Diabetics Doing Things Podcast

Whether you've seen him on Freeform as one of the leading men of "Baby Daddy," or remember him from his Hollywood debut on The Hills, chances are you've run into Derek Theler. Derek has been a T1D since he was three years old, and from the very start he was determined that it would not keep him from living the life he wanted. Derek was actually on track to become an endocrinologist, before a trip to LA with some friends changed everything. 

Derek was incredibly gracious with his time, and we had a great conversation about what it's like to be a T1D in Hollywood. It starts with the story of his younger sister, who was also diagnosed with T1D at the age of three. Derek talks about how important it was to grow up with someone who knew what you were going through, and why that's what makes him so motivated to be a figurehead in the T1D community for others. She even inspired him to try a CGM! We talk about playing sports and the challenges associated with travel, and Derek opens up about how and when he initiates conversations with others about his T1D. 

It took me a little while to get in my groove because I was a little nervous but Derek really knocked this interview out of the park. He certainly made me a fan and I'm grateful that we have someone like him in the T1D community to look up to. He was even a good sport when I jumped him with a question about who holds the title for most handsome T1D leading man!

Hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did, and major props to Derek for joining the show. If you don't already, be sure to follow Derek on Instagram. 

Dana Howe (@danahowe on Instagram) joins the Podcast for one of my favorite interviews ever. Dana's story is unique for many reasons, starting with the fact that she's a third generation T1D in her family! She and I cover a variety of topics like the importance of having someone close to you with T1D that you can relate to, moving cross country to join Beyond Type 1, running point on Bike Beyond and interacting with incredible T1Ds from across the globe, mindfulness and even a little Drake! 

It's rare to have a conversation with someone you have so much in common with (including last names), but Dana is awesome and I know you'll enjoy her interview. 

David Mina, a 9 year Type-1 Diabetic from California, joins the podcast to talk about the role the online T1D community in his life. David is the brains (and heart) behind @Type1Livabetic, a community he started in 2014 to showcase what life is really like with Type-1 and to inspire others to live their best life with T1D. 

David is also a vegan, as well as involved with @Lyfebulb, and we talk in-depth about his decision to life a plant-based lifestyle, and all the cool things lyfebulb is doing in the T1D community. David is an awesome example for T1Ds everywhere, and some of the stories he shares from the people he’s impacted are especially inspiring. He also talks about how being involved in the community has helped him on his journey as a T1D, and what he’s hopeful for in the future. 

Be sure to check him out on Instagram and let him know that you listened to his episode! 

Shelley Clark (formerly Green & @missshelley on Instagram) joins me from Seattle Washington, and after my first ever on-air blood sugar check we talk about her life as a T1D and a nurse. Shelley was diagnosed at age 6, after her father's intuition led her to a late night hospital visit.

We talk about the use of scare tactics at diagnosis, to the evolution of T1D awareness and research and the truth about life with T1D from childhood to adulthood (hint: there's so much to be excited about). 

Shelley also brings up how important going to Diabetes camp was for her at a young age, and I think it's super relevant now because school is out across most of the country, so go to Diabetes camp, volunteer at a Diabetes camp, support your local Diabetes camps. They make a difference!