The T1Dialogues

In this episode of T1 Dialogues, host Rachel Halverson speaks with Christabel Uluocha, a dedicated diabetes specialist nurse WINNER of the Not Just a Patch 2025 UK Grant. Christabel shares her deeply personal journey into healthcare, inspired by the loss of both parents to diabetes complications.

She takes us inside the day-to-day life of a diabetes nurse, highlighting her outreach efforts in underserved communities across Africa, and the vital role of culturally sensitive nutrition in supporting diverse populations. From tackling the real challenges of diabetes education—such as financial constraints and limited manpower—to empowering healthcare professionals to make an impact from where they are, Christabel’s story is both powerful and practical.

This inspiring conversation also explores the importance of self-care, with Christabel reminding us that every caregiver needs to recharge in order to keep making a difference. Her work with the Diabetes Champion initiative reflects her ongoing passion to provide education, resources, and hope to people living with diabetes.

👉 Whether you’re living with diabetes, working in healthcare, or passionate about community outreach and diabetes management, this episode is full of insights, motivation, and practical advice.

Follow & Connect with Christabel

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/diabeteschampion

https://www.facebook.com/Favouredhome

https://www.youtube.com/@DiabetesChampion

Apply for 2026 Grant:

https://notjustapatch.com/diabetes-grant-funding-program/

https://www.instagram.com/notjustapatch

Watch this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/KEALF0jIpBo

In this inspiring episode of T1 Dialogues, powered by Not Just a Patch, we sit down with the extraordinary Dr. Rachel Smith — a medical doctor, high-altitude mountaineer, and type 1 diabetic — as she prepares to climb Antarctica’s highest peak!

From her childhood in Belfast to summiting Kilimanjaro and surviving extreme challenges on Aconcagua, Rachel shares how living with type 1 diabetes has shaped her mindset, strengthened her resilience, and pushed her toward some of the world’s toughest expeditions.

- Training for Antarctica while managing T1D

- Surviving extreme cold with insulin tech

- Nutrition and glucose strategies for different styles of exercise

- The mental side of diabetes and mountaineering

Whether you're living with diabetes or just need a dose of motivation, Rachel's journey proves that type 1 is not a limitation — it’s a superpower.

📌 Support Rachel's mission:https://www.instagram.com/type1summit/

🧠 Final Words from Rachel: “Start from where you are. Be kind to yourself. And reframe diabetes as something that makes you stronger.”

🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who needs a little extra courage to take on their next big challenge.

📖 For greater insight see our blog: https://notjustapatch.com/rachel-smith-t1d-extreme-adventurer/

https://youtu.be/neFGN98ZcjI

#T1Dialogues #Type1Diabetes #DiabetesAwareness #NotJustAPatch #RachelSmith #DiabeticAthlete

We are beyond delighted to have Rachel Halverson a part of the Not Just a Patch team. She has already done a mini podcast series about Powerful Women in Diabetes - so we thought it was time to ask her about her story.

Expect to hear & see her more on our channels.

Visit Rachel's website at rachelbetes.com

Follow her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givemesomesugardiabetes

In this episode of the Powerful Women Series, Rachel from Not Just a Patch chats with the visionary Amy Claire Mills — a Sydney-based artist, disability advocate, and access consultant living with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Together, they explore Amy’s powerful journey through chronic illness, her lifelong relationship with diabetes, and how her bold, immersive art challenges accessibility norms in the creative world. From wearable medical gear as self-expression to calling out the beige of hospital culture, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and a whole lot of color.

🎨 Art, identity, and advocacy collide in this unforgettable conversation.

✨ If you’ve ever felt unseen navigating chronic illness or believe in the power of inclusive spaces, this episode is for you.

👇 Follow Amy Claire Mills: 

Instagram: @amy_claire_mills

https://www.amyclairemills.com/

In this episode of the Powerful Women Series, Rachel — Type 1 diabetes educator and part of the Not Just a Patch team — sits down with Ava Biesterfeld: Olympic weightlifter, nutrition coach, and future registered dietitian.

Living with Type 1 diabetes since childhood, Ava shares how she’s navigated the highs and lows of managing blood sugars, athletic performance, and mental health — all while staying true to a plant-based, evidence-driven lifestyle. Finding balance between fueling her body, staying strong in training, and living well with diabetes hasn't always been easy, but Ava brings insight, honesty, and practical wisdom. 

Highlights:

• Managing diabetes as a strength athlete

• Plant-based performance nutrition

• Insulin resistance, blood sugar spikes & stress

• Lifting while living with T1D

• Tips for sustainable fueling and mindset
  

📲 Connect with Ava: IG:https://www.instagram.com/avasugarrr/

Nutrition Coaching: @fuelworksnutrition

💃 ⁠YouTube: Powerful Women Series

In this episode of the Powerful Women Series, Rachel — Type 1 diabetes educator and part of the Not Just a Patch team — sits down with Nurianne Arias: PhD candidate, global advocate, and young leader in diabetes.

Together, they explore what it means to live with a hidden disability like Type 1 diabetes, how community care can transform lives, and why emotional support matters just as much as medical treatment. From grief to empowerment, this is a conversation for anyone navigating chronic illness or passionate about inclusive advocacy.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful, heartfelt conversation.

🔗 Follow Nurianne: https://www.instagram.com/T1D_Nurianne

💃 YouTube: Powerful Women Series

We are celebrating the Powerful Women doing great things in the diabetic space.

Recently we were lucky enough to get in touch with our past grant winner Beck Newton. Beck Newton is a registered nurse and dietitian specializing in diabetes care. Beck shares her extensive journey in the healthcare field, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mental health aspects of diabetes and the connection between nutrition and overall well-being. The discussion covers the challenges of managing diabetes, the impact of diet culture, and the need for individualized nutrition approaches. She also highlights her ongoing education and aspirations to enhance her practice as a nurse practitioner, aiming to provide comprehensive care for her patients.Beck Newtonhttps://instagram.com/eatlivewellauHost: Rachelhttps://www.instagram.com/givemesomesugardiabetes/

Not Just a Patchhttps://notjustapatch.com/

Watch us on YouTube

https://youtu.be/hOQChSqlGKQ

Rachel Sood, a fourth-generation nurse and founder of the Diabetes Collective, shares her insights on the evolution of healthcare, the importance of relationships in patient care, and the challenges of behavior change in diabetes management. She discusses her unique approach to creating a welcoming environment for patients and emphasizes the role of technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring, in empowering individuals to take control of their health. The conversation highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and patience in healthcare, as well as the significance of personal connections in fostering positive outcomes for patients.

Connect with Rachael & the Diabetes Collective

https://www.thediabetescollective.net/

https://www.instagram.com/thediabetescollective/

Connect with Pete & Not Just a Patch

https://notjustapatch.com/

https://www.instagram.com/notjustapatch/

Check out the Blog

https://notjustapatch.com/blog/

Watch it on YouTube

https://youtu.be/VO5eLM4CKsk

Jessica Unger, co-founder of Type One Community, discusses the mission of creating a space for diabetics to party and have fun while supporting each other. The community aims to break down the walls between diabetics and their friends and family, creating a safe and inclusive environment. They organize events, livestreams, and radio shows to bring people together and promote a positive mindset towards diabetes. The community is open to everyone, including those without diabetes, and plans to expand globally in the future.

Instagrams

Type One Community

Jessica Unger

Girls Dont Sync

Not Just A Patch

Jackabetic

Watch this episode on YouTube

In this T1 Dialogues episode, Jackson and Pete interview Anna Reinwand and Michele Hale from Oklahoma State Medical Center. They discuss the hospital's focus on helping underprivileged patients and providing free classes and resources for diabetes education. The hospital also offers test strips and emergency insulin to patients without insurance. The conversation highlights the importance of education and awareness in managing diabetes and reducing stigma. Anna and Michele emphasize the availability of programs and resources for those in need and encourage individuals to seek assistance and not ration their insulin.

Links mentioned:

https://diabetes.org/

Grant Funding Program:

https://notjustapatch.com/diabetes-grant-funding-program/

Cohost:

https://instagram.com/jackabetic

https://notjustapatch.com/

Instagram

FaceBook Page

YouTube video of this episode