In Episode 48 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Dr. Paula Diab is joined by fellow clinician, Kristi Paguio. They draw powerful parallels between long-distance running—specifically the iconic Comrades Marathon—and the journey of managing diabetes. The conversation highlights the invisible challenges faced daily by people with diabetes, the essential role of support systems, and the importance of redefining success through small, meaningful victories.

Paula and Kristi highlight the fact that there is no perfect control in diabetes, and each individual's journey is unique, filled with personal wins and challenges.

Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are.

Despite carrying the burden of being the only member of the IDS clinical team without type 1 Diabetes, her skills and passion for diabetes care & education are exemplary (she did successfully manage her own gestational diabetes during her pregnancies).

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes.  She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management.

Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

✔️ Support from others is crucial in managing diabetes.

✔️The power of positive words.

✔️There is no “cracking the code” to perfect diabetes management.

✔️ Compassionate curiosity can help in understanding diabetes challenges.

✔️ How to live in the messy middle with diabetes.

✔️ Diabetes will be with you on your best and your worst days.

✔️ Living with diabetes really is heroic.

✔️Self-management doesn’t mean self-blame.

✔️It's important to pace yourself through challenges.

00:11  Welcome and introduction

00:37  Meet Dr. Diab

01:25 Meet Kristi Paguio

02:34  The Comrades Ultramarathon

05:28  How managing diabetes is like running an ultramarathon

08:28  The value of curating your fan base

11:01 The anxiety around perfect diabetes management

11:51 Type 1 diabetes in the wild

13:15 The of pendulum of perfect blood sugar readings

16:52  What your blood sugar readings could be telling you.

19:30 Using compassionate curiosity with your diabetes management

23:30 The value of pacing our diabetes care goals

28:01 Diabetes is the ultra-marathon

Diabetes and Obesity: The Long Road of Chronic Disease Management

🔵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 [email protected]

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✔️Integrated Diabetes Services Unfiltered! Life, Laughter, and Real Diabetes Care

✔️Integrated Diabetes Services Unfiltered! Life, Laughter, and Real Diabetes Care--Part 2

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.