The Healthy Diabetic

What does it look like to fully own your story with Type 1 diabetes and stop letting the condition define you? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Howe—former professional basketball player, creator of Diabetics Doing Things, and passionate advocate for the T1D community. Rob shares how sports shaped his relationship with diabetes, why storytelling matters in this space, and what it takes to break free from shame, comparison, and limiting beliefs. This is a powerful conversation about redefining what’s possible while living with T1D.

Key Takeaways

• Your story matters — Why sharing your journey helps both you and the T1D community.
• Shame doesn’t belong here — How to stop letting diabetes define your self-worth.
• Beyond the numbers — A1C isn’t everything—focus on real life, not perfection.
• Lessons from sports — How discipline, resilience, and community carry over from the court into daily diabetes life.
• Building community — Why connection and storytelling create hope and belonging.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Rob Howe on Instagram: @RobHowe21
• 🎧 Check out Diabetics Doing Things: Listen Here

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without the hesitation and distrust in their diabetes decisions. 

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

What does it take to climb some of the world’s tallest peaks while managing Type 1 diabetes? In this episode, I sit down with mountaineer and T1D veteran Luis Freitas, who has lived with diabetes since the age of two. Luis shares the highs, lows, and lessons from 28 years of managing diabetes—including his solo attempt to summit the tallest mountain in South America. We explore the mental toughness needed to thrive with diabetes, the truth about A1C obsession, and why defining your own version of health is key to long-term success.

Key Takeaways

• Acceptance is a superpower — Why embracing both the condition and inevitable setbacks can transform your mindset.
• Your health, your rules — How Luis defines acceptable blood sugars for high-altitude climbs without sacrificing safety.
• The limits of A1C — Why chasing a perfect number can damage your mental health and how to focus on what truly matters.
• Bullying, community, and identity — How early experiences shaped Luis’s relationship with diabetes and why community is essential.
• Do hard things — How pushing beyond your comfort zone builds resilience, both on the mountain and in daily life with T1D.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Luis Freitas on Instagram: @luisartf
• 🎧 Listen to past climbing episodes with Jerry (Parts 1 & 2): Part 1 | Part 2

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without the hesitation and distrust in their diabetes decisions. 

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I welcome back Andrew Thomas. Andrew is a firefighter in the great state of Indiana and also lives with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). In his first appearance on the show (#271), we discussed his experiences living with diabetes and how he has managed to overcome the various challenges life throws his way. In this episode, we take a closer look at his life as a firefighter while managing diabetes. His determination and resilience in handling lows and highs during critical moments demonstrate the strength of our community and how we continue to thrive!

Andrew's Instagram

Check out Andrew's other episode - #271

About the Host

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without the hesitation and distrust in their diabetes decisions. 

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Sign Up for a Free Call: Book Now
👕 Apparel Store: Shop Here
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share this episode with a diabuddy
• Follow me on Instagram: @TheHealthyDiabeticPod | @CoachK3n

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I sit back down with my good friend and Diabuddy Graham Hubbard. Wow, the last two episode with Graham have been FIRE! 

In today's episode we talk about...

• The 42 Factors that Affect Glucose
• Why Dexcom is the best Diabetes technology on the market
• Close Loop Systems the good and bad
• Why Pre-Diabetics, T2D, & Gestational Diabetes should be on CGM 

Check out The 42 Factors That Affect Glucose Article

Coach Ken's Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet
December (2024) Stronger Together With T1D Get-Together

What This Episode on YouTube:

Support & Donate To The Podcast

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In the last episode with Ross, we discussed Ross's journey with T1D and how he's been able to overcome a wide range of challenges without much support from his medical team. In this episode, we took a different direction and talked about how he has been able to manage his Diabetes as an endurance athlete alone. 

Ross's Instagram:

Part 1 of Ross's Story

Simplifying Life With Diabetes Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet

Set Up a Free Call...

Apparel Store

Support & Donate To The Podcast

The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study, conducted over time, for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their supporters. Participants volunteer to provide their data for Diabetes research. Once enrolled, Registry participants have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on various topics related to type 1 diabetes.

You can make an impact on the future of Diabetes now! Fill out an online  survey and gain access to tons of new research and the online portal. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I sit down with Ross Mallen. Ross is a T1D and advocate cyclist. We discussed Ross's usual diagnosis story which lasted 6 months. We also discussed the challenges he's been able to overcome and the lessons he's learned living with T1D. 

Ross's Instagram:

Simplifying Life With Diabetes Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet

Set Up a Free Call...

Apparel Store

Support & Donate To The Podcast

The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study, conducted over time, for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their supporters. Participants volunteer to provide their data for Diabetes research. Once enrolled, Registry participants have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on various topics related to type 1 diabetes.

You can make an impact on the future of Diabetes now! Fill out an online  survey and gain access to tons of new research and the online portal. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I sit down with Debra Anderson. Debra is a Type 1 diabetic, podcaster, and singer. This conversation was extra special for me because it again shows me how far we've come as a Diabetes community. Debra has had Diabetes since she was 6 years old (almost 50 years). We discussed at length the challenges of managing Diabetes before the advent of technology and how access to technology in today's world has saved her life. 

Debra's Podcast Page - Diabetic Real

Coach Ken's Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet

Set Up a Free Call...

Apparel Store

Support & Donate To The Podcast

The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study, conducted over time, for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their supporters. Participants volunteer to provide their data for Diabetes research. Once enrolled, Registry participants have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on various topics related to type 1 diabetes.

You can make an impact on the future of Diabetes now! Fill out an online  survey and gain access to tons of new research and the online portal. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I sit down with my good friend and Diabuddy Graham Hubbard. If you're new to the podcast, Graham started the show with me back in 2020 and then had to leave due to changes in life. This is a special episode because we get into a heavy discussion and debate about CGM and if the technology is superior to Glucose Monitors. You will not believe the perspective that Graham and I have on this topic. You definitely don't want to miss this one...

Coach Ken's Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet
December (2024) Stronger Together With T1D Get-Together

What This Episode on YouTube:

Support & Donate To The Podcast

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

You may have heard of Adam Brown’s popular article from Diatribe, “42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose”—a game-changing guide for anyone living with Diabetes. But how do those 42 factors show up in real life? And are there other variables we should be paying attention to?

In part 2, I dive into Adam Brown’s list and compare it to the 42 factors I’ve personally identified through years of living with Type 1 Diabetes and coaching. We’ll explore the overlaps, differences, and surprising variables that are often overlooked. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on just how many things can influence blood sugar—and how you can stay ahead of them.

DiaTribe - The 42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose

Bright Spots & Landmines: By Adam Brown

The Previous Episodes In This Series:

• Part 1 - Mental Health

Coach Ken's Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet

Set Up a Free Call...

Apparel Store

Support & Donate To The Podcast

The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study, conducted over time, for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their supporters. Participants volunteer to provide their data for Diabetes research. Once enrolled, Registry participants have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on various topics related to type 1 diabetes.

You can make an impact on the future of Diabetes now! Fill out an online  survey and gain access to tons of new research and the online portal. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your m

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show

In today's episode, I sit down with Sam Conn. Sam is a type 1 diabetic who relies on both medical tech and real-time alerts from my service dog, Whitney, to manage her blood sugar levels. She is passionate about educating others on the realities of Diabetes and the life-changing impact of service dogs. Her goal is to show that even with this relentless disease, you can still live boldly, authentically, and without limits.

Sam's Instagram:

Coach Ken's Resources:
Website: www.simplifyingdiabetes.com
Newsletter Sign Up
"More Than A1C" - My Signature Coaching Program
The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course
The 5-Pillars Of Diabetes Success Worksheet

Set Up a Free Call...

Apparel Store

Support & Donate To The Podcast

The T1D Exchange Registry is a research study, conducted over time, for individuals with type 1 diabetes and their supporters. Participants volunteer to provide their data for Diabetes research. Once enrolled, Registry participants have the opportunity to sign up for other studies on various topics related to type 1 diabetes.

You can make an impact on the future of Diabetes now! Fill out an online  survey and gain access to tons of new research and the online portal. It only takes 10-15 minutes.

Have a question, send me a DM or email. I'd love to connect and answer any questions you have.

You can find the show  on any platform you listen to your podcasts!

Don't forget to click on that subscribe button and leave a 5-star review, so you're notified when new episode drop every week.

Questions about diabetes, don't hesitate to reach out:

• Instagram: @CoachK3N
• Instagram: @thehealthydiabeticpod
• Facebook: @Simplifying Life With Diabetes
• Email: [email protected]

Podcast Disclaimer: Nothing that you hear on The Healthy Diabetic Podcast should be considered medical advice or otherwise; please always consult your medical TEAM before making any changes to your Diabetes management.

Hey Diabuddy thank you for listening to show, send me some positive vibes with your favorite part of this episode.

Support the show