The Healthy Diabetic

In this episode, I sits down with Renee Puleo, who shares her powerful story of living with type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed at a young age, Renee has faced the highs, lows, and daily challenges of T1D while also carving her own path toward resilience and strength.

Renee opens up about the importance of mindset, how her approach to health and life has evolved, and what she’s learned about balancing diabetes with personal growth, relationships, and self-belief. Her story is a reminder that diabetes doesn’t define you—it shapes you into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more capable.

This episode is filled with honesty, encouragement, and practical lessons for anyone navigating life with a chronic condition.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How Renee’s early experiences with T1D shaped her perspective on health.
• The role of resilience and mindset in managing diabetes long-term.
• Why self-belief and grace are essential for navigating burnout.
• Lessons learned from balancing personal life, health, and diabetes.
• The importance of sharing stories and creating community.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Renee's Instagram:

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
📚 The Diabetes Nutrition Master Course: Start Learning
💪 Work with me: More Than A1C - 1on1 Coaching
📩 Join my newsletter: Subscribe
📞 Schedule 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 & 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.

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In this solo episode,I dive deep into one of the most debated topics in diabetes care: A1C versus Time in Range—and why both still fall short without focusing on what I call Diabetes Stability.

I shares my perspective on why A1C alone doesn’t tell the whole story, how time in range can (and should) be customized to your needs, and why identifying your personal target number instead of target range matters more than just hitting Time In Range. Most importantly, I explain how living in alignment with the Five Pillars of Diabetes Success—mental health, strategic dosing, consistency & routines, nutrition, and physical well-being—creates long-term stability and reduces the burden of diabetes burnout.

This episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement for anyone striving to feel more confident and in control of their diabetes.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Why A1C alone doesn’t reflect the realities of life with T1D.
• The benefits—and limits—of using time in range as your primary metric.
• How to define your personal target range and target number.
• The importance of avoiding perfectionism and preventing burnout.
• How the Five Pillars of Diabetes Success create true stability.
• Why your belief in your own capacity matters more than anyone else’s opinion.

Episode Resources:

🌐 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

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 T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

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.

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In this episode, I sit down with Jenna Smith, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 26. Jenna shares her powerful story of living with T1D for nearly two decades, navigating the challenges of motherhood, divorce, intimacy, and dating, while also facing a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Jenna’s openness about the emotional and physical toll of managing both T1D and cancer highlights the importance of resilience, community, and giving ourselves grace. From her early resistance to diabetes technology, to finding the courage to embrace diabetes tools Jenna’s perspective offers hope and relatability for anyone living with this condition.

This conversation dives into the real, messy, and inspiring realities of diabetes management—and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Jenna’s diagnosis story and the challenges of being diagnosed with T1D as an adult.
• Her experience as an athlete learning to manage blood sugars during training and competition.
• The emotional and practical realities of intimacy, dating, and parenting with diabetes.
• Navigating breast cancer treatment (chemo + radiation) while living with T1D.
• How she approaches technology (insulin pumps & CGMs) and what finally made her switch.
• The importance of mental health, counseling, and giving yourself grace during life’s toughest battles.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Jenna's Instagram: @labzlover729
• 💬 If Jenna’s story resonate with you, share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with T1D cut through the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and distrust in their daily decisions, so they can feel confident and live without consistently worrying about lows, their body image, or long term complications.

🌐 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 & 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

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for managing blood sugar—but it can also be one of the most frustrating. In this solo episode, Coach Ken continues the 42 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar series with Part 4: Fitness & Activity.

In today's episode, I break down the different types of exercise that impact blood sugars, why insulin on board is often the hidden culprit there are actually four key “buckets” of fitness every person with diabetes should understand: strength training, low intensity, high intensity, and rest/recovery.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this episode will help you approach exercise with confidence, avoid unnecessary highs and lows, and use movement to boost insulin sensitivity and overall health.

DiaTribe - The 42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose

Bright Spots & Landmines: By Adam Brown

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Light vs. high intensity exercise: Why your body can respond differently—even to the same workout.
• Fitness level matters: Meet yourself where you are; build gradually.
• Time of day impacts blood sugars: Morning vs. evening exercise strategies.
• Insulin on board: The #1 reason many people go low during workouts.
• The four exercise buckets: Strength training, low intensity, high intensity, and rest/recovery—and how to balance them.

The Previous Episodes In This Series

• Part 1: 
• Part 2:
• Part 3:

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 D

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

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In today's episode, I sit down with Jeffery Miglicco (CEO), Omar Almidani and (Co-Founder), and from PureWay, a company leading the charge in safe sharps disposal and recycling solutions.

Together, we explore:

• Why proper disposal of syringes, pens, and lancets is critical for safety and public health.
• How PureWay is creating accessible and affordable sharps disposal systems
• Recycling technology that keeps millions of pounds of plastic out of landfills.
• The future of waste management to consumers.

This episode is eye-opening for anyone who injects insulin, uses lancets, needles or other sharps type products. It shows us how small changes can make a huge impact on safety, sustainability, and community health.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Awareness is the first step: most people don’t realize that throwing capped needles in the trash can cause safety risks and environmental harm.
• Safe disposal options exist: from detergent bottles to PureWay’s mail-back sharps containers, there’s always a better choice.
• Recycling is possible: PureWay has pioneered processes to safely recycle millions of pounds of medical plastics.
• Affordability & convenience matter: most consumers only need 1–2 containers per year, and many manufacturers even subsidize programs.
• The future is connected: sharps containers may one day link to apps or support systems, improving medication adherence and safety.

👥 About Today’s Guests

PureWay is a healthcare solutions company focused on safe sharps disposal, recycling, and patient awareness.

• Jeffery Miglicco – CEO of PureWay
• Omar Almidani – Co-Founder, with a background in healthcare and engineering

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 🌐 Learn more about PureWay: pureway.com
• 📦 Order yours HERE
• 📸 Follow PureWay on Instagram: @pureway

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. My mission is to help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without letting the condition define their lives.

🌐 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
🎙 Donate to the Podcast: Contribute Here

Ways to Support the Show

• Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts & 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 this inspiring episode, I sit down with twin sisters Lisa and Lindsay Rusch, both living with type 1 diabetes, alongside their older brother who also has T1D. Beyond their personal diabetes journeys, the sisters are co-owners of Brekkie Shack, a health-focused restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. This episode is packed with wisdom, entrepreneurial spirit, and practical tips for anyone managing diabetes—or supporting someone who is.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Different ages, different challenges: Lisa was diagnosed at 12, while Lindsay was diagnosed as an adult. Their perspectives on adjusting to T1D are unique yet complementary.
• Food as both fuel and joy: Their restaurant Brekkie Shack is proof that dining out can be both healthy and blood sugar–friendly.
• Endocrinologist alignment matters: Finding the right fit can make or break your confidence in diabetes care.
• Community changes everything: JDRF events, local connections, and podcasts like this one remind us we’re never alone.
• Balance over perfection: Exercise timing, macronutrient choices, and tech tools like CGMs all play a role—but what matters most is finding what works for you.

📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 🌐Visit the restaurant: Brekkie Shack Website
• 📸 Follow Brekkie Shack on Instagram: @brekkieshack
• This Episode on YouTube:

About the Host - Coach Ken

I’m Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. My mission is to help people living with diabetes feel confident, informed, and in control—without letting the condition define their lives.

🌐 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 & 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 down with Mark Brezzel T1D author and clinician who shares his powerful story of diagnosis, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and how his faith and passion for fitness shaped his outlook. We discuss strategies for navigating burnout, building balance, and staying grounded in what matters most while living with T1D.

Key Takeaways

• Diagnosis story — How Mark came to terms with his T1D and found resilience.
• Faith and diabetes — The role spirituality plays in his health journey.
• Fitness as a foundation — Why exercise is more than just physical for Mark.
• Managing burnout — Tools to navigate the emotional ups and downs of diabetes.
• Balance and perspective — Building a life with T1D that’s sustainable and fulfilling.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Mark on Instagram: @mdbliveconnextllc
• 🌐 Visit Mark’s Website: mdbliveconnext.com
• 📖 Check out Mark’s Book: Amazon Link

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications. 

🌐 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 & 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

Cecily Lopez is a wellness advocate, visual storyteller, and the founder of Trinity Grace Photography, LLC. She has been living with Type 1 diabetes for nearly nine years, and a few years into that journey was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Facing both conditions taught her how strong and capable the body can be and inspired her passion for advocacy.

Cecily is dedicated to sharing what she’s learned about navigating chronic illness, listening to the body, and finding healing through rest, gratitude, and community. She is especially passionate about creating space for people who feel unseen in their health journeys, reminding them that everyone deserves to be heard and supported.

Outside of advocacy and photography, Cecily is a wife, mom, and dog mama. She also loves cooking, coffee, books, and movement—whether it’s yoga, pilates, kickboxing, or a good run.

Key Takeaways

• Food freedom — Why you don’t need to fear or feel guilt around food choices.
• Mindset shifts — How Cecily reframed her relationship with diabetes and health.
• Resilience through challenges — Lessons from navigating both T1D and thyroid cancer.
• Listening to your body — Rest, gratitude, and self-awareness as tools for healing.
• Community support — Why creating space for unseen voices matters.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Follow Cecily Lopez on Instagram: 
• 💬 Learn more about Cecily’s work: Trinity Grace Photography, LLC
• 📝 Learn more about the T1D Exchange Registry: Join Here

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications. 

🌐 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’s it like to be newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult? In this episode, I talk with Jessica Barber, who was diagnosed in February 2024. Jessica opens up about what the first year of life with T1D has been like, how she’s learning to understand her body in new ways, and why conversations about women’s health and diabetes are so important.

Key Takeaways

• Early diagnosis journey — What Jessica has learned in her first year with T1D.
• Menstruation and blood sugars — How hormonal shifts impact diabetes management.
• Menopause and diabetes — Why this transition deserves more open conversation.
• Mental health matters — The emotional side of adjusting to a new diagnosis.
• Finding support — Why no one should go through diabetes alone.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 📸 Connect with Jessica Barber on Instagram: 

About the Host

Hi, I’m Coach Ken Kniss, founder of Simplifying Life With Diabetes and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast. I help people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) navigate the overwhelm, confusion, fear, and uncertainty of their daily decisions, so they can feel confident in their bodies and live without the constant worry and anxiety of going low, body image, and potential long-term complications. 

🌐 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

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 3, I compare Adam's list and my list of dosing strategies and the medications that affect blood glucose. 

DiaTribe - The 42 Factors That Affect Blood Glucose

Bright Spots & Landmines: By Adam Brown

Key Takeaways:

• Insulin Timing 
• Pre-Bolusing
• Expired or Bad Insulin
• Inaccurate CGM Readings
• Insulin Quantity

The Previous Episodes In This Series:

• 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