In Episode 72 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, the clinicians of Integrated Diabetes Services—Jennifer Smith, Dana Roseman, Tavia Vital, and Dr. Paula Diab—tackle a topic that is rarely discussed but deeply impactful: navigating perimenopause and menopause with type 1 diabetes.

Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, these women unpack what many people are never told in the exam room about hormonal shifts, blood sugar volatility, insulin sensitivity changes, and the emotional toll of this life stage. They candidly share the frustrations of managing their own diabetes through perimenopause and menopause, while also offering practical insights, validation, and strategies that have helped them—and their patients—along the way.

This conversation brings clarity, compassion, and real-world guidance to a phase of life that too often leaves people with type 1 diabetes feeling confused, dismissed, or alone.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is the Director of Weight Management at Integrated Diabetes Services. She is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are.

✔️Menopause will make you think that you are doing something wrong after years of getting it right…but you aren’t!

✔️The inconsistency of hormonal fluctuations in perimenopause make it hard to nail down changes that may be required.

✔️ The value of finding other women to share your concerns with.

✔️Women with type 1 diabetes must take extra precautions to avoid bone issues found in aging.

✔️Self-care is not optional.

0:56 Welcome and Introduction

05:06 Menopause today is not what it was in your grandmother’s day

07:33 It isn’t your fault

09:00 The illusive nature of the onset of perimenopause and the havoc it creates.

12:21 How changing hormone levels impact your body

14:28 The domino effect of symptoms

18:41 Who do you turn to for medical help?

22:01 Menopause support

23:27 Understanding hormone replacement therapy

25:30 Mitigating your risk factors

28:12 Physical fitness after 50 is no longer optional

31:59 Tips for weight management in menopause and perimenopause

39:53 The impact of “menopause day” on diabetes management

41:59 Final thoughts

It’s a New Year – forget resolutions or big giant goals.

The Power of Protein

Only About 5% of US Women Now Use Menopausal Hormone Therapy

The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services

Weight management for people living with diabetes

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 71 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder Gary Scheiner speaks to innovator and entrepreneur, Aurelian Briner about the SNAQ app that he created for his wife, Loredana.

The conversation explores the app's development journey, its key features for carb counting and diabetes management, and the challenges faced in the digital health space. The Briner’s share how user insights and lived experiences have allowed them to continue to build the app to help a growing number of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Aurelian Briner is the CEO & Co-Founder of SNAQ. SNAQ is an AI-powered diabetes management platform that helps people make smarter mealtime decisions using its patented photo-based food analysis

✔️SNAQ was created by people living with type 1 diabetes for people living with type 1 diabetes…and they care.

✔️ The value of the SNAQ app during T1 pregnancy.

✔️The depth of the SNAQ app over uploading images to random AI programs.

✔️SNAQ app provides data only. They don’t show ads or share your data.

00:15 Welcome and introduction

06:23 Inspiration for SNAQ

08:11 The value of having a test subject as your wife

09:22 The key features of the SNAQ app

15:50 Features that will be getting an upgrade over time

21:00 The biggest challenges in marketing the SNAQ app

24:21 SNAQ app pricing

26:07 SNAQ vs Gary Scheiner

28:44 SNAQ tips for accurate results

29:53 Advice for diabetes entrepreneurs

https://snaq.go.link/3B8Rc

The Ultimate Guide To Accurate Carb Counting

Food, Technology, and Insulin. Secrets of Successful Glucose Management

IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trynamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Automation

Entrepreneurism in the diabetes space

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 70 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians. Mental health professional, Kristi Paguio and registered dietitian, Dana Roseman unpack the complex relationship of food, insulin, and cultural pressures that can exacerbate disordered eating patterns.

They share their own experiences as women living with type 1 diabetes and provide strategies for improving your relationship with food, your body, and your insulin.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, LCSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist. She has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 as a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes. She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

 ✔️Disordered eating is a broad term that encompasses various unhealthy food relationships.

✔️ Cultural pressures can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and perceptions of food.

✔️ Food should be viewed as a source of joy and connection, not just a means to manage diabetes.

✔️Normalize healthy eating for the entire family.

00:40 Welcome and introduction

03:12 What constitutes disordered eating?

06:25 Cultural influences vs the needs of a healthy body

09:24 The “Food Police”

11:46 All foods fit in your diet

13:51 Helping someone experiencing disordered eating

18:05 Restriction vs Indulgence. Finding the middle ground when it comes to food.

20:33 The impact of judgement when you have diabetes

23:06 Why disordered eating is more common when living with diabetes

24:00 Seeking help for disordered eating with diabetes

If you are seeking a team to assist you with issues surrounding disordered eating and your diabetes, Integrated Diabetes Services has a full team of professionals who are Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists who live with type 1 diabetes. They can help with all aspects of your self-care. Call 1 (610) 642-6055 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

Articles: Eating disorders are on the rise.

If this episode helped you or you have a question, take a moment to leave a short note. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 69 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder, Gary Scheiner sits down with his personal endocrinologist to discuss what it takes to build a successful patient/provider relationship.

Listen to Gary’s conversation with Dr. Koch and learn how to build a successful partnership with your doctor, how to get the most out of your time with your endocrinologist and learn about the areas of care that even Gary could improve on.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the founder and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. An award-winning Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Master’s-level Exercise Physiologist, and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985, Gary Scheiner has dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Benedictine University. He received his diabetes training with the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center. Gary serves on the faculty of several prominent organizations and the clinical advisory boards for a number of diabetes device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Cheryl Koch, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Bryn Mawr, PA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Koch has extensive experience in Thyroid Disorders, Diabetes & Glucose Monitoring, and Osteoporosis & Screening. She graduated from Penn State University College of Medicine in 1989. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Lankenau Medical Center. .

✔️Every diabetes patient is different.

✔️Your doctor is human too.

✔️The value of making small changes.

✔️Your doctor’s job is to help. You don’t have to be perfect.

✔️Find an endo that is interested in you and matches your needs.

00:50 Welcome and Introduction

07:56 The appeal of endocrinology

10:04 Staying up-to-date with diabetes advances

12:46 Getting  the most out of your endo visits

15:31 When it’s okay to break up with your endo

17:40 The value of CDCES in diabetes education

18:54 Areas that Gary Scheiner struggles with in his diabetes care

23:57 Dr. Koch’s parting advice for building trust with your endo

How To Find a Health Care Team You Love – Integrated Diabetes Services

The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If this episode helped you, take a moment to leave a short review. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians, Gary Scheiner and Dana Roseman explore the impact of protein on people living with diabetes. the role and impact of protein in the lives of people with diabetes.

Listen as they share science-backed answers to common questions about protein’s role in blood sugar management, ideal protein sources, dietary balance, and long-term health.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

✔️Protein requires you to use the entire alphabet of amino acids.

✔️The value of having a consistent amount of daily protein.

✔️Protein becomes more important as you age.

00:51 Welcome and Introduction

02:51 The role of protein in a healthy body

04:18 Better sources of protein

07:50 How much protein is enough for YOU?

11:28 What you should know about protein supplements

13:24 Bolusing for protein

18:51 Are you getting enough protein?

21:56 Can you ever have too much protein?

24:57 What you need to remember about protein and type 1 diabetes

Protein List from Integrated Diabetes Services

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If this episode helped you, take a moment to leave a short review. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In this year-end special, host Gary Scheiner shares top moments from your three favourite episodes!

Number 3…Clinicians offer practical advice on glucose management in “Food, Technology, and Insulin.”

Number 2… Riva Greenberg discusses the illusion of perfect glucose control, challenging conventional thinking.

And the fan-favourite for 2025 was the episode when Gary and Dana Roseman compare leading CGMs in “Libre 3 vs Dexcom G7.” This beloved podcast helping listeners make informed choices.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Riva Greenberg is a multi-time author, columnist, and blogger. She has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years and has presented her “Flourishing Approach” to healthcare professionals and people with diabetes all over the world.

✔️80% of your management is what you do over and over.

✔️Why it is impossible to “control” your blood sugars, but how you can positively influence them.

✔️The value of data when managing your diabetes care.

00:15 Welcome and introduction

02:28 Understanding your insulin

8:08 The value of understanding your typical meals

10:13 Meet Riva Greenberg

12:18 Why can’t diabetes and blood sugar levels be controlled?

15:25 Glucometer commercials should picture readings of 283 mg/dl

19:24 The evolution of CGMs

22:11 Dexcom G7 vs Libre 3+

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

The Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team has explored a number of topics and spoken with many guests over the course of 2025. In this special episode, we share highlights from their three favourite episodes.

Number 3… When Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health Collide. From Darkness to Resilience

Number 2… IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trinamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Application

Number 1…. Empowered Aging. Proactive Strategies for Seniors with Type 1 Diabetes.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes.  She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management.

Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

Amy Sczepanski has been navigating life with diabetes since 1997 and is now adventuring her way from the redwoods of Eureka, California to her new home in Pennsylvania. Amy brings energy, empathy, and a sense of humor to her new role at Integrated Diabetes Services working with clients and clinicians alike. She is a proud cat mom, avid lover of all things outdoors, and is happily diving into work that she loves.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Joanne Milo has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 60 years and just launched a brand-new project called T1D to 100. This website is an incredible resource for people aiming to thrive with type one diabetes in every decade of life. Joanne is also well-known for her long running blog, the Savvy Diabetic, and helping to build the amazing loop and learn online community.

✔️You are not alone. Diabetes impacts more than just your physical health.

✔️Optimizing your diabetes outcomes can take a level of faith.

✔️ Healthcare wasn’t prepared for people living with type 1 diabetes to live longer, but after spending their lives advocating for improvements, they aren’t stopping now.

00:37 Introduction

03:10 Amy’s Mental Health Crisis

07:34 The Turning Point: A Cry for Help

10:38 Thoughts on Open-Sourced insulin delivery systems

12:43 Learning to trusting the technology

20:24 Joanne Milo highlights the worries of seniors with type 1 diabetes

26:59 How can we best serve the aging T1D population?

The Savvy Diabetic

T1D to 100

In Episode 65 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team share why they became Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Some were inspired by life-changing healthcare professionals. Some were inspired by Gary Scheiner, but every clinician on the IDS team continues to be motivated by a desire to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  He is the owner of Integrated Diabetes Services and is actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age twelve, Kathryn’s work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Alicia Downs,  RN, MSN, CDCES,  BC-ADM experienced years of mis-diagnoses and ineffective treatments that gave her the incentive to take the lead in her own health care and educate those around her. Alicia is passionate about providing educated compassionate informed and equitable care to all people.

Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D.  Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress.

Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are.

✔️What influenced each team member’s decision to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

✔️ How Gary’s team of specialists came together to create the Integrated Diabetes Services team that you know today.

00:22 Welcome and introduction

01:05 Kristi’s why

02:46 Who changed Gary’s career path

03:46 When Tavia had to sit through a diabetes class

07:01 Paula’s Google search

09:03 From Fangirl to team member

12:15 The value of experiential knowledge

19:52 How life made Dana pivot her career

21:24 Jenny wanted to be a vet

24:36 I want to be Gary Scheiner!

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In Episode 64 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinician Kristi Paguio sits down with Amy Sczepanski to discuss her remarkable mental health journey.

Amy candidly reflects on her experiences moving beyond suicide attempts to building a fulfilling life, highlighting pivotal moments that reshaped her path. The conversation delves into the transformative power of therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing both mental and physical aspects of healing.

Together, Kristi and Amy explore how unconditional love, effective medication, and actively seeking support from the medical community play essential roles in overcoming despair and fostering well-being.

Listeners gain insight into the significance of self-acceptance, the value of supportive relationships, and practical strategies for nurturing mental health while living with type 1 diabetes.

Important Notice: This episode contains frank discussions about mental health crises, including suicide, as well as strong language.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes.  She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management.

Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

Amy Sczepanski has been navigating life with diabetes since 1997 and is now adventuring her way from the redwoods of Eureka, California to her new home in Pennsylvania. Amy brings energy, empathy, and a sense of humor to her new role at Integrated Diabetes Services working with clients and clinicians alike. She is a proud cat mom, avid lover of all things outdoors, and is happily diving into work that she loves.

✔️How people hide their emotional pain behind their diabetes.

✔️Mental health struggles are hard to discuss with others.

✔️ When your mental health isn’t doing well, your diabetes won’t be doing well either.

✔️Professional therapy is more valuable than you think.

✔️There is no shame in taking medication for your brain health.

00:15 Welcome and introductions

03:10 Introduction to Amy's Journey

07:35 The Turning Point: A Cry for Help

13:26 Finding the helpers

15:22 Amy’s path of self abuse

18:42 The baby steps to Amy's healing journey

23:06 The Power of Shared Stories

25:33 Diabetes is the burden, not you!

27:57 Finding the right tools with your healthcare team

31:51 Tips for improved mental and physical well-being

35:13 The IDS team gets it

39:01 Final thoughts

Jenny Smith, Integrated Diabetes Services

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

If you’re looking for real, personalized support for life with diabetes, you’re in the right place. Our team brings 269+ years of lived experience and 172+ years of professional expertise to the table—and we don’t say “we get it” lightly. Nearly 90% of our clinicians live with type 1 diabetes themselves, so when we talk about carb counting at midnight or troubleshooting a stubborn sensor… we’ve been there. If you want guidance from people who understand the science and the lived reality, give us a call or schedule an appointment anytime: https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Episode 63 of Think Like a Pancreas-The Podcast is part two of a two-part series with clinician, Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez and Ali Adler.

Ali shares how her family can remain sane despite having two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 2.5 years old and his younger brother one year later when he was just 18 months. Learn about the support systems that they have put in place that improves the health and well-being of the entire family.

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. As a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, she specializes in sports performance, technology integration—including open-source and DIY systems—and counseling young people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Diagnosed herself at age twelve, Kathryn holds degrees in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University and West Chester University, and certifications from ACSM and ISSA. Her work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Ali Adler is a devoted mom who is navigating the extraordinary challenge of raising two young children with type 1 diabetes. Her journey began when her oldest son, Tom, was diagnosed at just two and a half years old. Drawing on her experience from her brother’s diagnosis during her teenage years, Ali recognized the signs and acted quickly. One year later, her youngest son, Joe, was also diagnosed, making diabetes management a central part of family life. Ali shares her story to help other parents find strength, create systems that work, and embrace resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

✔️Diabetes always goes wrong right before an appointment with a specialist.

✔️A bad diabetes day is often just a day.

✔️ Mistakes can happen to the best of us.  

✔️ Don’t skimp on your sleep.

00:16 Welcome and introductions

01:34 Tom and Joe’s diabetes diagnosis

05:23  The struggles around finding diabetes care

08:20 Investing in an Au Pair

11:58 Other childcare options

13:18 There is no way to speed up the grief process

15:38 The silver lining of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis

17:27 And then there was celiac disease

21:51 Diabetes always goes wrong when you need it to go right.

22:56 Re-evaluating a negativity bias

25:33 The need to be “on” all of the time

26:14 How IDS helped them to sleep safely at night

30:20 The most important tool in their diabetes management system

TrialNet

     https://www.trialnet.org/

https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/

Three moms and a diabetes diagnosis. 

Joanne Milo, Empowered Aging. Proactive Strategies for Seniors with Type 1 Diabetes

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

If you’re looking for real, personalized support for life with diabetes, you’re in the right place. Our team brings 269+ years of lived experience and 172+ years of professional expertise to the table—and we don’t say “we get it” lightly. Nearly 90% of our clinicians live with type 1 diabetes themselves, so when we talk about carb counting at midnight or troubleshooting a stubborn sensor… we’ve been there. If you want guidance from people who understand the science and the lived reality, give us a call or schedule an appointment anytime: https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.