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: https://tcoyd.org/video-teens-young-adults-type-1-diabetes/

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.

When complications like chronic kidney disease and Type 1 diabetes intersect, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman sits down with Kristen Hohmann, a Type 1 diabetic who underwent both kidney and pancreas transplants, to explore her journey of managing diabetes, overcoming kidney failure, and pursuing the life-changing decision to undergo a dual organ transplant. Kristen shares the emotional, physical, and mental challenges she faced along the way, offering valuable insights into the transplant process and the importance of self-advocacy.

Key Topics:

• Kristen’s diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and the progression to kidney failure
• The emotional toll of needing a kidney transplant
• How Kristen researched and decided on a kidney and pancreas transplant
• The transplant process: Waiting for a donor and the realities of the surgery
• The challenges of recovery and life after receiving a new kidney and pancreas
• How self-advocacy played a crucial role in Kristen’s journey
• The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care and transplant management
• Insights into life after diabetes and the impact of the transplant on Kristen’s health

American Diabetes Association (ADA): www.diabetes.org
National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org
Mayo Clinic Transplant Services: www.mayoclinic.org

Managing Type 1 diabetes is complex, but when an eating disorder like diabulimia enters the picture, it becomes even more challenging. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus sat down with clinical psychologist Dr. Liana Abascal to explore the psychological and physical impact of eating disorders, particularly diabulimia, in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. They dive deep into the signs, risk factors, and treatment strategies for those struggling with both diabetes and eating disorders.

Key Topics:

• Understanding diabulimia and how it affects people with Type 1 diabetes
• The psychological link between body image, control, and diabetes
• How disordered eating behaviors can develop in people with Type 1 diabetes
• Treatment strategies: Addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of care
• The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating diabulimia
• How healthcare providers can better support patients with Type 1 diabetes and eating disorders
• Available resources for patients and families dealing with eating disorders in diabetes

Diabulimia Hotline: www.diabulimiahotline.org
American Diabetes Association (ADA): www.diabetes.org

Managing diabetes isn't just about numbers—it's also about handling the emotional toll that comes with it. In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus sit down with leading diabetes psychologist Dr. Bill Polonsky to unpack the mental health side of living with diabetes. From feeling overwhelmed by constant decision-making to dealing with burnout, they explore the real-life emotional challenges people with diabetes face every day. You'll learn how to recognize the signs of diabetes distress, how it's different from clinical depression, and where to find support that actually helps.

Key Topics:

• The difference between frustration, distress, burnout, and depression
• Why diabetes distress is often mistaken for depression
• How common burnout really is among people with diabetes
• Signs of disengagement with your diabetes management and when to take action
• Why antidepressants usually aren’t the solution
• What kinds of support actually help with diabetes distress
• Tools to assess your own level of distress
• Where to find mental health resources specific to diabetes burnout 

diabetesdistress.org
behavioraldiabetes.org

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 jam-packed episode, Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman team up with special guest Dr. David Ahn to break down the latest and greatest in diabetes technology for 2025. From extended-wear CGMs to fully automatic hybrid closed-loop pumps and dual-hormonal systems, this episode is your complete guide to what’s available now and what’s coming soon. Whether you’re on MDI, using a pump, or considering a tech upgrade, this conversation will help you navigate the expanding world of devices—and find the right setup for you.

Key Topics:

• Extended-Wear CGMs: The Dexcom G7 now lasts over 15 days—and the Eversense implantable sensor lasts a full year.
• Over-the-Counter CGMs: Learn about Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo, designed for people without diabetes.
• New Pump Launches: Including Tandem Mobi, Beta Bionics iLet, Sequel Twist, and Medtronic’s MiniMed™ 780G with Simplera Sync sensor.
• Medtronic Simplera Sync: What to know about its U.S. launch, wear time, and integration with the 780G system.
• Dual-Hormone Systems: Explore how glucagon is being used alongside insulin to prevent lows and simplify diabetes management.
• Ketone Monitoring: Continuous ketone sensors are on the horizon, and they could change how we detect and prevent DKA.
• Improved App Integration: Discover updates in CGM and pump interfaces for iPhone and Android, including Libre 3+ and universal app platforms.
• Customizing Your Combo: Why matching the right CGM with the right pump (or sticking with MDI) is more doable—and more important—than ever.

Dexcom 15 Day sensor

Medtronic Simplera

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 go head-to-head in a friendly face-off between two of the most talked-about medications in diabetes and weight management: Ozempic and Mounjaro. Both are part of the powerful GLP-1 class, but which one might be better for you? From A1C reduction and weight loss to heart and kidney protection, ease of use, side effects, and insurance coverage—Drs. E & P walk you through a category-by-category comparison. They bring the clinical data and their own real-world patient experience to help you understand the key differences (and similarities) between these leading therapies. Whether you're managing type 2 diabetes, living with type 1, or exploring options for weight loss, this episode is designed to help you make an informed decision with your healthcare provider.

Key Topics:

• How These Medications Work: Learn the difference between GLP-1 and dual agonist therapies
• A1C Reduction: See which drug leads to greater blood sugar improvements based on head-to-head clinical trials.
• Weight Loss: Discover how much weight patients lose on each medication—and why Mounjaro often shows stronger results.
• Heart Health: Understand which medication has FDA approval for cardiovascular protection and what’s still under investigation.
• Kidney Protection: Explore the latest studies showing Ozempic’s ability to slow kidney disease progression.
• Side Effects: Get practical tips on managing common GI side effects and why titration matters.
• Ease of Use: Compare how the pens work, dosing flexibility, and what may be easier for patients day to day.
• Sleep Apnea: Find out how Mounjaro earned a new indication for reducing sleep apnea severity—especially through weight loss.
• Access for Type 1s: Learn why these meds aren’t yet approved for T1D and how some patients are still getting them.
• Emerging Indications: Hear about new uses for these meds, including fatty liver, osteoarthritis, and even alcohol reduction.
• How to Choose: Get expert guidance on which medication may be right for you based on your goals and health needs.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus sit down with Sierra Werling, their first patient to ever receive Tzield, to discuss the groundbreaking therapy designed to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes. Sierra shares her personal journey, how she discovered she was at risk for type 1, what led her to pursue the Tzield treatment, and how her life has changed since receiving it. Steve and Jeremy also break down the science behind Tzield, how it works to preserve insulin-producing beta cells, and why early screening for type 1 diabetes is more important than ever. They discuss how delaying the disease can impact long-term health, providing individuals more time to prepare, access new treatments, and potentially reduce complications in the future. This episode highlights a major shift in diabetes care, one that moves beyond just managing type 1 diabetes to proactively delaying its onset. Tune in to hear Sierra’s experience, insights, and what this means for the future of diabetes prevention.

Key Topics:

• What is Tzield, and how does it work to delay type 1 diabetes?
• Sierra’s journey: From early screening to Tzield infusion
• Understanding the stages of type 1 diabetes, where does Tzield fit in?
• How delaying type 1 diabetes impacts long-term health and quality of life
• The emotional and practical benefits of early T1D intervention
• Why screening for type 1 diabetes is critical, even without a family history
• Sierra’s personal insights, what she learned from the process, and what she wants others to know
• What’s next for Tzield and other potential disease-modifying therapies?

Screen today: https://www.screenfortype1.com/

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 sits down with Michael Killiam, Director of Clinical Services at Pacific Northwest Research Institute, to discuss two groundbreaking studies—TEDDY and Cascade—that have shaped our understanding of genetic and environmental triggers for type 1 diabetes. The TEDDY study, spanning over 20 years and involving nearly 8,800 participants, investigates why some genetically at-risk individuals develop type 1 diabetes while others do not. Cascade builds upon TEDDY’s findings, aiming to integrate early screening into standard healthcare and identify potential preventative interventions. Michael and Dr. Edelman break down the major findings of these studies, including the role of viruses, genetics, and immune responses, and what they mean for the future of type 1 diabetes prevention and treatment.

Key Topics:

• What is the TEDDY Study, and why is it so important?
• Can genetics alone determine who will develop type 1 diabetes?
• How do environmental factors influence the onset of type 1 diabetes?
• Do certain viruses trigger autoimmune attacks on beta cells?
• What did TEDDY reveal about the timing of early autoimmunity?
• Can diet or probiotics help lower the risk of type 1 diabetes?
• What is the Cascade Study, and how does it build on TEDDY’s research?
• How does newborn screening for type 1 diabetes risk work?
• Could vitamin D, Omega-3s, or other supplements slow or prevent type 1 diabetes?
• What’s next in research for type 1 diabetes prevention and treatment?

Teddy Study: https://teddy.epi.usf.edu/

CASCDE study: https://cascadekids.org/

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 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.

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