The Diabetes Dish

In this 20-minute conversation Quinn explains why insulin prices are so high in the US and what you can do to keep pressure on big pharma and the government. Plus why she and others can't use the low-cost insulin sold at Walmart.

Hear how a type 2 patient manages his diabetes with Afrezza Inhalable Insulin.

Dexcom Chief Technology Officer, Jake Leach, shares news of recent technological breakthroughs designed to improve life for people with diabetes. Learn how you can get your blood glucose levels in real time by using a new app to "ask Siri" for the information. Could this groundbreaking technology eliminate finger pricks forever?

Losing weight isn't easy and unfortunately, there's no quick fix. In this frank discussion, diabetes nutrition expert and author Hope Warshaw, explains why changing unhealthy habits can be so challenging and what you need to do to be successful at losing weight. You'll also learn why the most difficult aspect of weight loss is often maintaining it! Her simple tips may inspire you to start making small but meaningful changes today.

If you are a certified diabetes educator (CDE) or the parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes, you'll want to listen to this informative conversation between Quinn Nystrom, a type 1 who also battles bulimia and Jenaca Beagley, a nurse who treats the condition at Center for Change in Utah. The two recently conducted research that tells us more about this complicated problem that has severe and often irreversible complications if left untreated. The good news is, recognizing and treating the problem properly can make a difference. 

Randy Jackson has lived with type 2 diabetes for nearly 2 decades. Ignoring advice from his dentist who had noticed signs of diabetes in Randy's mouth, the award-winning producer and former American Idol judge landed in the ER with a blood sugar over 500 mg/dL. Today, thankfully, his diabetes is well controlled. Randy has teamed up with Colgate toothpaste to raise awareness about diabetes and the link between blood sugar and gum disease. For more information about the "Everyday Reality" of living with diabetes and the campaign, follow the #EverydayReality conversation on Instagram @Colgate and @AmDiabetesAssn.

Dr. Scott Cunneen performs more than 100 weight loss or metabolic surgeries each year on people with type 2 diabetes. Hear why it's a safe and successful procedure and learn if it can be a game changer for you. Dr, Cunneen is the director of metabolic and bariatric surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and the co-author (with OnTrack Diabetes type 2 writer Nancy Sayles Kaneshiro) of 21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Weight-Loss Surgery (American Diabetes Association, 2017).

The price of insulin in the US has more than doubled since 2012. As a result, the cost of this life-saving hormone is out of reach for many people with diabetes. Some try to make it last longer by rationing the expensive substance, putting their lives at risk. Alec Smith tragically lost his life in June 2017, a few weeks after his 26th birthday, from a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis—a consequence of dangerously high blood sugar. Nicole Smith-Holt, Alec's mother, shares her son's sad story and explains what can be done to combat this troubling problem.

Obesity is a complicated problem in our society. If you are a person struggling with weight loss you will find validation, comfort and practical tips in this podcast.  Two experts—Amy Hess-Fischl, a certified diabetes educator and Dr. Michael McGee, a psychiatrist who specializes in treating addictions—address the emotional side of eating, explain the neuro-biological process, and make a compelling case for treating obesity as an addiction. 

Daniele Hargenrader, aka the Diabetes Dominator, has been there. After suddenly losing her father at the age of 12, she found comfort in food and ate her way to weighing more than 200 pounds in just a few months. Learn how after many unsuccessful attempts to lose weight and get her blood sugar under control, she finally figured out a simple system that made sense for her life and helped her get back in the driver's seat. 

For a person living with diabetes, medical expenses are more than two times higher than someone who does not have diabetes. Here is expert advice to help you cut costs without cutting quality.

Chef Doreen Colondres, a celebrity chef, cookbook author and founder of The Kitchen Doesn't Bite website is on a mission to get everyone eating more home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients. Her easy-to-prepare, healthy recipes were inspired by having grandparents with diabetes and a backyard garden in Puerto Rice with 30 fresh ingredients—and live chickens, too.

On the heels of his newly-released song, "Let 'Em Loose," country singer Ben Rue takes a break from his hectic schedule to chat with OnTrack Diabetes type 1 writer Quinn Nystrom. Get in on the fun @BenRueMusic, with the hashtag #BuckOffDiabetes.

The Diabetes Dish catches up with Jonathan Tijerina, a busy Stanford Medical Student and future plastic surgeon who was diagnosed 13 years ago with type 1 diabetes. Hear Jonathan's interesting background story that includes a traumatic conversation he had with a unsympathetic doctor and why he spends his lunchtimes teaching his peers to have more empathy for patients living with diabetes.

Sarah Lucas, CEO of Beyond Type 1, discusses the group's campaign to raise awareness about DKA. She is joined by Meredith Rosser whose son was diagnosed with T1D when his blood sugar hit 1,400 mg/dL and he was in DKA.

Meet Emily Goldman and Christie Leist, two type 1 dia-besties who met in college and started a podcast called Pancreas Pals. Hear their tips about managing relationships, blood sugars, and other challenges of living with diabetes in your 20s.

In this revealing podcast, type 1 writer Quinn Nystrom opens up about her eating disorder struggle. Her message of hope will inspire anyone currently battling this difficult problem. Quinn Nystrom, type 1 writer, author and public speaker has been traveling across the country as the national diabetes ambassador for the Center for Change speaking out about the high prevalence of eating disorders among people with type 1 diabetes.

The Diabetes Dish catches up with one of our favorite experts—Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, who says it's possible to enjoy the season without sending your blood sugar soaring. Listen in to learn how to stop the shoulding and celebrate with less guilt and more joy. Susan is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes educator extraordinaire, 2015 Diabetes Educator of the Year, and recently-elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

The Diabetes Dish recently sat down with Charles Mattocks, host of the new diabetes reality show, "Reversed," and one of the show's cast members. Both men have type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the on-air challenges they faced and what it takes to change unhealthy lifestyles and make those changes stick.

OnTrack Diabetes Blogger Nancy Sayles Kaneshiro struggled for years to get her type 2 diabetes under control. She was taking three medications, yet still had elevated blood sugar levels and was 70 pounds overweight. After doing her research, she decided bariatric was the way to go. Find out how the procedure has turned her life and her diabetes around, and hear about the book she's co-authored with her surgeon Dr. Scott Cunneen: 21 Things You Need to Know about Diabetes and Weight-Loss Surgery (American Diabetes Association, 2017).

Seven years ago, Eric O'Grey was 150 lbs overweight and taking 15 medications, including metformin to treat type 2 diabetes. Today, he doesn't take a single drug and is in the best shape of his life. Hear about his inspiring journey to reclaim his health and the brand new book that captures it all. 

Nick Jonas sat down OnTrack Diabetes Type 1 Blogger Quinn Nystrom to talk type 1 diabetes, how to handle highs and lows, blood sugar testing, what he looks for in a partner—aka his deal 'type 3', and how new technology has improved how he manages his condition. 

Maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar level is hard work! Come learn about how low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) and added fibers may be helpful for people managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Susan Weiner, RDN, MS, CDE, CDN, Owner, Susan Weiner Nutrition, PLLC and Kristine Clark, PhD, RDN, director of sports nutrition and assistant professor of nutrition science at Penn State University, will discuss the incorporation of LCS and added fibers into a daily diet as a way to help manage weight and blood glucose levels. Brought to you by Tate & Lyle.  

Will Hauver was diagnosed at age 15 with type 1 diabetes. He took his type 1 seriously, but didn't let it stop him from playing lacrosse, traveling on church retreats, sleeping over at friends' houses and generally living life to the fullest. In fall of 2011 he moved from his hometown of Towson, Maryland to Rollins College to study communications and art and play Lacrosse. Will flourished at college—he became captain of the lacrosse team and was set to graduate in June 2015 with honors. Will, however, lost his life at age 22 on Feb 2, 2015 when his blood sugar climbed into the 700s following a bout with the flu. Here to tell Will's story is his mom Lyndall Hauver.

After a routine blood test 15 years ago revealed ESPN Radio Host Mike Golic had type 2 diabetes—a disease that also impacted his father—Golic began his journey of learning to live with and manage a chronic condition. Find out what this former NFL player considers one of the most important factors for successfully managing diabetes, what he relies on his family for and why he has no intention of giving up donuts anytime soon. 

Mannkind Corporation is the first and currently only maker of inhalable insulin. Their CCO Michael Castagna, a PharmD, answers a bunch of questions about Afrezza, including how it works, why users like it, and what the concerns are around long-term side effects. 

Advances in science and technology are changing the way people are living with diabetes. Run a marathon? Hike the Appalachian Trail? Tour the world as an international singing sensation? No problem if you have your trusty Dexcom CGM with you every step of the way. Hear straight from Dexcom's CEO Kevin Sayer as he explains how this technology works and how it's changing the lives of so many. 

Cat Pugh, a 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes is out in mid-February to hike the Appalachian trail for 7 months with two buddies. She hopes to make it through to her destination in Maine. She's spent months prepping for this hike and seems well prepared emotionally and physically. She shares the details about what inspired her to take on this challenge and how she plans to make sure her T-slim pump and Dexcom stay charged and how she plans to get her insulin supply delivered. 

In 2010, Eric O'Grey's doctor told him to start looking for a funeral plot because he'd need one within five years.  O'Grey, then 51, weighed 330 pounds, had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure that was "through the roof." He was on some 15 medications for these ailments, including insulin, Metforim and another drug for his diabetes. But switching to a plant-based diet and adopting a shelter dog would radically transform his health and his entire life. 

Is diabetes impacting your relationship and/or your sex-life? You're not alone. Diabetes can make us feel self conscious and can also be the cause of arguments and tension in relationships with the people who love us the most. Physical changes caused by diabetes can also impact how much pleasure we get from sex. Ginger Vieira, editorial director of DiabetesDaily.com, lays it all out in this informative webinar. You'll learn the most common reasons women and men with diabetes can have trouble getting aroused and having an orgasm. Ginger also tackles the emotional issues that can creep in and leave us feeling less-than-desirable. Learn how to feel empowered in and out of the bedroom with this 30-minute presentation.   

in August 2015, 44-year-old Wendy Peacock made medical history when she became the first recipient of a breakthrough procedure developed by the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at UHealth — University of Miami Health System that enabled her to become insulin-free.

Researchers are exploring the connection between bad gut bacteria and its connection to diabetes as well as other diseases. Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta, an assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Calgary and co-author of the newly released "Let Them Eat Dirt: Saving Your Child from an Oversanitized World" (Algonquin Press, 2016) joins us to talk diabetes, as well as the best and worst foods you can eat to make healthy gut microbes. 

In July 2016, the FDA granted approval on the InPen, the first and only FDA-approved wireless-enabled insulin pen that calculates and recommends optimal dosing, tracks and records a one's doses and times, and shares dosing information with your health care provider through a mobile app. The Diabetes Dish spoke to The InPen's creator Sean Saint, CEO of Companion Medical, the pen's manufacturer, to learn about his inspiration for the pen, the pen's features and how it's impacted his own type 1 diabetes.   

Les Hazelton was one of 123 people with type 1 diabetes to participate in the MedtronicMiniMed670G patient trial conducted at the International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He spoke to DiabeticLifestyle.com to share the amazing changes in his life before and after using this device that will be available in Spring 2017.

Thinking about getting pregnant? Or maybe you're already pregnant and want to learn everything you can about having a healthy pregnancy when you have diabetes. Come learn why blood sugar management is so important at every stage, including preconception, every trimester, during delivery and in the postpartum period.

Keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range is challenging to say the least. Everything from stress to diet, an illness and lack of sleep can impact your numbers. Certified Diabetes Expert Amy Hess Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE, shares her expert advice and go-to strategies on how to get your numbers to where you want them to be. 

Join Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, for an educational overview of diabulimia, an eating disorder unique to people with type 1 where sufferers skip or reduce insulin injections to spur weight loss. Susan will talk about how to spot the signs of this eating disorder, the seriousness of the disease and treatment options. We'll also hear from Betsy Conlin who has type 1 and is in recovery from diabulimia.

Diabetes is a 24/7 disease that does a really good job of regularly reminding you just what you're up against. Managing blood sugar highs and lows, medication side effects, testing, injections and living a busy life — working, raising kids, tending to aging parents (or all three!)— can be incredibly challenging. Come hear from two of the top experts on diabetes burnout as they share their tips on coping when all you want to do is check out from managing your diabetes.

Get organized with leading nutrition expert and certified diabetes educator Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, as she shares her tips and tools on how you can get organized in key areas of your life so that you feel healthier, happier and less stressed.  You'll learn important steps on organizing daily diabetes supplies, streamlining your morning routine, kitchen organization, and travel tips.

DiabeticLifestyle Blogger Alma Schneider talks about her prediabetes diagnosis, the denial, carb revenge, belly dancing, fears and ultimate surrender to dealing with her condition.

Leading nutrition expert and certified diabetes educator Susan Weiner, MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, shares her approach to mindful eating and weight loss. Her tips and tools will help you take charge of food, instead of food taking charge of you! You will learn the power of portion control and tactics for managing indulgences, including the cookies, doughnuts, candy, and ice cream that call your name. More and more studies show when people are taught mindful-eating strategies they learn to tap into what's behind their food choices, and how to make smarter choices. The payoff: improved blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. A sneak peek: "There are a number of things that trigger us to eat when we're not hungry. Often, without realizing it, we are looking to counteract feelings of stress, bordeom, or exhaustion with food," says DiabeticLifestyle Medical Advisory Board Member Susan Weiner. "The next thing you know, you've eaten a mega-size muffin or a half bag of chips, and now you're beating yourself up for it." The good news, says Weiner, is that "there is a much better, more effective way to manage your relationship with food that puts you in the driver's seat." *Note: This podcast is a replay of a live webinar that took place on April 28, 2016 from 1-2 pm EST.