In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with someone who’s been here since day 1 and one of my biggest sources of love and strength—my Grandma Jane. We talk about what it was like for her when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven, and how she and my grandpa stepped in with so much courage and care, despite not knowing anything about T1D at first. Grandma shares the moments that shaped her experience—learning to give me shots, treating lows, and being a constant advocate by my side. Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent, or simply someone who loves a T1D warrior, I know this conversation will truly touch your heart.

Quick Takeaways:

• The impact a type 1 diabetes diagnosis has on the *entire* family 
• Learning to be a T1D grandparent (and accepting it) 
• How to cope with the mental + emotional struggles that come along with a T1D diagnosis in the family 

Timestamps:

• [02:57 ] Meet Grandma Jane & her profound backstory 
• [12:53 ] “It's a different world today… We were expected to be adults, to move out, and start our lives.”
• [17:06 ] “Mommy was on the phone crying telling me that you got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes…” 
• [19:31 ] Navigating the early days post diagnosis 
• [20:33 ] Learning to be a T1D grandparent: “I made up my mind, nope, this is it. I'm going to learn how to do this.”
• [26:37 ] The nightmare of their first Thanksgiving as a T1D family 
• [41:32 ] “More than anything I wanted a cure”
• [43:45 ] Grandma Jane’s advice for other T1D grandparents 

What to do now: 

1. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
2. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve.