and lancets is critical for safety and public health.How PureWay is creating accessible and affordable sharps disposal systemsRecycli...
Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode. In this inspiring episode, I sit down with twin sisters Lisa and Lindsay Rusch, both living with type 1 diabetes, alongside their older brother who also has T1D. Beyond their personal diabetes journeys, the sisters are co-owners of Brekkie Shack, a health-focused restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. This episode is packed with wisdom, entrepreneurial spirit, and practical tips for anyon...























