Please note this episode of Type 1 on 1 contains honest discussion of severe depression at around 1'08", including suicidal thoughts.
No matter how long you’ve been living with or close to type 1 diabetes, it remains an incredibly complex condition to understand. And while there’s a wealth of information out there to dig into, knowing what to pay attention to can be just as daunting.
John Pemberton is a diabetes technology consultant, children’s dietician, researcher and has been living with type 1 diabetes himself for around 20 years.
So if you’re looking for research-backed information about the right insulin pump, want to know why 20 minutes of walking is the magic key to a stubborn high glucose reading, or you just need to start with the basics without getting overwhelmed, his diabetes education platform The Glucose Never Lies could be the answer.
It was created after his young son Jude tested positive for diabetes antibodies, and when it comes to distilling complicated diabetes information and making it make sense, John is a master of the craft.
In this episode we cover an incredible amount - from the professional, including his work with newly diagnosed families, the latest in diabetes research and his love of continuous glucose monitoring, to the deeply personal, including how years of undiagnosed ADHD led to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After getting the right treatment in July 2025, John has found renewed purpose in taking The Glucose Never Lies to the next level.
CONNECT WITH JOHN
The Glucose Never Lies Website
The Glucose Never Lies Podcast on Spotify
Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum CGM comparison chart.
DISCLAIMER
Nothing you hear on Type 1 on 1 should be taken as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your diabetes or health management.
JOIN THE TYPE 1 ON 1 COMMUNITY:
Come and say hi @studiotype1on1 on Instagram.
Visit the Type 1 on 1 website.
Subscribe to the Type 1 on 1 newsletter.
SPONSOR MESSAGE
This episode of Type 1 on 1 is sponsored by Dexcom. Using Dexcom CGM has given me so much confidence to make informed diabetes treatment decisions in the moment.
You can choose to wear it on your arm or your abdomen, and all Dexcom CGMs have the share and follow feature even when connected to an insulin pump, so family and friends can see your glucose levels and get alerts, giving that extra bit of support when needed.
Head to Dexcom.com to request a free Dexcom ONE+ sample.
Always read the user manual for important product aspects and limitations. Talk to your doctor for diabetes management terms and conditions and terms of use.