The Grief Nobody Talks About: Mourning the Life You Thought You'd Have

There are things you can lose when you live with Type 1 diabetes that don't show up on a medical chart.

The freedom to eat without calculating.

The ability to leave the house without thinking about supplies.

Sleeping without worrying about an alarm.

Taking a vacation without planning for insulin.

Sometimes, even the ability to forget about your body for a little while.

And sometimes, you have to grieve those things.

In this deeply personal episode of Bolus and Books, Christopher Hundley explores a side of chronic illness that isn't discussed nearly enough: grieving the life you thought you were going to have.

Grief isn't always about losing a person. Sometimes it's about losing a sense of freedom, security, certainty, or even the version of yourself and your future that you once imagined.

Living with Type 1 diabetes means life keeps moving forward—but diabetes can follow you into every new chapter. Work. School. Relationships. Travel. Holidays. Sleep. Food. Every milestone can come with a new question:

“What does this look like with diabetes?”

This episode explores the complicated emotions that can come with chronic illness: anger, exhaustion, fear, gratitude, frustration, and grief. Because you can be grateful to be alive and still wish things were different. You can love your life and still miss the life you imagined. You can be strong and still be tired.

Those things can all be true at the same time.

This isn't about feeling sorry for yourself or giving up. It's about giving ourselves permission to be honest.

You don't have to make diabetes sound beautiful.

You don't have to turn every difficult moment into inspiration.

And you don't have to apologize for grieving something that changed your life.

Because sometimes strength isn't pretending everything is okay.

Sometimes strength is saying:

“This is hard… and I'm still going to keep living.”

Diabetes may have changed the road, but it doesn't get to write the ending.

🎙️ Bolus and Books
Hosted by Christopher Hundley

You are allowed to grieve the life you imagined while still building a life you love.

#Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesMentalHealth #ChronicIllness #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesGrief #ChronicIllnessAwareness #BolusAndBooks

The Diabetes Police: When Everyone Has an Opinion About Your Body

“Should you really be eating that?”

“What’s your blood sugar?”

“Did you take your insulin?”

“My aunt has diabetes. Have you tried cinnamon?”

If you live with Type 1 diabetes, chances are you've heard at least one of these before.

In this episode of Bolus and Books, Christopher Hundley talks about The Diabetes Police—the people who, intentionally or not, turn your diabetes into their business.

There is a difference between supporting someone with diabetes and policing them. Support asks, “How can I help?” Policing asks, “Should you really be doing that?”

We'll explore unsolicited diabetes advice, judgment around food and blood sugar numbers, the assumptions people make about high glucose readings, and why one number can never tell the full story of what someone with diabetes is experiencing.

A high blood sugar doesn't automatically mean someone doesn't care. A low doesn't mean someone failed. And eating a piece of cake doesn't mean someone with Type 1 diabetes suddenly forgot how their body works.

A glucose number is information. It is not a character assessment.

We'll also talk about the difference between accountability and shame, why people with diabetes deserve to set boundaries, and how family, friends, coworkers, and healthcare professionals can offer genuine support without becoming another source of stress.

Because at the end of the day, people living with diabetes already spend enough time thinking about insulin, food, glucose, supplies, and what their bodies are doing.

They don't need surveillance.

They need support.

🎙️ Bolus and Books
Hosted by Christopher Hundley

Your body isn't public property. Your glucose isn't a report card. Your food isn't an invitation for criticism.

#Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesAwareness #DiabetesBurnout #DiabetesMentalHealth #ChronicIllness #DiabetesSupport #BolusAndBooks

I Know What I’m Supposed to Do… So Why Is It Still So Hard?

You know the rules.

Take your insulin. Count your carbs. Watch your glucose. Exercise. Take care of yourself.

But what happens when knowing what to do doesn't make diabetes any easier?

In this episode of Bolus and Books, Christopher Hundley takes a deeply personal look at one of the most overlooked parts of living with Type 1 diabetes: the exhaustion that comes from having to think about your disease every single day.

As someone living with Type 1 diabetes and working in healthcare, Christopher knows the medical side of diabetes—but knowing the science doesn't make the emotional side disappear.

We'll talk about diabetes burnout, the pressure to have "perfect" numbers, the guilt that can come with highs and lows, and why a glucose reading can never tell the whole story.

Because sometimes the person struggling the most isn't the person who cares the least.

Sometimes they're the person who's been trying the hardest for the longest.

This episode explores the difference between knowing and doing, why people with diabetes deserve compassion instead of judgment, and why sometimes the most important question isn't:

"What's your blood sugar?"

It's:

"How are you doing?"

If you've ever looked at your CGM and felt like a number was a reflection of your worth, this episode is for you.

You are not your A1C.
You are not your highest number.
You are not your worst low.
You are not a failure.

You are a person living with diabetes—and you are so much more than your numbers.

🎙️ Bolus and Books
Hosted by Christopher Hundley

#Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesBurnout #DiabetesMentalHealth #DiabetesAwareness #ChronicIllness #DiabetesLife #BolusAndBooks

In this powerful and evidence-based episode of Bolus and Books , we explore the reality of Diabetes Burnout --- The emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes from managing diabetes 24/7. Drawing from research published in leading diabetes and mental-health journals, we break down what burnout actually is, why it happens, how it effects blood sugar, self-care, and emotional health, and the signs you may be missing.

You'll hear scientific insight from Diabetes UK , The American Diabetes Association's mental-health workbooks, and recent peer-reviewed studies that examine diabetes distress, decision fatigue, social support, and the psychology behind burnout in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Most importantly, we talk about what helps: Clinically supported coping stratagies, ways to simplify diabetes management, how to rbuild tou support network , and the emotional tools that research shows can reduce burnout and improve quality of life.

This episode is designed to educate, empower, and validate the lived experience of anyone affected by diabetes -- Because diabetes doesn’t just impact the body. It effects the mind, Identity, energy, and emotional resilience.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from your diabetes care, this episode reminds you: You're not alone, and there is a path forward

In this episode of Bolus & Books, host Christopher Hundley takes a deep dive into what living with diabetes really looks like behind the scenes. From constant blood sugar checks and carb calculations to the unpredictable highs and lows, Christopher breaks down the everyday challenges that most people never see.

This episode highlights the invisible strength required to manage diabetes, the emotional toll it can take, and the resilience built through nonstop self-care. With honesty, humor, and relatable storytelling, Bolus & Books explores the reality of navigating life while acting as your own pancreas.

Whether you’re diabetic, supporting someone who is, or just want a better understanding of the condition, this episode offers insight, validation, and a reminder that you are far more than your numbers.

Podcast Description

Bolus and Books: Episode 2 - Type 1: Beyond the Myths

Join Christopher Hundley, a fellow Type 1 diabetic, as he delves into the common myths and misconceptions surrounding this often misunderstood autoimmune disease. In this episode, he sets the record straight on what Type 1 diabetes is and isn't, debunking common myths about its causes, management, and impact on daily life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone living with Type 1 diabetes, those who know someone with the condition, or anyone simply curious about this complex disease. Expect a mix of personal anecdotes, insightful explanations, and practical advice, all delivered with a lighthearted and relatable touch.

Remember, this podcast is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any health concerns or questions.

Tune in to Bolus and Books and discover a supportive community where you can feel understood and empowered on your journey with Type 1 diabetes.

Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Bolus & Books: Demystifying Type 1 Diabetes. Join host Chris Hundley, a nursing student living with Type 1, as he breaks down the basics of this autoimmune disease. In this introductory episode, Chris explains what Type 1 diabetes is, how it differs from Type 2, and the daily realities of managing insulin. Perfect for anyone wanting a clear understanding of Type 1.