Episode Summary

In Episode 39 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Kathyrn Alvarez speaks with Austin Sympson who shares his journey of living with type 1diabetes while pursuing a PhD and working in the pharmaceutical industry.  He discusses the challenges of managing diabetes alongside his busy life, his goals for family planning, and his transition to using open-source Android APS for insulin delivery.

Through this conversation, listeners will uncover how Austin balances academic pursuits, a professional career, and an active lifestyle, all while managing diabetes with cutting-edge technology.

Discover actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into diabetes management, family planning, and embracing open-source innovation for better glucose control.

Meet the Host and her guest:

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

 

Austin Sympson is an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Ph.D. Student at ISU, and Engineering Specialist at Merck Animal Health. He is also an advid cyclist, a husband, and thriving with type 1 diabetes. 

What you’ll learn:

• Why Austin switched from the Tandem t-SlimX2 insulin pump to Android APS and the game-changing features of this open-source technology.


• How Austin manages his busy schedule as a PhD student, researcher, cyclist, and husband while keeping his glucose levels in check.


• The flexibility and customization options offered by Android APS, including micro boluses and temporary targets.


• How Austin’s journey to lower his A1C impacts family planning and his approach to long-term health.


• How to navigate cultural differences in food, and staying active abroad.


• How the Android APS community empowers users to build confidence and overcome challenges in adopting new systems.

Chapters

00:18 Welcome and Disclaimer

00:58 Meet Austin Sympson-- PhD student, cyclist, pharmaceutical researcher, and person with diabetes

05:12 Why Austin chose to work with Integrated Diabetes Services

10:14 What made Austin decide to use Android APS over his traditional insulin pump

15:19 Why Austin does NOT use a GLP-1 to help manage his diabetes

19:45 Understanding the AAPS Objectives

27:35 Did you ever have "buyers regret" about moving to an open source system?

30:04 Continuous Glucose Monitors and Open Source Systems

33:36 The Insurance benefits of AAPS

36:35 Kathryn's early thoughts on the Twist insulin pump

39:44 Navigating carb counts in foreign countries

42:41 The AAPS community is a helpful, global community

 

Links:

https://www.type1university.com/diy-open-source-automated-insulin-delivery-aid-systems/

https://loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/

https://www.loopnlearn.org/

http://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

 
Connect with Us

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

Subscribe and Review

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

Don't forget!

✔️You can start working with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team  by visiting https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/

✔️AND...Don’t let the complexity of open-source systems deter you from experiencing their benefits. Reach out to Integrated Diabetes Services for expert coaching and start your journey toward better diabetes management today!