Type 1 diabetes doesn’t always travel alone — in fact, it often brings other autoimmune conditions along for the ride. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman shine a light on the most common ones that tend to show up with T1D, why they happen in the first place, when you should be screened, and what subtle symptoms should raise a red flag.

They walk through what’s common but manageable, like thyroid issues and celiac disease — as well as what’s rare but critical not to miss, like Addison’s disease (adrenal failure), which can be dangerous if left undiagnosed but incredibly treatable once caught early.
Most importantly, Jeremy and Steve explain how simple blood tests can catch these conditions before they spiral, and how the right medication can completely change how you feel day-to-day.

Key Topics:
• T1D & Autoimmunity 101: Why having one autoimmune condition raises your risk for others
• Thyroid Disorders: The most common — hyper vs. hypo, yearly screening, easy treatment
• Celiac Disease: Why it’s up to 10x more common in T1D and often missed without symptoms
• Addison’s Disease Awareness: The “silent” cortisol deficiency you don’t want to miss
• Proactive Care Mindset: How to build autoimmune screening into your diabetes warranty plan

(00:00) Intro: The "Raindrop" Analogy
(02:26) Thyroid Disease: The Most Common T1D Link
(05:25) Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid): Symptoms & Easy Treatment
(09:30) Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease): Symptoms & Cures
(13:25) Your "Diabetes Warranty": Why You Need a Yearly TSH
(14:48) Celiac Disease: The 10% Risk Factor (19:28) Celiac Screening vs. "Gluten Sensitivity"
(25:31) Addison's Disease: The Other One to Know
(29:43) Final Takeaway: Be Your Own Advocate

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

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Gene therapy isn’t science fiction anymore, it’s becoming one of the most exciting frontiers in diabetes care. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman sit down with Dr. Fraser Wright, career gene therapist and Co-Founder/Chief Gene Therapy Officer at Kriya Therapeutics, to explore how gene therapy could one day help the body make its own insulin.

Together, they unpack what gene therapy actually is, Dr. P’s involvement as a medical consultant for Kriya Therapeutics, how AAV (adeno-associated virus) vectors work, and what makes this “one-and-done” approach so different from traditional treatments. From success stories in blindness and hemophilia to emerging type 1 diabetes studies, the trio breaks down the science, the safety, and the hope behind this revolutionary research.

You’ll learn how gene therapy has moved from rare diseases to more common ones, why the first human trials in diabetes are on the horizon, and what and what this could mean for long-term blood sugar control and independence from injections.

Key Topics:

• Gene Therapy 101: How gene therapy differs from protein-based drugs like insulin, and why AAV vectors act as safe, engineered delivery vehicles rather than infectious viruses.
• Why AAV, Why Now: Seven FDA-approved AAV-based therapies have proven the potential of long-term, single-dose treatments.
• From Eyes to Endocrine: Lessons learned from retinal gene therapy are now guiding approaches to metabolic conditions like diabetes.
• The Type 1 Diabetes Approach: A muscle-targeted program aims to help the body naturally produce insulin and stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Control and Safety: Built-in glucose sensing and the ability to turn off gene expression ensure precision and reversibility.
• Real-World Considerations: How exercise, treatment site, and existing technologies like pumps or CGMs could work alongside this therapy.

0:00 – Intro: Jeremy and Steve introduce gene therapy and why this topic is a game-changer
2:15 – What gene therapy is and how it’s different from standard protein-based treatments
4:54 – Understanding AAV: safety, engineering, and why it’s the preferred delivery method
8:50 – Real-world success: seven FDA-approved AAV therapies for genetic diseases
12:20 – Lessons learned from treating blindness and how they apply to diabetes
17:40 – The Type 1 Diabetes model: using muscle tissue to produce insulin
22:15 – Managing control, glucose sensing, and preventing hypoglycemia
25:50 – Safety measures and how treatment can be reversed locally if needed
28:30 – Exercise, durability, and what animal studies reveal about real-life performance
31:10 – Timelines, trials, and what’s next for gene therapy in diabetes. What’s Ahead: Clinical trials expected to begin around 2026, offering cautious but real optimism for the future of diabetes treatment.

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

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The diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome is often missed because its underlying cause, hypercortisolism, masks itself as 'just diabetes,' 'just stress,' or 'just getting older,' which can lead to serious problems. In this conversation, Dr. Steve Edelman talks with a military veteran named Phil and his wife Cherese about years of unexplained fatigue, tough-to-control blood sugars, and high blood pressure, and the one test that made everything make sense. This episode discusses the early warning signs, how to advocate for answers and the hypercortisolism treatments that helped Phil feel like himself again. You’ll also hear why targeted hypercortisolism treatments and diabetes-specific approvals are on their way.

You’ll learn why hypercortisolism is more common than most people realize, how it can hide behind type 2 diabetes, and what tests and treatments can make a life-changing difference.

• Why hypercortisolism is so often overlooked: Symptoms overlap with diabetes, stress, and other common health issues.
• Phil’s story of resilience: From managing diabetes with multiple medications to discovering hypercortisolism as the root cause.
• The partner’s perspective: How Cherese noticed the warning signs and pushed for further testing.
• The Catalyst Study: Why research shows up to 1 in 4 people with hard-to-control type 2 diabetes may have hypercortisolism.
• Diagnosis explained: The 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test and why it matters.
• Treatment and transformation: How targeted therapies improved Phil’s blood sugars, energy, sleep, and overall quality of life.
• Key takeaways: Be your own best advocate—if your numbers don’t add up, it’s worth asking why.

Timecodes: 
0:00 – What is Cushing's Syndrome (hypercortisolism) & guest setup

0:41 – Steroids & cortisol 101: why persistently high cortisol wreaks havoc

2:01 – Phil’s backstory: diabetes diagnosis and years of “uncontrolled” numbers

4:55 – Escalating meds, rising A1C, growing fatigue—when things stop making sense

7:25 – Cherese’s Story: lifestyle overhaul, then deeper testing when sugars don’t improve

10:47 – Classic signs of Cushing's Syndrome (buffalo hump, thin arms) & sleep issues

11:23 – CATALYST study: up to 1 in 4 with tough-to-control T2D show evidence of hypercortisolism

13:10 – Diagnosing Cushing's: The hypercortisolism suppression test

16:06 – Treatment wins: targeted therapy improves glucose, mood, sleep; “new era” in care

20:45 – Takeaways: Recognizing Cushing's, self-advocacy & red flags

Important Links:
Cortisol in Control website:
https://www.cortisolincontrol.com/ 
https://www.cortisolmatters.com/patient

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

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Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., but it doesn’t have to define or limit your life. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus—two endocrinologists with decades of experience—break down practical strategies for living well with type 2. From the latest medications and tools to everyday lifestyle choices, they highlight what really makes a difference in the long run. Their goal? To show you that type 2 diabetes is not only manageable but that taking control can actually improve your health and quality of life.

• Get Educated About What’s Happening in Your Body: Understanding insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and why type 2 diabetes is more than just “high blood sugar.”
• Know Your Numbers: The key benchmarks for A1c, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure—and why even small improvements matter.
• Build the Right Care Team: How to find and work with providers who can guide you through treatment options and keep you on track.
• Food and Drink That Work for You: Why portion control, balance, and smart substitutions matter more than strict diets or deprivation.
• Move Your Body (Without Overthinking Exercise): How realistic activity goals—walking, stretching, or even gardening—can improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
• The Medications Changing the Game: Why GLP-1s, SGLT2 inhibitors, and CGMs are considered life-changing tools in type 2 diabetes care—and what you should know about them.

• And That’s Just the Start…: From mental health to long-term complication prevention, there are even more strategies in this episode to help you thrive with type 2 diabetes.

Living with type 1 diabetes is a daily grind, full of numbers, decisions, and constant adjustments, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus two endocrinologists who also live with T1D, share their top 10 tips for making life with diabetes more manageable and a little easier to navigate. They cover everything from setting realistic blood sugar goals and understanding the metrics that matter most, to smart supply hacks that can save you stress when you least expect it. They also dive into why celebrating the small wins like getting through the night without a low or nailing your pre-meal insulin timing can make a big difference in your long-term mindset. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or decades into the journey, this episode is packed with advice you can use today and into the future.

Key Topics:

• Perfection Isn’t the Goal: Why aiming for progress—and not flawless numbers—keeps you healthier and less stressed.
• Know the Benchmarks That Matter: A1C, time in range, and minimizing hypoglycemia are key to long-term health.
• Celebrate the Small Wins: Even the little victories count, and they help build momentum in the day-to-day grind.
• Be Prepared With Backups: Why extra insulin, CGMs, and supplies are non-negotiable.
• Don’t Forget the “Non-Blood Sugar Stuff”: Eye exams, blood pressure, and cholesterol deserve just as much attention.
• And There’s More… From food strategies to mental health hacks, this episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss—tune in for all 10 tips!

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!**

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Think sleep apnea is just about loud snoring? Think again. This common condition is a serious health issue that affects a staggering number of people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Steve Edelman is joined by Dr. Jeremy Pettus, who shares his own recent and unexpected diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. From recognizing the subtle symptoms to navigating the diagnosis process and starting treatment, Dr. Pettus offers a firsthand account of what it's like to confront this underdiagnosed condition. This episode is a crucial wake-up call, revealing how untreated sleep apnea can impact everything from your heart health and blood pressure to your energy levels and insulin resistance. Whether you or a loved one has diabetes, this is essential listening.

Key Topics:

• What is Sleep Apnea? An explanation of how the airway collapses during sleep, leading to a drop in oxygen levels and triggering a "fight-or-flight" response throughout the night.
• Symptoms to Watch For: A breakdown of the classic signs, including loud snoring and gasping for air, as well as less obvious daytime symptoms like excessive fatigue, morning headaches, and low libido.
• Who Is at Risk?: A look at the surprisingly high prevalence of sleep apnea, especially among people with diabetes, affecting up to 80% of those with type 2 and half of those with type 1.
• Key Risk Factors: A guide to the factors that increase your chances of developing sleep apnea, such as weight, neck size, age, gender, and lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption.
• Getting Tested: An overview of the diagnostic process, from the simple STOP-BANG screening questionnaire to the modern convenience of home sleep tests.
• Effective Treatment Options: A comprehensive look at treatments that can improve your health, including lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, and the new FDA-approved use of weight-loss medications like Zepbound for sleep apnea.

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

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What if you could learn about type 1 diabetes before symptoms even appear? In this powerful episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus sit down with Senior Football Insider and Sanofi Spokesperson Adam Schefter to talk about why early screening for T1D is a conversation every family should be having.

Adam shares his personal connection to type 1 diabetes through his wife’s experience and how it changed his outlook on health, preparation, and the role of care partners. Together, they break down the importance of understanding early-stage T1D, how screening works, and why early knowledge is more than just information—it’s peace of mind.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a care partner, or simply looking to stay informed, this episode offers insight, support, and a meaningful call to action.

Key Topics:

• Adam’s connection to T1D: How his wife’s diagnosis impacted their family and sparked his passion for awareness and advocacy.
• Why early screening matters: The power of knowing about type 1 diabetes before symptoms begin—and how it can change everything.
• Understanding early-stage T1D: What auto antibodies are, what they indicate, and how type 1 develops in stages.
• Advice for care partners and families: Why loved ones should consider screening too, and how to start the conversation with a healthcare provider.
• Awareness is everything: How misinformation and lack of understanding can delay diagnosis—and why it's time to change that.
• Start the conversation: How to learn more about screening and what families can do today to stay one step ahead.

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

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Managing type 1 diabetes while balancing college sports, academics, and everyday life is no small feat. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman sit down with two remarkable Dexcom U athletes—baseball pitcher Leo and soccer/track star Amber—to talk about how they're thriving with T1D on and off the field. From diagnosis stories to game-day strategies, device hacks, and mentoring others with diabetes, Leo and Amber open up about what it really takes to perform at a high level while managing their diabetes as well as being a part of Dexcom U. Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is a powerful reminder that diabetes doesn’t have to hold you back.

Key Topics:

• Introducing Dexcom U: What it is, how it empowers college athletes with diabetes, and why representation matters.
• Meet Leo and Amber: Their personal diagnosis journeys, sports backgrounds, and paths to Dexcom U.
• Navigating sports with T1D: How Leo and Amber manage blood sugars during intense practices, games, and competition.
• From burnout to balance: Amber shares her emotional journey through diabetes burnout and finding motivation through community.
• Coaches, teammates & T1D: How athletes talk about diabetes with their teams, and why open communication can be powerful (and sometimes scary).
• Facing fear of judgment: The pressure to “power through” highs and lows—and when it's okay to speak up.
• Mentorship and community: How Dexcom U helps athletes with T1D connect 
• Changing the narrative: Why T1D can actually lead to healthier habits, more mindful living, and even longer lives.
• Real Perspective: Personal advice from Leo and Amber for young athletes, college students, and anyone newly diagnosed.

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

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Conversations about diabetes and health can be awkward—especially when you're a teenager trying to figure it all out. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman welcomes diabetes influencer Mary Comeau and pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Manasi Jaiman to break down the real issues young people with type 1 diabetes face when navigating adolescence, independence, and taboo topics like sex, alcohol, marijuana, driving, and overbearing parents. With personal stories, practical advice, and some laughs along the way, this episode is all about helping young adults with T1D build confidence, advocate for themselves, and feel less alone.

Key Topics:

• Mary’s teenage experience with T1D and the emotional rollercoaster of acting like it “wasn’t there.”
• Why teens with diabetes often feel disconnected from their doctors—and how to find one who understands.
• The challenge of transitioning from pediatric to adult care and why many clinics still don’t get it right.
• How to navigate tension with parents—especially when they micromanage diabetes care.
• Starting conversations about sex and diabetes: why it matters and how to get the right support.
• Dating with diabetes: real-life stories, embarrassing moments, and how to educate your partner.
• Alcohol, blood sugar, and good decisions: what to drink, what to avoid, and how to stay safe.
• Weed and diabetes: effects of marijuana (and the munchies), tips for safer use, and what to watch for.
• Driving with diabetes: why planning matters and how to prepare a “driving diabetes kit.”
• How Mary built a massive online community by being open about her diabetes—and why connecting with others can change everything.

See a whole video series dedicated for teens with Mary and Dr. Manasi Jaiman: tcoyd.org/video-teens-young-adults-type-1-diabetes/
Follow Mary: instagram.com/mary_comeau

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

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People living with diabetes often focus on managing blood sugars, medications, and diet — but skin health is an equally important and often overlooked part of the picture. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman sits down with Dr. Tanya Nino, a board-certified dermatologist, to explore the skin conditions commonly seen in people with diabetes. From everyday concerns like dry, itchy skin to more serious fungal infections and rare complications like necrobiosis lipoidica, Dr. Nino offers clear explanations, helpful tips, and guidance on when to seek medical care. This episode is packed with practical advice to help people living with diabetes better protect and care for their skin.

Key Topics:

• Dry skin in people with diabetes often results from impaired barrier function and poor circulation, increasing the risk of cracks, infection, and delayed healing.
• Yeast infections in skin folds are more common when high blood sugar and trapped moisture allow Candida to thrive, particularly under the breasts, groin, or abdomen.
• Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and nail fungus are harder to treat in diabetes and can lead to serious foot complications if not managed early.
• Chronic itching and the itch-scratch cycle are common with dry diabetic skin and can worsen inflammation and skin damage without proper care.
• Dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) may signal insulin resistance and are often seen on the neck or underarms in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Shin spots (diabetic dermopathy) are harmless but visible signs of microvascular damage from long-term diabetes, often triggered by minor trauma.
• Skin tags in high-friction areas are linked to insulin resistance and may be an early physical marker of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
• Necrobiosis lipoidica, a rare condition in type 1 diabetes, causes fragile reddish plaques on the shins that can ulcerate and require dermatologic care.
• Skin care for people with diabetes is essential to prevent infections, detect warning signs early, and protect overall health.

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