When Lisa’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 at age seven, she did what any parent would do: she searched for answers. But when she couldn’t find the book she needed — one that explained the history of insulin to kids and grown-ups, she decided to write it herself. That book became It 'Belongs to the World', a stunning picture book biography of Frederick Banting, co-creator of insulin, who sold the patent for $1. Lisa teamed up with Miss Diabetes to bring his story to life, turning a complex scientific breakthrough into something vibrant, human, and full of heart.  We talk about their collaboration, the emotional layers behind Banting’s legacy, and why the fight for insulin access still matters, maybe more now than ever before. This one’s for the teachers, the parents, the curious kids… and anyone who’s ever felt the weight (and wonder) of living with Type 1. @lisakatz17 @missdiabetes

Imagine being told you’re Type 1 - and finding out years later… you’re not. That’s exactly what happened to Uma. When I first met Uma on a DAFNE course all those years ago, I assumed - like me - she was living with Type 1. Turns out, things were more complex. Uma was diagnosed at 17, labelled T1, then re-labelled, misdiagnosed, and finally told she had early-onset Type 2. What followed was confusion, medication trial-and-error, stigma, and eventually… clarity. In this episode, we revisit that DAFNE room where it all started, and trace Uma’s journey through lifestyle changes, veganism, and a radical career shift. We talk about cultural food habits, fitness as healing, emotional eating, hypos that derail your day, and why sharing your load - especially as a South Asian woman - can be life-saving. This one’s about misdiagnosis, transformation, and learning to listen to your body - even when the world tells you not to trust it. 

@bodyandbeyonduk 

What if eating out didn’t have to mean guesswork, panic stations, or playing carb-count roulette? This week I’m joined by Chris Cheyette - the dietitian behind Carbs & Cals, aka the holy grail of visual carb counting. We talk about how a simple idea (snapping photos of real food) turned into books, an app, and a resource that’s helped thousands of us feel more in control, less restricted, and way less alone. Chris shares how it all began - DIY shoots in home kitchens,  and the lightbulb moment that changed everything. We dive into diabetes tech, food habits, cultural representation, fast food menus, subscription models, and the realities of building something that’s not just for Type 1s, but for anyone who wants to understand food better. This one’s about inclusion, confidence, and designing tools that meet us where we are... whether that’s a McDonald’s or a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’ve ever panicked over pasta, this one’s for you.  

@carbsandcals

What if diabetes burnout could be softened by art - or better yet, a clever print that makes you look twice? I finally got to chat with Alex, a graphic designer and fellow Type 1, whose bold prints tackle diabetes with wit, colour, and soul. She was diagnosed in her thirties, right before a flight to New York. What followed? Denial, depression, and a creative rebellion against the isolation so many of us know too well. We get into propaganda, CGMs, mental health, and why diabetes feels more like a relationship than a condition (complete with shouting matches). Alex’s work doesn’t scream - it invites you in. And then flips everything you thought you knew. Her new project, Companion Cards, is something special: part game, part toolkit, all heart. If you’ve ever felt alone with Type 1 or needed help finding the words, these cards are pure gold. This one’s about burnout, design, and finding your people - even in the weirdest places. 

@diabetesbydesign

What if your insulin pump had a name, a voice… and a bit of attitude?In this episode, I chat with Amy — the brilliant mind behind Steven the Insulin Pump, a children’s book that somehow manages to make diabetes tech feel funny, emotional, and full of heart.Amy’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 at seven. What followed was fear, overwhelm — and eventually, a talking pump called Steven who beeps, nags, and does his best to keep her alive. We talk about how Steven became part of the family (even earning a seat at the dinner table), why tech isn’t just tech when it’s helping you survive, and how humour can carry you through even the hardest days.This one’s about parenting, resilience, and making peace with the relentless demands of Type 1. It's also about shouting "Did you cover that?" across the room — and meaning it with love.If you've ever sworn at your CGM, laughed through the chaos, or wanted to hug another T1D parent… this one’s for you. 

@_amychristie

In this episode, I speak with an extraordinary individual called Pete, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 69 years and hasn't let it stop him from achieving amazing feats, from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to speaking in the House of Commons. We discuss the importance of offering hope and encouragement to others managing Type 1 diabetes, the advancements in diabetes management technology like the CGM and Omnipod, and the impact of sharing personal experiences on newly diagnosed individuals and their families. Join us as we explore how determination, community, and the right technology can help anyone with Type 1 diabetes lead a full and active life.

@petesdw1

In this final season 4 episode of the Diabetes Squad podcast, Princess Padmaja shares her inspiring journey with Type 1 diabetes, focusing on the advancements in diabetes management since her childhood diagnosis in 1985 in Udaipur, India. The conversation delves into her advocacy efforts, her commitment to supporting newly diagnosed individuals, and the role of her family's support, particularly highlighting her mother's resilience. Princess Padmaja discusses the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding diabetes and emphasises the importance of self-reliance among diabetics. Her work with organisations like Breakthrough T1D and UNICEF aims to enhance awareness and access to insulin, driving a collective impact on the community. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of living with diabetes while maintaining a positive outlook and determination.  

In this episode we meet Jish, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes since a young age, diagnosed at two in Mozambique. She explores their personal journey, emphasizing the challenges faced due to lack of healthcare access, contrasting with her subsequent experiences in the UK. She shares her transition to using advanced diabetes management devices and details their passionate pursuit of a career in science and technology, inspired by her condition. She has co-founded a startup, 'HAEMA', developing an app to ease diabetes management by integrating science and technology. This narrative reflects her  ambition to help others with similar conditions, demonstrating resilience and innovation. The conversation touches on the societal and cultural challenges faced, particularly within the South Asian community, and provides encouragement to Type 1 diabetics to live life to the fullest, pursuing dreams and breaking barriers. 

In this episode we meet Katie, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 18. Despite her fears of blood and needles, Katie has shown incredible resilience and ambition. She shares her personal journey, from the shock of her initial diagnosis to her determination to continue living life to the fullest. Katie talks about her experience participating in fundraising activities, such as running a 5K race and walking over 100 miles for Diabetes UK. She also discusses her studies in primary education, her supportive healthcare team, particularly her nurse Kerry, and plans for future challenges like skydiving to raise awareness and funds for diabetes. Katie's story is a testament to overcoming fears, building a supportive community, and redefining what it means to live ambitiously with diabetes.

@katiedunwoody12

In this episode, we talk to George, a passionate traveller and surfer who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just six months ago. George shares his journey from diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and how he continues to live actively and adventurously, even while managing his diabetes. He talks about his lifestyle changes, the support he has received from friends, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. George also discusses how he manages his diabetes while traveling and his ambitions to continue exploring the world. Along the way, he shares his insights about insulin management and the various devices he uses to help manage his diabetes, offering inspiration to listeners who might be facing similar challenges.
@nomabetic