Diabetes Squad

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

This heartfelt episode we speaks with Bella, a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic, who shares her personal journey from initial diagnosis to finding strength and support in community. Bella, a chocolate buying assistant, describes how she missed the telltale signs of diabetes and her subsequent experience of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). She appreciates the overwhelming support from her boyfriend and medical team, which has been pivotal in her acceptance and management of the condition. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, mental health awareness, and the role of social media in connecting with others facing similar challenges. As Bella continues to navigate her new reality, she emphasizes the significance of kindness towards oneself and the realization that life can still be full and ambitious. This episode encourages listeners to reach out for support and share their experiences to foster a sense of community and understanding.

@Isabella.wolsey

In this episode, I speak to Professor Partha Kar, a prominent diabetes consultant and NHS England's diabetes policy lead. We discuss recent innovations in type 1 diabetes management, including the hybrid closed loop systems, continuous glucose monitors, and exciting advancements in technology aimed at fully automating diabetes care. Professor Kar shares insights on his journey in diabetes care, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and education about type 1 diabetes. The conversation spans global disparities in diabetes management, the role of social media in breaking down barriers, and the incredible potential of current research to transform lives. Professor Kar passionately advocates for bringing accessibility to life-saving diabetes technology and medication across the world, while also encouraging a hopeful and ambitious outlook for those living with type 1 diabetes.

@nhssugardoc   

www.talkingaboutdiabetes.co.uk

I'm baaackk!! I'm so excited to share a brand new series with you.  And trust me, this one is not one to miss!

Get ready to join the Diabetes Squad for an unforgettable Season 4! 🎉🌟

If you're living with Type 1 Diabetes and chasing your dreams, this is the podcast for you. We're diving deep into the theme of AMBITION, and the challenges and triumphs of managing T1D while pursuing your passions.

We've got an incredible lineup of guests,  from NHS England's T1D lead Professor Partha Kar, to newly diagnosed Bella and adventurous George, who refuses to let diabetes hold him back.

We're also tackling the tough stuff with Jish, who's taking on societies stigma head-on.

And get ready to be inspired by Katie's epic plans for extreme sports fundraising!

Pus – we've got royalty in the house people! 👑 Princess Padmaja Kumar Parmar is here to share her global advocacy efforts and show us how to make a difference. 

So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your T1D journey, join the Diabetes Squad for a wild ride filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. 

WOW SEASON 3 IS OVER... AND SO IS 2023!! 

I am so grateful to everyone that has supported Diabetes Squad for the last few years.  Have a listen to my highlights aka my Hypers & Hypos of 2023.

These are all the wonderful people that took part, woop woop!
EP1 Sugar Coated Love - @typeltoucan
EP2 Education, Education, Education - @hannah2310
EP3 Finding inner peace with T1 - @type1gitotheo
EP4 Fashion, darling - @hid_in
EP5 Type 1 & Showbiz anyone? - @graceshushh

I am so pumped with what's to come for 2024... in the mean time you could listens to season 1 & 2 or any of the episodes from season 3 that you may have missed until SEASON 4!!!

Mucho love as always xx  

In this episode we talk to Grace Shushh,  managing sugars is hard enough but doing it whilst performing on stage is next level.   What an absolute inspiration!!! Also, after we had this chat I actually went to see Grace perform a solo show in London and WOW. They were incredible.  What a singing voice! I really do recommend either seeing them in a solo show or at a drag brunch.  And if you go up to them and say you’re type 1 I'm  sure your libra or Dexcom are on display, I’m sure you’ll end up having a great Type 1 chat...  check them out on instagram  @graceshushh ……..to see when they are performing next.