In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus dive into a little-known but critical complication of diabetes—fatty liver disease. They are joined by Dr. Juan Pablo Frias, an endocrinologist and metabolic disease expert, to explore why people with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing fatty liver and what can be done to prevent, detect, and treat it before it leads to serious complications. They discuss the direct connection between insulin resistance, obesity, and liver health, the silent progression of fatty liver disease, and why liver health should be a key part of diabetes management. The episode also highlights how diabetes medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic, Mounjaro) and SGLT2 inhibitors may help protect the liver in addition to their benefits for blood sugar, heart, and kidney health.
Key Topics:

• Why fatty liver disease is a major but often overlooked complication of diabetes and why doctors are just starting to take it seriously.
• How insulin resistance drives fat accumulation in the liver and why people with type 2 diabetes are at much higher risk.
• The silent progression of fatty liver disease, why most people don’t have symptoms until it’s too late.
• How fatty liver impacts blood sugar control, and why treating your liver could actually improve your diabetes management.
• Why people with diabetes should ask their doctors about liver screening, and how simple lab tests like FIB-4 can detect early signs of trouble.
• The growing connection between diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and fatty liver, and why experts now see them as part of the same metabolic syndrome.
• Can diabetes medications also treat fatty liver? The exciting potential of GLP-1s, SGLT2 inhibitors, and new liver-specific treatments like Rezdiffra.

• What lifestyle changes really make a difference? How weight loss, diet, and exercise can help reverse fatty liver and improve diabetes at the same time.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus explore the critical connection between heart health, kidney function, and diabetes, known as the Cardiorenal Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome. They are joined by Dr. Jennifer Green, an expert in endocrinology and cardiology from Duke University, to discuss how diabetes impacts multiple organs, the latest advancements in treatment, and what individuals can do to protect their heart and kidneys. They break down why heart and kidney health should not be thought of in isolation, how specialists are now working together more than ever, and the game-changing new medications that benefit both diabetes management and overall organ health. Dr. Green also highlights the importance of patient self-advocacy, ensuring the right tests and treatments are being considered.

Key Topics:

• What is Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome? 
• How diabetes can impact the heart and kidneys over time – and what can you do to slow or prevent damage?
• How doctors are breaking down medical silos and specialists are working together more than ever to manage diabetes complications
• The new era of diabetes medications – how SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are revolutionizing diabetes care
• Why is it critical to get annual kidney function tests – and why don’t many doctors routinely check for albumin in urine?
• How to be your own health advocate – what patients should ask their doctors to ensure they’re receiving optimal care?
• What is the challenge of staying on long-term medications – how to frame these life-saving treatments as an ongoing investment in health
• What’s next for diabetes research and what new trials are underway, especially for those with type 1 diabetes, to see if these treatments can offer more benefits?

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus speak with former NBA player Gary Forbes, one of only three NBA athletes with type 1 diabetes. Gary shares his powerful story of being diagnosed with diabetes during college, overcoming misdiagnoses, and achieving his dream of playing professional basketball despite the challenges of living with diabetes. He provides invaluable insights into the importance of mindset, perseverance, and building a support system while navigating life as an athlete with type 1 diabetes. Gary also discusses his passion project, The Soul Survivors comic series, which empowers children with chronic health challenges through superhero storytelling. This episode is an inspiring must-listen for anyone facing diabetes or other health challenges.

Key Topics:

• How did Gary navigate his initial misdiagnosis and eventual correct diagnosis with type 1 diabetes?
• What challenges did he face balancing intense NBA-level athletics and diabetes management?
• How can setting a routine, like consistent workouts or meal plans, improve diabetes control?
• What role does a strong support system, including coaches and teammates, play in managing diabetes?
• Why is having the right healthcare team critical for thriving with diabetes, especially in high-pressure environments?
• How does Gary's comic series, The Soul Survivors, inspire children with chronic health challenges to see themselves as superheroes?
• What mindset shifts helped Gary overcome adversity and maintain an optimistic outlook on life?

Gary is a T1D former professional NBA basketball player, having played for the Rockets, Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets. He is also the founder and publisher of The Sole Survivors, a comic book series that empowers children facing chronic health challenges.  

Follow Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyforbes_/ 

Discover his comic book series: https://www.instagram.com/thesolesurvivors/

Visit Website: www.thesolesurvivors.com

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: https://tcoyd.org/

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

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In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus share 10 of their most practical and achievable lifestyle tips to help individuals with diabetes start the year off right. From setting realistic goals to optimizing blood sugar and weight management, they offer actionable advice for making small changes that lead to big improvements. They also emphasize on the power of small, sustainable changes—like incorporating regular exercise, stretching, and healthier eating habits—that can lead to meaningful, long-term improvements. With a focus on empowerment and real-world strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their diabetes care in 2025.

Key Topics:

• How can setting realistic, achievable goals help avoid burnout and foster long-term success?
• What are the broader benefits of regular exercise for diabetes, including improved mood, sleep, and glucose control?
• Why is stretching critical for maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness, especially as we age?
• How can medications like Ozempic and Wegovy support sustainable weight loss and inspire healthier habits?
• What is the importance of using CGMs to better understand blood sugar patterns and make informed decisions?
• Why is managing blood pressure and cholesterol essential for preventing complications like heart disease and stroke?
• How can involving a partner or support system lead to better diabetes management and communication?
• What does “making peace with your diabetes” mean, and how can it foster resilience and positivity?

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman speaks with a special guest, Dr. Jarik Conrad, CEO of "Human Like Me" and advocate for plant-based living, to discuss the transformative power of adopting a plant-based diet for individuals living with diabetes. Dr. Conrad shares his personal journey from growing up in a community with limited health resources to becoming an advocate for healthy lifestyle changes like plant-based diets that improve health outcomes. In this podcast they will also go over how plant-based eating can help reduce complications from diabetes, support better glucose control, and improve overall well-being. Dr. Conrad offers practical tips for making plant-based eating approachable and shares insights from his years of research and coaching.

Key Topics:

• How does a plant-based diet impact glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes?
• What are the best plant-based protein sources for managing diabetes?
• How can people with diabetes navigate the challenges of carbohydrates in plant-based diets?
• What strategies can help people transition to a plant-based diet without feeling overwhelmed?
• How does plant-based eating impact long-term diabetes outcomes and reduce complications?
• What are common misconceptions about plant-based diets and diabetes?
• How can a plant-based lifestyle help address food accessibility issues in underserved communities?
• What role does plant-based eating play in reducing inflammation associated with diabetes?
• How can plant-based meal prepping simplify daily life for people managing diabetes?
• What tools or resources can help individuals stay consistent with a plant-based approach?

About Our Guest:

Dr. Jarik Conrad is a leader in health and wellness advocacy, the CEO of "Human Like Me," and the host of his very own  "Healthy and Black" podcast. Inspired by the devastating chronic health issues within his family, Dr. Conrad transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, dramatically improving his health and cholesterol levels. He now dedicates his work to helping individuals and communities, particularly those in underserved areas, explore plant-based living as a means to prevent and manage chronic diseases like diabetes.

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: tcoyd.org

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman address the most common musculoskeletal and neuropathic conditions that affect people with diabetes. They explore how complications like frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger are linked to long-term diabetes, and how they can significantly impact daily life. Focusing on real-life scenarios and actionable advice, they offer strategies to help individuals with diabetes recognize early warning signs, navigate treatment options, and take preventive measures to protect their overall health and quality of life.

Key Topics:

• What is frozen shoulder, and why is it more common in people with diabetes?
• What are the early signs of trigger finger and Dupuytren’s contracture in diabetes?
• How does diabetes increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
• What are the dangers of Charcot joint, and how can people with diabetes prevent it?
• How can managing blood sugar and mobility exercises help prevent diabetes-related complications?
• What are the long-term impacts of peripheral neuropathy on daily life for people with diabetes?
• How can early detection of diabetes-related musculoskeletal issues improve outcomes?
• What role does physical therapy play in managing diabetes-related complications?
• How does poor glucose control contribute to inflammation and joint stiffness?
• What lifestyle changes can help people with diabetes prevent hand and foot complications?

Useful links :

Learn more about Musculoskeletal Complications: https://tcoyd.org/2022/05/diabetes-is-a-pain-in-the-neck-and-the-shoulders-and-the-hips-and-the-knees/

Watch our LIVE Broadcast on this topic: https://tcoyd.org/live-oct-2024/

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman speak with Dr. Preethika Ekanayake, a fellow clinical endocrinologist at UCSD, about how mindfulness and meditation can alleviate the unique challenges faced by people with diabetes. They delve into how mindfulness practices can help reduce diabetes-related stress, improve emotional resilience, and even positively affect blood sugar control. Dr. Ekanayake shares her personal journey of rediscovering mindfulness, offers practical examples of how to incorporate it into daily life, and emphasizes its potential to transform how patients cope with the demands of living with diabetes.

Key Topics:

• What is mindfulness, and how does it differ from meditation?
• How can mindfulness help people with diabetes manage constant daily stress?
• What role does stress play in blood sugar fluctuations, and how can mindfulness counteract this?
• How can simple mindfulness exercises like focused breathing or walking meditation help people with diabetes?
• How does mindfulness reduce the emotional distress linked to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data?
• What are practical, beginner-friendly ways for people with diabetes to start mindfulness practices?
• How does mindfulness improve self-compassion and reduce guilt for those managing diabetes?
• What are the mental and physical health benefits of mindfulness for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes?
• Can mindfulness practices become a part of routine diabetes care?

About our Guest:
Dr. Preethika Ekanayake is a clinical endocrinologist at UC San Diego with a lifelong connection to mindfulness and meditation rooted in her Sri Lankan upbringing. She combines her cultural knowledge and professional expertise to help patients explore mindfulness as a tool to improve emotional well-being and diabetes management.

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: https://tcoyd.org/

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/
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Dr. Steve Edelman speaks with Dr. David Diamond, a radiation oncologist with deep expertise in pancreatic cancer, to explore the critical but often overlooked connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. They discuss the heightened risks for individuals with type 2 diabetes, the challenges in early detection, and why pancreatic cancer remains one of the most deadly cancers due to its lack of symptoms and effective screening methods. Dr. Diamond shares insights into emerging screening technologies like liquid biopsy tests that could transform early detection, potentially improving outcomes for at-risk patients. Together, they emphasize the importance of awareness among patients and healthcare providers, highlighting practical steps and advocating for regular screenings to protect those with diabetes from this serious disease.

Key Topics:

• What factors make pancreatic cancer so difficult to treat successfully?
• How is diabetes, especially type 2, linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer?
• Why is effective screening for pancreatic cancer still such a challenge?
• How could new technologies like liquid biopsies change early detection for pancreatic cancer?
• Which people with diabetes are most at risk for developing pancreatic cancer?
• In what ways does pancreatic cancer impact blood sugar regulation and metabolism?
• What symptoms related to pancreatic cancer should people with diabetes be aware of?
• How much can early detection improve survival rates in pancreatic cancer?
• Could pancreatic cancer screening become a routine part of diabetes care?
• What advancements are on the horizon for treating and detecting pancreatic cancer?

About our guest:

Dr. David Diamond is a radiation oncologist and the founder & president of Oncology Physicians of Florida, PA, a premier independent practice of radiation oncology physicians.

Read more about this topic in our article: 

https://tcoyd.org/2024/09/the-connection-between-diabetes-and-cancer-what-we-know-so-far/

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: https://tcoyd.org/

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ

Dr. Steve Edelman, an endocrinologist living with Type 1 diabetes, is joined by Dr. Nik London, an ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema. Throughout this episode, they discuss eye complications and their effects on individuals with diabetes. They go into depth and breakdown Diabetic Retinopathy—a common eye complication found in individuals with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among individuals with diabetes, but through education, regular checkups, and advancements in treatment, the risk of vision loss can be significantly reduced. They explore how the condition can develop, its treatments, and the importance of regular eye checkups for individuals with diabetes. Dr. London shares his professional insights and knowledge on protecting eye health, advancements in retinal care, and how early detection can prevent vision loss among individuals with diabetes..

Key Topics:

• What is diabetic retinopathy, and how does it develop?
• The different stages of diabetic retinopathy.
• What is Diabetic Macular Edema?
• How can DME be prevented?
• The importance of regular eye checkups for individuals with diabetes.
• How diabetes affects eye health and vision?
• Advances in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy Anti-VEGF injections.
• How do these injections work in regard to Diabetic Retinopathy?
• The different methods for preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy.
• How can early intervention save vision in patients with diabetes?
• Why early intervention is important when it comes to eye health.
• What to expect during a retinal exam and treatment process.

Learn More:
Video: Eye Complications – Prevention, Early Detection, and Aggressive Treatment
Video: Routine Eye Exams: The What, When, How and Why
Learn More about DME and Vabysmo

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: https://tcoyd.org/

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/
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Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman, both endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes, dive into the topic of insulin pumps, a device more commonly associated with type 1 diabetes management. However, this podcast focuses on the potential benefits and considerations of using insulin pumps for people with type 2 diabetes. They explore how insulin pumps can help control blood glucose levels, especially as they integrate with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). They discuss advancements in insulin pump technology, share practical insights on their use, and address common questions like "Could an insulin pump be right for me?"

Key Topics:

• What is an insulin pump and how does it work?
• Differences between managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes with an insulin pump.
• The role of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) in modern insulin pump therapy.
• Who might benefit most from using an insulin pump for type 2 diabetes?
• What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of insulin pumps?
• Steps to determine if an insulin pump is the right choice for someone with type 2 diabetes.
• Technological advances in insulin delivery systems.
• How insulin pumps improve glucose management compared to traditional insulin injections.
• Can people with type 2 diabetes use the same insulin pumps designed for type 1 diabetes?
• The importance of pairing insulin pumps with CGMs for optimal diabetes control.
• How to transition from multiple daily injections to insulin pump therapy.
• Insurance coverage and cost considerations for insulin pumps in type 2 diabetes care.

Valuable links to discover: 

Watch our video about insulin pumps in type 2: https://tcoyd.org/2024/09/the-latest-on-insulin-pumps-for-type-2s-were-here-to-pump-you-up/

Read more about Embecta’s Type 2 Diabetes-Inspired Patch Pump: https://tcoyd.org/2024/09/fda-clears-embectas-type-2-diabetes-inspired-patch-pump/

Visit TCOYD's Website for more diabetes edutainment for people living with diabetes: https://tcoyd.org/

**Tune in for two new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

Follow our social media channels to empower yourself with the essential areas of diabetes knowledge led by two endocrinologists living with type 1 diabetes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCOYD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tcoyd/
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WWhIDg18gP9ZC-IeqmYNQ