Everyone waits for January 1st to make a change. Not us. Your reset starts NOW. 🎯

December isn't just holiday chaos. It's actually the perfect time to set yourself up so you're not scrambling in January feeling behind before you even start.

Today I'm giving you the exact framework I use with my clients to prep for a new year of thriving with T1D, not just surviving.

🎯 The 5-Step Reset Framework:

1️⃣ Reflect Before You ResetYou can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. What worked this year? What didn't? What drained you most? What gave you energy? Did you have support or were you doing this alone? Write down ONE win and ONE struggle from 2025. That's it. Awareness is step one.

2️⃣ Check Your Settings AND Your SystemsBefore you set goals, let's make sure your foundation isn't cracked. When's the last time you reviewed your basal or long-acting insulin? Are your carb ratios working or are you constantly correcting? Is your correction factor actually correcting? Sometimes you're not failing. Your settings are just wrong. And sometimes your systems need a refresh too.

3️⃣ Set Intentions, Not Just GoalsGoals are great. But intentions are what actually change your life. The difference? A goal is "I want a lower A1C." An intention is "I want to feel confident and in control of my blood sugars." When you focus on how you want to FEEL, the actions become clearer.

4️⃣ Find Your SupportYou cannot do this alone. And honestly? You shouldn't have to. People who thrive with T1D have support. Period. They have people in their corner who understand the 3am alarms, the mental load, the invisible exhaustion. If you don't have someone you can text when diabetes is hard, 2026 needs to include finding your people.

5️⃣ Take Action in December (Not January)December isn't wasted time. It's prep time. Do the work now so in January you get to coast. Your New Year's resolution can literally just be maintaining what you built in December.

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅ How to reflect on 2025 without judgment (what worked, what didn't)✅ Why your settings AND systems both need a check before the new year✅ The difference between goals and intentions (and why it matters)✅ How to find support so you're not doing this alone in 2026✅ Why December is the BEST time to reset (not January 1st)

This episode is for you IF:

✅ You're tired of starting every January feeling behind✅ You want 2026 to feel different but don't know where to start✅ You've been managing T1D alone and you're exhausted✅ You're ready to stop surviving and start thriving✅ You want a clear framework (not just motivation)

The Reality:

Type 1 diabetes is TOUGH. So are you. You're managing a disease that requires constant decisions just to LIVE. Give yourself more credit. Your gut feelings matter. Your struggles are valid. And you deserve support that actually works for YOUR life.

Whether you're celebrating your own fresh start or supporting someone with T1D, this framework will give you the tools, mindset, and plan to make 2026 your best year yet.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📚 Get my FREE book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book
✅ Follow Madi: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

Diabetes Awareness Month brought SO many questions, DMs, emails, and conversations. And honestly? I'm here for it.

Because the questions you're asking? They're the exact struggles that keep you stuck. The ones that make diabetes feel harder than it needs to be.

So today I'm breaking down the TOP 5 things you asked about this month and giving you real, actionable solutions you can use starting right now.

🎯 The 5 T1D Struggles We're Solving Today:

1️⃣ Bolusing Confusion - Dosing, timing, amounts, pre-bolusing, rage bolusing, stacking insulin... all of it. If you're overwhelmed by when and how much insulin to take, this section is for you.

2️⃣ Food-Related Struggles - Can't eat pizza anymore? Struggling with carb counting? Trying to lose weight while managing blood sugar? Not sure how to handle "fun foods"? Let's fix it.

3️⃣ Post-Meal Spikes & Highs - Why do you spike after eating? Why does your automated mode pause insulin for too long? Why are you stuck at 200 for no reason? We're getting to the bottom of it.

4️⃣ Roller Coaster Blood Sugars - The inconsistency. The ups and downs. The "why does this meal work one day but not the next?" We're talking about what's ACTUALLY causing the chaos.

5️⃣ Fear of Going Low - You're scared to correct before bed. You overcorrect lows and end up high. You're paralyzed by the fear. Let's work through it together.

💡 Here's My Framework:

If it works, great. You figured it out.If it doesn't work, ALSO great. Because now you have information.

Your blood sugar isn't failing you. It's teaching you.

Real Example:

Let's say you go out for chicken alfredo (yes, I was hungry recording this 😅). You estimate 60 carbs, but the restaurant's nutrition info says 75. That's 2 units of difference for me. HUGE difference in how high I go and how long I stay there.So you take for 75 carbs.

And then what happens?

✅ If it works - awesome, you nailed it

✅ If you stay at 200 - now you know you need more insulin next time

✅ If you go low - you took too much, adjust for next timeKnowledge is power. Your blood sugar is actively telling you what's working and what's not.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

✅ Either your SETTINGS are wrong (carb ratio, basal, correction factor) or your SYSTEM is wrong (your strategy, timing, approach)

✅ Quiz yourself on carb counts - it takes a few minutes upfront but saves you HOURS of frustration

✅ Your pump is smart. You are smarter. Don't let automation do all the thinking

✅ Fear of lows is valid - but how you handle it makes all the difference

✅ Sometimes things don't make sense... but there's ALWAYS a factor (sleep, stress, digestion, timing, etc.)

This episode is for you IF:

✅ You're confused about bolusing and insulin timing

✅ You feel like you "can't eat" certain foods anymore

✅ Post-meal spikes are ruining your day

✅ Your blood sugars are all over the place with no pattern

✅ You're terrified of going low (especially at night)

✅ You're doing your best but feel stuckYou're not failing. You're learning. And learning isn't linear.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📚 Grab my FREE book with hardcore T1D strategies (including the 42 factors chart, insulin math, and carb counting help): typeonetypefun.com/free-book

💬 DM me your questions: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun

🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.comStill have questions after listening? Reach out. I read every message and I'm here to help.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

Two people.

Same 7.0% A1C.

Completely different experiences.

Person A spends their day bouncing between 60 and 250. Constantly correcting. Constantly treating lows. Exhausted from the roller coaster.

Person B hangs out between 100 and 180 most of the day. Rarely going low. Feeling good. Living their life.

Same A1C.

Very different realities.

In this solo episode, I'm breaking down why your A1C does NOT tell the whole story and why you need to stop letting that one number define your success with Type 1 diabetes.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✅ What A1C actually measures (and what it completely misses)✅ Why a "good" A1C can still mean burnout, restriction, and misery✅ The hidden danger of chasing a lower A1C at any cost✅ Time in range, time below range, and coefficient of variation explained✅ The questions to ask yourself that matter MORE than your A1C✅ How to reframe success with T1D (hint: it's not about perfection)

This episode is for you if:✅ You leave your endo appointment feeling unseen despite a "good" A1C✅ You're exhausted from the blood sugar roller coaster✅ You've sacrificed quality of life for a decimal point✅ You're constantly chasing lows just to keep your A1C down✅ You need a reminder that you are MORE than a number

Here's the truth:

You can have a perfect A1C and be completely burned out. And you can have a slightly higher A1C with 75% time in range, minimal lows, and a life you actually enjoy living.

Your A1C is useful information. But it's not the only information. And it's definitely not the most important information.

You are so much more than a number 💙

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📚 Get my FREE book: typeonetypefun.com/free-book💬 DM me: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun🎙️ More episodes at TypeOneTypeFun.com & https://directdiabetes.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

"Healthy eating" doesn't have to mean restriction, guilt, or stress 🍎

In this episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES sits down with Ann Kent, RDN, CDCES, founder of Peas and Hoppiness, a meal planning app that makes real, nutritious food simple, fun, and satisfying for busy families.

Ann shares how growing up on a Kansas farm shaped her relationship with food, how she turned her passion for practical nutrition into a thriving digital platform, and why "healthy eating" should never mean restriction or guilt.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✅ How to practice intuitive eating without abandoning your health goals✅ Why "be better, not perfect" is the mantra that changes everything✅ How to make meal planning joyful instead of overwhelming✅ The difference between food rules and food boundaries✅ Why adding nutrients matters more than restricting foods✅ How to talk about food with your family without shame or guilt✅ Practical tips for eating well with diabetes (or any health condition)✅ How small, sustainable changes lead to lasting results

This episode is for you if:✅ You're tired of conflicting nutrition advice✅ You want to enjoy food without guilt✅ You're looking for practical meal planning strategies✅ You're navigating diabetes and need real-world food guidance✅ You want to feed your family nutritious food without the stress

Ann reminds us that health is so much more than macros and meal plans. It's about your relationship with food, how you talk about it, how you share it with others, and how it fits into your life, joyfully and without guilt.

🌿 Even on your 20% days, you can still give 100%.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

🔗 Connect with Ann Kent:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peasandhoppiness
Website: peasandhoppiness.com

Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful podcast:✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book at typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ More episodes at TypeOneTypeFun.com

🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medications, or diabetes care plan.

November 3, 2025 marks 13 years of living with Type 1 diabetes, and I'm sharing the 13 most powerful lessons I've learned—the ones I wish someone had told me from day one. These aren't just tips about carb counting or insulin ratios. These are the mindset shifts, permission slips, and real-world strategies that transformed me from surviving to thriving.

🎯 The 13 Lessons You'll Learn:

1️⃣ You Don't Have to Accept Limiting Narratives - Rewrite the rules that don't serve you2️⃣ You Have Permission to Eat Sugar - Carbs aren't the enemy, strategy is everything3️⃣ Fire Your Doctor If They Don't Serve You - You're NOT a burden4️⃣ You Need BOTH Education AND Empowerment - Technical skills + mindset = transformation5️⃣ Minimize the Work, Maximize the Rewards - My signature coaching philosophy6️⃣ From Surviving to Thriving - Freedom and great blood sugar control AREN'T mutually exclusive7️⃣ Your Struggle Is Your Superpower - How T1D shaped you into someone incredible8️⃣ Diabetes Education Should Be Accessible - Why I give my book away for free9️⃣ You're Not Failing—Your Settings Might Be Wrong - The difference between systems vs. settings🔟 From 180 Decisions to 20-25 Habits - Stanford research on simplifying the mental load1️⃣1️⃣ Find YOUR Blood Sugar Comfort Zone - Not what the ADA says, what works for YOU1️⃣2️⃣ Your Doctor Gives Ratios, You Learn Your Body - Becoming the expert on yourself1️⃣3️⃣ Find Your People - Why lived experience matters as much as textbook knowledge

💡 Key Takeaways:

• How to go from 180 daily decisions to just 20-25 sustainable habits
• Why a "good" A1C doesn't tell the whole story (and what to focus on instead)
• How to lower your average blood sugar by 50+ points without feeling deprived
• The difference between providers who see you as a number vs. those who see you as a person
• How to know if you need to change your SETTINGS or your SYSTEMS

This episode is for you if:✅ You're newly diagnosed and overwhelmed✅ You've been managing T1D for years but feel stuck✅ Your A1C "looks good" but you feel miserable✅ You're terrified of lows and running yourself high✅ Your endo makes you feel like a bad diabetic✅ You're ready to stop surviving and start THRIVING

Type 1 diabetes is TOUGH. So are you. You're surviving with a disease that requires constant management just to LIVE. Your gut feelings matter. Your struggles are valid. And you deserve providers, resources, and strategies that actually work for YOUR life.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📚 Get my FREE book at typeonetypefun.com/free-book✅ Follow https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.com & https://directdiabetes.com

Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: 13 Years with Type 1 Diabetes1:15 - Lesson 1: Reject Limiting Narratives2:24 - Lesson 2: You Have Permission to Eat Sugar4:53 - Lesson 3: Fire Your Doctor If Needed7:21 - Lesson 4: Education + Empowerment9:34 - Lesson 5: Minimize Work, Maximize Rewards14:14 - Lesson 6: From Surviving to Thriving16:37 - Lesson 7: Your Struggle = Your Superpower19:00 - Lesson 8: Accessible Diabetes Education21:18 - Lesson 9: You're Not Failing23:38 - Lesson 10: From 180 to 20 Decisions26:03 - Lesson 11: Find Your Comfort Zone30:46 - Lesson 12: Learn Your Body33:09 - Lesson 13: Find Your People

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.

"I haven't taken insulin since October 2024." 💙

Imagine waking up without alarms. Drinking coffee without your blood sugar spiking. Swimming with your kids for hours without fear. Living life without insulin, pumps, or constant calculations.

For Robin Rybolt, this isn't a dream - it's her reality after receiving an islet cell transplant through a groundbreaking research study at the University of Chicago.

In this powerful episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES sits down with Robin to explore her remarkable journey from decades of managing Type 1 diabetes to living insulin-free. Robin shares the medical process, the emotional toll, the unexpected challenges, and the life-changing freedom she's experiencing nearly a year later.

💡 What You'll Learn:

✅ How Robin's diabetes was discovered in an unexpected way✅ What an islet cell transplant is and how it differs from a pancreas transplant✅ The actual process, how islet cells from a donor pancreas are placed into the liver✅ The emotional reality of living with T1D and why Robin made this life-changing decision✅ What life looks like after living without insulin for nearly a year✅ The role of anti-rejection medications and what recovery actually involves✅ Why participating in medical research can open new doors for treatment✅ Robin's advice for others considering research-based medical care✅ The hardest part of her journey (spoiler: it wasn't the surgery)

The Reality:Robin opens up about the challenges too—missing time with her kids during recovery, the emotional toll when her husband said he didn't want to be with someone who was "sick," and fighting through heartbreak while healing from multiple surgeries.

But she'd "do it a thousand times over" because the freedom she's gained is worth every moment.

Whether you're curious about cutting-edge diabetes research, feeling burnt out from daily management, or simply want to hear a story of hope and possibility—this episode offers a powerful glimpse into what the future of Type 1 diabetes treatment might look like.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major podcast platforms

📋 Mentioned Resources:

• University of Chicago Diabetes Research Program: https://www.uchicago.edu
• Clinical Trials Registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov

🎙️ Presented by DirectDiabetes.comArizona's trusted local supplier for CGMs, insulin pumps, and diabetes supplies📞 480-998-5551

Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com
🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Living with diabetes doesn't have to mean living in constant chaos.

In this episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES sits down with Coach Ken, diabetes health coach and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, to talk about practical ways to simplify diabetes management and take back control of your life.Research shows people with Type 1 diabetes make 180+ decisions every day. But what if you could turn that overwhelming mental load into just 20-25 consistent habits?💡

What You'll Learn:

✅ Simplifying Diabetes – How to reduce decision fatigue and create sustainable routines

✅ Mindset Shifts – Why acceptance, honesty, and aligning your identity are key to thriving

✅ Burnout & Mental Health – Recognizing the root causes and actionable steps to move forward

✅ Strength Training & Blood Sugar – How timing, insulin on board, and exercise type impact glucose levels

✅ Food Myths & Freedom – Why carbs aren't the enemy and how strategy beats restriction

✅ Finding Your Comfort Zone – How to set realistic blood sugar targets that work for YOUR life

✅ The Power of Coaching – Why working with someone who's lived it makes all the difference

Coach Ken and Madi remind you that it's not about perfection—it's about progress, sustainability, and finding what works for you. Your doctor gives you ratios, but it's your job to learn your body and make adjustments (with your healthcare team's support, of course).

Whether you're newly diagnosed, decades into your journey, or supporting someone you love, this conversation will help you simplify the chaos and start living life first—with diabetes management as the supporting role, not the star of the show.🎧

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major podcast platforms - TypeOneTypeFun.com and DirectDiabetes.com🔗

Connect with Coach Ken:

🎧 Podcast: The Healthy Diabetic Podcast (available on all platforms)

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachk3n/

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com

Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:

✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun

📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment at typeonetypefun.com/free-book

🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com

🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com

Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

What if the key to better blood sugar control isn't another medication - it's getting better sleep? 😴💡

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Tina Alexander, RDN, CDCES, founder of @integralifeaz, and we're diving into something most healthcare providers skip right over: the whole-person approach to diabetes care 🌟

Tina didn't just stumble into this work - her own health journey showed her that traditional diabetes education was missing something crucial: the connection between sleep quality, hydration, mental health, and blood sugar outcomes 🔗

Here's what makes this conversation different:

🛏️ Why sleep is step one for better blood sugars - Tina addresses this with every single patient first (and how it impacts insulin resistance more than you might think)

☕ Breaking the caffeine-fatigue cycle that keeps you exhausted and your blood sugars unpredictable

😰 What diabetes distress really is - and practical ways to handle it (because it's different from burnout and needs different support)

💧 The hydration factor most people overlook - and how it directly affects your CGM readings

🎯 Simple steps to feel better TODAY - no perfection required, just progress

This episode is for you if:✅ You're newly diagnosed and don't know where to start
✅ You've been managing diabetes for decades but feel stuck
✅ You're supporting someone with diabetes and want to understand the bigger picture
✅ You're tired of one-size-fits-all approaches that don't work for YOUR life
✅ You're exhausted from trying to be "perfect" and need permission to focus on progress instead

Tina's multi-state diabetes education program, Integra Life, proves that when we address the whole person—not just blood sugar numbers—real, lasting change happens 📈✨

This conversation is packed with tips to put you back in control of your health 💪 One doable step at a time.

Ready to stay connected?
✅ Follow IntegraLife at IntegraLifeAZ.com and on socials at @integralifeaz
✅ Follow @type.one.type.fun and @DirectDiabetes for more diabetes conversations
📚 Get my free book at typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ More episodes at DirectDiabetes.com

What's the one thing you wish your healthcare team addressed more?

Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Get the strategies that changed everything - grab your FREE copy of You Have Permission: Eat Sugar, Fire Your Doctor, and Rewrite the Rules of T1D at 📚: typeonetypefun.com/free-book

Whether you're newly diagnosed and overwhelmed, decades in with diabetes burnout, or supporting someone with Type 1 diabetes - this episode gives you permission to rewrite the rules that aren't serving you.

In this raw, vulnerable solo episode, Madi shares her T1D diagnosis story from Halloween night as a terrified 14-year-old to the doctor who told her she'd "never again have a perfect record of health." But this isn't just storytelling - it's about giving you practical tools for diabetes management you can use today.

What you'll discover:

• The real story behind Madi's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis (and why timing matters more than you think)

• Why this book works for anyone - whether you're 2 weeks or 20 years into your T1D journey

• How repetition and diabetes education build genuine insulin confidence

• Practical strategies for carb counting, exercise with T1D, and blood sugar management

• Why healthcare providers, family members, and diabetes supporters need these tools too

This episode transforms a personal story into actionable strategies around diabetes burnout, T1D support, and building confidence with insulin management.

Ready to rewrite your T1D rules? Your free copy of You Have Permission is waiting at typeonetypefun.com/free-book

Connect with Madi:

✅ Instagram: @type.one.type.fun for daily T1D support and education

🎙️ More episodes and diabetes resources: DirectDiabetes.com

📚 Free book and T1D strategies: typeonetypefun.com/free-book

#Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesDiagnosis #InsulinConfidence #T1DSupport #DiabetesManagement #DiabetesBurnout #T1DEducation

🎙️ New Episode: From Navy Missions to Diabetes Care

What do island-hopping humanitarian missions and diabetes management have in common? A lot — if you ask Dr. Amir Harari. 👨‍⚕️⚓

In this episode, Dr. Harari shares:

✨ His 20+ years in the U.S. Navy & how he got to travel the world & bring care to remote islands

✨ How those experiences shaped his approach to helping patients with diabetes today

✨ The latest on tech like CGMs & pumps — and what’s coming in the next 5 years

✨ The real-life challenges people with diabetes face every single day (and why diabetes burnout is real)

🎧Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, insightful, and practical.

👂Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere you watch/listen to podcasts.

If you would like to get screened to see if you carry the markers for T1D, ask your doctor or you may be able to participate in this study: https://www.trialnet.org/

Connect with Endocrinology Associates on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndocrinologyAssociatesPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endocrinologyassociatesaz/

Website: https://www.endoassocaz.net/

Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this podcast:

✅Find resources at: https://www.typeonetypefun.com

📱On Socials https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun

📚 Get her FREE book for T1D strategies & empowerment at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book

🎙️ Find more from this podcast at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/podcast

💻 Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://www.youtube.com/@DirectDiabetesPodcast