Diabetes Nerd

Seriously? Another diabetes podcast? Yup. I couldn't help myself. In this podcast, we are breaking down diabetes cure research, insulin management tips, pump and CGM technology, other meds like GLP-1s, burnout, and inspiring stories.

These are real conversations about life with diabetes.

ABOUT THE HOST:
Ginger Vieira has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1999. She is an author, advocate, journalist, content creator, and diabetes content marketing specialist. Over the years, she's published many books, including Every Day with Diabetes, Exercise with Type 1 Diabetes, Dealing with Diabetes Burnout, Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes, and more!

Find more from Ginger at DiabetesNerd.com.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

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Episodes20

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This is the Real Secret to Losing Weight with T1D
Send us Fan Mail Most people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) struggle not just with blood sugar management, but with weight loss and sustainable health habits—and too many are left to figure it out alone. In this episode, Leanne Matthews and I get real about what actually makes T1D weight management so hard, and why quick fixes keep falling apart. We talk about fear of lows, unpredictable insulin needs, and the truth about building a routine that lasts. There are no magic tricks when it comes to weight loss, just the practical, real, sometimes hard stuff that actually makes a difference. Want to learn more? Follow Leanne on Facebook. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN FACEBOOK GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
Thursday · 41 min
Carbohydrate Science You Never Knew
Send us Fan Mail High blood sugar doesn’t just affect your body—it may also quietly shape brain health, memory, and energy. In this episode, I speak with Dr. John Lewis about the surprising ways chronically elevated blood sugar may impact the brain, including the science behind “caramelizing the brain,” neuroplasticity, brain fog, and the afternoon crash. Together, we explore the connections between diabetes, sleep, inflammation, and dementia, along with practical nutrition ideas and a broader conversation about how everyday choices can support long-term brain health. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN FACEBOOK GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 23 · 1 hr 1 min
The Diabetes App That Fills the Gaps Left by Your CGM & Pump
Send us Fan Mail If you've ever wished your CGM or insulin pump could do just a little more, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Greg Badros, founder of Gluroo and father of a son with type 1 diabetes, to talk about how he built an app to fill the gaps left by today's diabetes technology. Together, we dive into everything from logging meals, exercise, insulin, and low treatments to identifying patterns that can help you better understand what's affecting your blood sugar day-to-day. We also talk about how Gluroo works alongside your existing diabetes devices, why it was designed to reduce the mental burden of diabetes rather than add to it, and how its companion apps, Got CGM and FlashSnack, make managing diabetes even easier. Whether you're living with type 1 diabetes yourself or caring for someone who is, I think you'll come away with a better understanding of how the right tools can help you spend less time managing diabetes and more time living your life. Let me know in the comments: What's one feature you wish your CGM or insulin pump could do that it doesn't today? Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 16 · 51 min
Who Makes Money From a Diabetes Cure?
Send us Fan Mail What does the stock market have to do with curing type 1 diabetes? Actually...a lot. In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, my friend Julia Flaherty joins me to pull back the curtain on the business side of diabetes research. We talk about how biotech companies raise money, why investors get excited about clinical trial results, what happens when a company gets acquired, and why so many people living with T1D are becoming shareholders themselves. If you've ever wondered why a company's stock jumps after a promising study—or how someone could potentially invest in the future of diabetes research—this episode is for you. This isn't investment advice. It's simply an honest, easy-to-understand conversation about the money that helps fund the race toward better treatments and, hopefully, one day, a cure for type 1 diabetes. 🎧 Watch or listen now and let us know what you think! Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 15 · 47 min
T1D Scientist Explains Why Curing 12 Patients Isn't Enough
Send us Fan Mail WATCH PART 1—Former Biotech Scientist with T1D Explains Why Eledon’s Therapy Isn’t the Universal Cure: https://youtu.be/WxKdbNhQ4GU WATCH PART 2—T1D Scientist Explains Why Curing 12 Patients Isn't Enough: https://youtu.be/QFIAauTz7PI What would a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) actually look like, and when might it be available? These are pressing questions within the diabetes community following recent Eledon trial news. People are beginning to be cured. But when will this become a reality for the many? In this special two-part episode, Dan Heller, a highly knowledgeable scientist who has been living with T1D even longer than I have, explains everything. Grab your coffee, settle in, and turn up the volume—you won't want to miss a word he shares! Check out Dan's Substack: https://danheller.substack.com/about Check out Dan's Instagram: @T1DHumor Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 9 · 55 min
T1D Scientist Explains Why Eledon’s Therapy Isn’t the Universal Cure
Send us Fan Mail WATCH PART 1—Former Biotech Scientist with T1D Explains Why Eledon’s Therapy Isn’t the Universal Cure: https://youtu.be/WxKdbNhQ4GU WATCH PART 2—T1D Scientist Explains Why Curing 12 Patients Isn't Enough: https://youtu.be/QFIAauTz7PI What would a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) actually look like, and when might it be available? These are pressing questions within the diabetes community following recent Eledon trial news. People are beginning to be cured. But when will this become a reality for the many? In this special two-part episode, Dan Heller, a highly knowledgeable scientist who has been living with T1D even longer than I have, explains everything. Grab your coffee, settle in, and turn up the volume—you won't want to miss a word he shares! Check out Dan's Substack: https://danheller.substack.com/about Check out Dan's Instagram: @T1DHumor Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 9 · 1 hr 8 min
He’s Off Mealtime Insulin: Here’s His Tzield Story
Send us Fan Mail What if a newly diagnosed person with type 1 diabetes (T1D) could dramatically reduce their insulin needs, or even stop taking mealtime insulin altogether? In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we sit down with Jacob, who was diagnosed with T1D in February 2026 and enrolled in the Beta Preserve clinical trial just weeks later. The study is exploring whether two rounds of Tzield (teplizumab) can preserve insulin-producing beta cells more effectively than a single treatment. Just months after beginning treatment, Jacob has cut his basal insulin by more than half and no longer needs mealtime insulin. He shares what it was like to undergo 12 consecutive days of Tzield infusions, the side effects he experienced, and how his blood sugars and daily life have changed. We also discuss how Tzield works, why early screening for type 1 diabetes is becoming increasingly important, and what this research could mean for the future of T1D treatment. Most importantly, Jacob explains why he hopes his story inspires others to consider screening, clinical trials, and opportunities to preserve beta cell function after diagnosis. If you live with type 1 diabetes, care for someone who does, or want to stay informed about the latest diabetes research, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Would you consider participating in a clinical trial like this? Have questions about Tzield or T1D screening? Leave a comment. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com/ginger. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
July 2 · 46 min
The Real Story Behind Automated Insulin Pumps: Patients Built It First
Send us Fan Mail What if diabetes technology could do most of the work for you? In this episode, Chris Wilson shares how the DIY diabetes community has spent years pushing insulin-delivery technology beyond its limits, helping to shape the future of automated diabetes management. From early CGM hacks to advanced algorithms that can learn insulin needs with minimal input, Chris explains how grassroots innovation continues to influence the tools people with type 1 diabetes use today. We discuss: • The origins of the "We Are Not Waiting" movement • How DIY systems evolved into today's advanced algorithms • The role of open-source communities in accelerating innovation • The risks and rewards of testing new technology • What the future could hold for pumps, CGMs, and automated insulin delivery Whether you're curious about DIY looping, diabetes technology, or where diabetes care is headed next, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the people driving progress. Guest Chris Wilson is a programmer, advocate, and longtime contributor to the DIY diabetes community who has helped develop and test some of the most innovative insulin delivery systems available today. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
June 25 · 1 hr 11 min
Eledon's Type 1 Diabetes Cure: What's Fact and What's Fiction?
Send us Fan Mail We can be excited and practical at the same time. It's important to look beyond the headlines at the specific challenges within any clinical trial aiming to cure type 1 diabetes. Recently, I've been accused of "smearing" the Eledon study because I've explained that—even though the results are extraordinary—this therapy is still a long way from becoming a cure that's available to thousands, let alone millions, of people living with type 1 diabetes. So today, I sat down with someone who knows this therapy better than almost anyone: Katie Beth Hand (Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calamitykatiebeth/) Katie Beth is one of the participants in the University of Chicago study using Eledon's anti-rejection drug, tegoprubart, alongside transplanted islet cells. She's currently living insulin-free because of that treatment. In this conversation, we talk about what life is actually like after transplant, what the therapy involves, the benefits, the limitations, the business behind a clinical trial, and why it's important to be both excited and realistic about where this research stands today. You don't have to choose between hope and honesty. We can have both. Watch the interview and decide for yourself. Other interviews I've done with Eledon study participants: Katie Beth - 1 month post-transplant Katie Beth - 3 months post-transplant Chris Pacheco - 4 months post-transplant The Problem with Eledon's Cure for T1D Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
June 22 · 1 hr 13 min
The Truth About Insulin Pump Transitions (Don't Make These Mistakes)
Send us Fan Mail Most people with diabetes (PWD) struggle with insulin pump transitions, but expert Maressa Spohn reveals if you're doing it right, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that could cost you control and peace of mind. If you’re considering an insulin pump or have recently switched, this episode is your essential guide to mastering the move and thriving with technology. Diagnosed at age three, Marissa Spohn has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 35 years. She knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID). She shares practical tips on transitioning from multiple daily injections (MDI) to a pump, including how to trust the system, fine-tune settings, and prevent those frustrating highs and lows that often trip people up months after starting. In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, you'll discover: Why many patients struggle with proactive pump management, and how to set yourself up for success from day one. Common mistakes like overriding algorithms and how to develop confidence in your system. How to handle prolonged highs, site issues, and sensor inaccuracies without panic. The nuance of using adjunct tools like Afrezra and GLP-1s to improve control. Key strategies for exercising, stress, and hormonal changes that influence insulin needs. We break down the misconceptions around pump automation, emphasizing that even the smartest algorithms require your active involvement. Marissa shares her insights on adjusting basal rates during menstruation! Thanks for tuning in! Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM sensor. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey SUPPORT INDEPENDENT DIABETES EDUCATION 👉 If you found value in today's episode and want to support independent diabetes education, advocacy, and storytelling, you can leave a tip at buymeacoffee.com/diabetesnerd. Every contribution helps keep the podcast going and allows us to continue bringing important conversations to the diabetes community. Thank you for being here. 🧡 DISCLOSURE: Ginger is an affiliate of Glow Gummies and Good Journey Donuts. By using her links to purchase, she may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enjoy! Support the show
June 18 · 57 min
Parenting a T1D Teen Without Becoming the ‘Blood Sugar Police’
Send us Fan Mail Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the teen years can feel like a constant balancing act. In this episode, Yale pediatric endocrinologist and person living with T1D, Dr. Laura Nally, shares practical strategies to help parents support their teens with more confidence and less conflict. Learn why blood sugar responses to exercise aren't one-size-fits-all, how nutrition and physical activity work together, and what parents can do to help teens build independence while staying safe. Dr. Nally discusses her research on exercise and diabetes, including how identifying individual patterns can lead to smarter management decisions. We also explore common challenges such as preventing lows during sports, using protein to support blood sugar stability, and avoiding the "blood sugar police" approach that can damage trust and communication. Plus, hear how diabetes technology can reduce mental burden while still encouraging teens to develop essential self-management skills. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or someone supporting a teen with type 1 diabetes, this episode offers practical insights to help young people thrive—both physically and emotionally. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS 🔥 NEW RELEASE: Every Day with Diabetes Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
June 11 · 44 min
Do GLP-1s Actually Make Sense for Type 1 Diabetes?!
Send us Fan Mail Most people think managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) is just about insulin and carbs, but what if there's a powerful tool you're missing that could reduce your insulin needs and stabilize blood sugar? Amy Wolk, a longtime pediatric diabetes educator and a person living with T1D for nearly 57 years, shares her surprising journey with microdosing GLP-1s, including Ozempic and Mounjaro. Her experience might just revolutionize how you think about insulin resistance, weight management, and the future of diabetes care. Amy shares real-world stories from her decades navigating the evolving diabetes landscape, from early research with closed-loop systems to witnessing today's rapid device advancements. But the game-changer? Using microdosed GLP-1s to buffer blood sugar spikes, curb appetite, and reduce insulin requirements without the typical weight gain. In this episode, you'll discover... How low-dose GLP-1 therapy can bring the digestive system into better balance, even for those not seeking weight loss. The intricacies of microdosing, including practical tips, syringe hacks, and why customization is crucial for effectiveness. Why the current FDA-approval process and insurance coverage slow down access to potentially life-changing options for people with T1D. The potential for GLP-1s to address long-standing issues like food noise, insulin resistance, and weight gain, beyond just blood sugar management. In a landscape where off-label use is common and research is rapidly evolving, understanding how and why microdosing GLP-1s could transform your diabetes management is essential. Amy's candid insights as both a clinician and patient shed light on an exciting frontier—one that could help you manage your condition more naturally, reduce medication dependence, and perhaps even improve quality of life. If you're tired of feeling stuck with outdated therapies and want to stay ahead of the latest breakthroughs, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to rethink what’s possible in T1D care! Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
June 4 · 43 min
Award-winning Bluegrass Musician Talks T1D Craziness on Tour
Send us Fan Mail Join the Diabetes Nerd Network! Most people don't realize how much physical and emotional resilience it takes to perform with type 1 diabetes, especially on the road. Carolyn Routh, award-winning bluegrass musician and longtime T1D warrior, reveals the raw truths behind managing blood sugar levels during a live show, amid unpredictable travel schedules, and the emotional toll of lows and highs in the spotlight. During this Diabetes Nerd Podcast episode, you’ll discover the surprising ways she keeps her blood sugar in check during performances, how her support system and technology make all the difference, and why her story is a powerful reminder that living fully with type 1 isn't just about numbers—it’s about resilience, passion, and authenticity. In this episode, Carolyn shares what it was like to be diagnosed in the late 70s with limited tools, how her lifestyle on tour complicates diabetes management, and the emotional rollercoaster of low blood sugars that can turn a stage moment into a fight for survival. We'll break down her on-the-road insulin strategies, from deliberately running higher during shows to using vibratory CGMs and emergency glucagon kits. She talks candidly about how her experience with her son’s diagnosis has deepened her understanding and empathy—and how her band’s support makes all the difference when lows hit mid-performance. We also explore the hidden toll of emotional highs and lows, the physical symptoms of hypoglycemia that most people never see, and why managing diabetes as a touring musician is a constant battle of adaptation and mental toughness. Carolyn’s story highlights the importance of support, technology, and mindset, proving that even in the chaos of life on tour, you can thrive with the right tools and attitude. Perfect for anyone navigating diabetes in demanding, unpredictable environments—whether you're on stage, traveling, or simply living life to the fullest—this episode is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the unbreakable spirit of living with type 1. Gain new perspective, practical tips, and a little inspiration to face your own daily battles with courage and humor. Thanks for joining us, Nu Blu! Thanks to Eversense Diabetes for sponsoring. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. AND thanks to YOU for tuning in! 🎶 DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
May 28 · 50 min
Diabetes Burnout? No, We Have Diabetes Disgust.
Send us Fan Mail Content creators who only show their best moments with type 1 diabetes (T1D)? Unhelpful. Healthcare systems that mistakenly diagnose you with type 2 diabetes (T2D) because you're older or live in a bigger body? Horrifying. Having to get up in the middle of the night to treat a low? Over it. We are so, so over it. Living with type 1, that is. How do you navigate burnout when the world of diabetes or your world with diabetes just feels like it's too much? In this conversation with Neil Greathouse (one of our favorite people in the world), we chat about this and more. And we're inviting you to be a part of our circle! Because we're guessing there's a lot you need to get off your chest, too. Check out what Neil's up to: Instagram Website Podcast Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast! Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
May 21 · 53 min
Will This New Short Film Finally Get T1D Right in the Movies?!
Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, I sit down with the creators of the short film "My Type," which shines a spotlight on a romance involving type 1 diabetes (T1D). Could this short film finally get what "Steel Magnolias" got oh-so-wrong about T1D? This film creator's later-in-life diagnosis may have just inspired a movement... Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
May 14 · 45 min
He Ran an Ultra-marathon with T1D
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, we chat with Brian Foster as he shatters the myth that type 1 diabetes (T1D) limits ultra-distance running. Discover his strategies for managing blood sugars during grueling events and learn how he conquers endurance challenges. This episode is a can't-miss for T1D athletes and adventurers eager to redefine what's possible with diabetes! Thanks for tuning in. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if Eversense is right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
May 7 · 35 min
He's Been Cured After 36 Years with T1D
Send us Fan Mail Can you imagine waking up one day and no longer needing insulin? No longer worrying about how many carbs are in a meal? No longer fretting over whether you'll go low during exercise? No longer overthinking every little thing because of type 1 diabetes (T1D)? It sounds nice, but it also feels unimaginable to most people. But not Chris Pacheco—he's living proof that a cure is on its way. (It might already be here!) After 36 years of living with T1D, Chris no longer has to live the same way because of his participation in the Eledon Clinical Trial. Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. See if it's right for you at EversenseCGM.com. Editor's note: In the Eledon trial, low blood sugars are not dangerous for islet cells after a few weeks. Learn more about the Eledon Clinical Trial here. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
April 30 · 42 min
Truth About Upgrading to the Twiist Sequel
Send us Fan Mail Most people with diabetes don’t realize how dramatically technology can improve blood sugar management until they experience it firsthand. Sami Parker, a pediatric registered nurse (RN) living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 13 years, shares how switching to the Sequel Twiist insulin pump and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), such as the Freestyle Libre 3+, has transformed her daily life and improved her blood sugar stability. In this episode, Sami recounts her journey from being anti-pumper to loving her Twiist insulin pump, thanks to its unmatched accuracy, occlusion detection, and customizable features that fit her spontaneous lifestyle and intense work schedule. She explains how these tools help her maintain over 90% time-in-range (TIR), even during night shifts and demanding days, and why she finally feels she has power over her diabetes. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
April 23 · 37 min
3 Months Later: Is She Still Cured of Type 1 Diabetes?
Send us Fan Mail Before Katie Beth Hand was cured of type 1 diabetes (T1D), she carefully evaluated everything before each meal. Over the course of 13 years living with T1D, she had to make at least 200 extra decisions per day about simple tasks like eating, exercising, and sleeping. But today, the only thing she has to worry about at mealtime is "what looks good?" This feels unimaginable to people with T1D—a true mic drop moment—but Katie is charting new territory. In this episode of the Diabetes Nerd Podcast, she shares her current A1C, how she manages her daily life, which checkups are needed, and the process of "becoming undiabetic" after participating in Eledon's clinical trial to cure T1D. One unexpected benefit? People have even started telling her she looks better! You would too if your body controlled your A1C for you. Thanks to Eversense Diabetes for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-day CGM. See if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! Join the Diabetes Nerd Network. DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GINGER’S FAVE DIABETES-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Enjoy Donuts Guilt-free with Good Journey Support the show
April 16 · 1 hr
How an Abusive Relationship Wrecked My Blood Sugars
Send us Fan Mail Join the Diabetes Nerd Network! Topic Sensitivity Warning: This episode shares a story of surviving an abusive relationship and how it affected diabetes management. If this topic feels close to home, please take care of yourself while listening. Managing type 1 diabetes is hard enough on its own. But when you’re surviving an emotionally abusive relationship, the stress doesn’t stay neatly tucked away in the background. It spills into everything—including your blood sugars. In this episode, I share what it was like trying to manage my diabetes while living in a relationship that was slowly tearing me down. My A1C didn’t spike because I “wasn’t trying hard enough.” My blood sugars reflected the constant stress, fear, and exhaustion I was living with every day. If you’ve ever been in a relationship like this, or you’re still finding your way out, you are not alone. I hope this episode helps you feel seen, understood, and maybe a little less alone in the mess of it. 💛 Thanks to Eversense for sponsoring the Diabetes Nerd Podcast. Eversense is home to the world's only 365-Day CGM. Learn if it's right for you at eversensecgm.com. Thanks for tuning in! DISCLAIMER: This video is not medical advice. Ginger Vieira is not a doctor. Please consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your healthcare regimen. FIND MORE FROM GINGER VIEIRA YOUTUBE BOOKS ARTICLES INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN GINGER's DIABETES BOOKS Stop Overeating During Lows Exercise with Diabetes Dealing with Diabetes Burnout Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Emotional Eating with Diabetes When I Go Low Ain't Gonna Hide my T1D GET DISCOUNTS ON DIABETES PRODUCTS Treat Lows Fast with Glow Gummies Support the show
April 9 · 43 min

Diabetes Nerd

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