In Episode 40 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Riva Greenberg joins host Gary Scheiner to discuss, what she feels is the illusion of glucose control.

Together, they explore the biological limitations of controlling blood sugar, the psychological impacts of diabetes terminology, and the importance of influencing rather than controlling glucose levels.

Riva, author and person living with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years, shares her personal experiences and strategies for managing diabetes, emphasizing the significance of self-compassion and the acceptance of life's unpredictability in diabetes management.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, is the award-winning author of Think Like a Pancreas as well as numerous other books that act as guides for people living with diabetes. A Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist, and person living with type 1 diabetes since 1985, Gary was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. He trained at the Joslin Diabetes Center and has dedicated his career to helping others live well with diabetes through education, advocacy, and innovation.

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.

• Why Riva feels that diabetes cannot be controlled.
• How the term 'control' can create unrealistic expectations and guilt.
• Why some feel that words used by healthcare providers can impact patients' mental health.
• The importance of self-compassion in managing diabetes.
• The importance of quality of life when it comes to diabetes.

00:16 Introduction and disclaimer

01:38 Meet Riva Greenberg

04:21 Why diabetes and blood sugars cannot be controlled

07:46 What influences blood glucose levels

09:34 Why do doctors so often use the terms like "control" with their patients with diabetes?

11:17 How words impact the psychological aspect of diabetes care

14:51 The pitfall of perfection in diabetes management

20:23 How is technology influencing the perception of diabetes management?

25:07 The value of relaxation in your care

26:40 Why Gary feels quality of life is so important in his diabetes care

27:25 The pressure that comes from thinking that diabetes shouldn't stop you

https://diabetesstories.com

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Riva-Greenberg/author/B001TNK2BE?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Bright Spots and Landmines by Adam Brown

The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

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The How and Why of MDI

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 39 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, host Kathyrn Alvarez speaks with Austin Sympson who shares his journey of living with type 1diabetes while pursuing a PhD and working in the pharmaceutical industry. He discusses the challenges of managing diabetes alongside his busy life, his goals for family planning, and his transition to using open-source Android APS for insulin delivery.

Through this conversation, listeners will uncover how Austin balances academic pursuits, a professional career, and an active lifestyle, all while managing diabetes with cutting-edge technology.

Discover actionable tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights into diabetes management, family planning, and embracing open-source innovation for better glucose control.

• Why Austin switched from the Tandem t-SlimX2 insulin pump to Android APS and the game-changing features of this open-source technology.
• How Austin manages his busy schedule as a PhD student, researcher, cyclist, and husband while keeping his glucose levels in check.
• The flexibility and customization options offered by Android APS, including micro boluses and temporary targets.
• How Austin’s journey to lower his A1C impacts family planning and his approach to long-term health.
• How to navigate cultural differences in food, and staying active abroad.
• How the Android APS community empowers users to build confidence and overcome challenges in adopting new systems.

00:18 Welcome and Disclaimer

00:58 Meet Austin Sympson-- PhD student, cyclist, pharmaceutical researcher, and person with diabetes

05:12 Why Austin chose to work with Integrated Diabetes Services

10:14 What made Austin decide to use Android APS over his traditional insulin pump

15:19 Why Austin does NOT use a GLP-1 to help manage his diabetes

19:45 Understanding the AAPS Objectives

27:35 Did you ever have "buyers regret" about moving to an open source system?

30:04 Continuous Glucose Monitors and Open Source Systems

33:36 The Insurance benefits of AAPS

36:35 Kathryn's early thoughts on the Twist insulin pump

39:44 Navigating carb counts in foreign countries

42:41 The AAPS community is a helpful, global community

https://www.type1university.com/diy-open-source-automated-insulin-delivery-aid-systems/

https://loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/

https://www.loopnlearn.org/

http://integrateddiabetes.com/diy-services-support/

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.

✔️If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to like, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

✔️You can start working with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team by visiting https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/

✔️AND...Don’t let the complexity of open-source systems deter you from experiencing their benefits. Reach out to Integrated Diabetes Services for expert coaching and start your journey toward better diabetes management today!