#89: Allison Herschede | Diabetes Against the Grain

After decades of frustrating results and fed up with the type 1 diabetes roller coaster, Allison completely changed her life and diabetes management by switching to a low carb lifestyle. She took her new way of eating seriously and lost 55+ pounds and was able to get off all medications with the exception of insulin. This journey fueled her desire to learn more about how her own T1D body worked and to then share her message with others. Allison jumped head first into a series of nursing degrees and coaching certifications including pregnancy and pre-diabetes coaching. She is the real deal exemplifying how to both live well and support others in their journey with diabetes and achieving normalized blood sugars!
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#87: Mike Joyce | Taking T1D on an Epic Appalachian Trail Adventure

Throughout his epic adventure, Mike went from couch potato to dropping around 100 lbs. in order to fulfill his dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail all while adjusting his diabetes management. It takes a lot of courage to completely overhaul your habits! His ability to plan all things hiking for 5+ months AND throwing in all the diabetes supplies traveling cross country blows my mind. This is only the beginning as he soon off to his next adventure. (more…)



#86: Sarah MacLeod | The Highs & Lows of Diabetes and Cannabis

Sarah is a breath of fresh air. Her ability to be honest, vulnerable and willing to discuss all aspects of her T1D journey is the perfect combination to connect the diabetes online masses. In this first ever episode for the DDG, we discuss medicinal cannabis and what it has done for Sarah in addition to daily practices of yoga, meditation and online connectivity.
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#85: Dr. Todd Hobbs & Ken Inchausti | An Open Conversation about Insulin with Novo Nordisk

After a recent announcement from Novo Nordisk I cleared my schedule to record this episode with Dr. Todd Hobbs, Chief Medical Officer for North America and Ken Inchausti, Senior Director of Corporate Communications. In this open discussion they share resources and cost saving programs, details about insulin production, insulin trials and what’s on the horizon for insulin therapies. I learned SO much about a drug I’ve been taking for decades!

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#84: Craig Le Fevre | Temporarily Donating My Body To Science

After being rejected to join an insulin therapy clinical trial, I was determined to find someone who was able to participate. DDG’s newest team member, Cynthia Celt, connected the dots and hooked me up with Craig who shared his recent experience as a participant in a rather intense trial. Thank you Craig for temporarily donating your body to science to help fellow insulin dependent dia-peeps. Keep on trucking… jeeping you brave soul.

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A Healthy Spin On A Protein Packed Tuna Salad

With all of us spending more time in kitchen it was time to get cracking on a new recipe, but considering what I’ve been whipping together is ridiculous, I reached out to my friend, Brent Wilson, RD, CDE and Director of Nutrition & Wellness at i2U Culinary Solutions. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brent and co-owner, chef Jonathon Stranger on Mini-podcast #1: Food Is Medicine a few months ago. They know what they’re talking about – I hope you enjoy. (more…)



#83: Tracey D. Brown | A Positive Poster Child for the Type 2 Diabetes Community

For newly diagnosed T2D, it might be overwhelming and many fall into diabetes denial. In an effort to change this mentality, Tracey shares an authentic story of how a question from her daughter was the “aha” moment to take things seriously. In this episode, Tracey unapologetically shares her story because there is no shame in the game! Diabetes is a family affair and her energy, lifestyle choices and overall mentality is hopefully contagious – in a good way.

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#82: Kyle Kondoff | I’ve Found What Works Best For Me

I connected with Kyle on social media and like many of my past guests, he shoots it to you straight about diet, exercise and his diabetes hacks. He isn’t shy and shares his opinion on lifestyle and offers HIS take on things without offering up medical advice. I was a little squeamish when Kyle shared details about a current trial he’s participating in, but eager to learn more about the advancements in CGM technology from someone who is walking the walk. (more…)



#81: Big Pharma | Pandemic or Not – Emergency Insulin Resources

This impromptu episode was created to hopefully set your mind at ease. As PWDs are flooded with stories on social media concerning the fear of an insulin shortage or the disruption of diabetes supplies, I felt compelled to act. Even though most companies have issued statements reassuring people living with diabetes that everything would be okay, I wanted to hear it for myself from the company leaders. (more…)



Surviving the Spanish Flu While In Another Country

I felt compelled to write this post after reading a NY Times article about pandemic mortality rates over the decades. In 1999, I gave myself a graduation present to visit a friend in Paris, France to celebrate the millennium. My family warned against the trip because of the uncertainty of Y2K, but that didn’t stop me. My friend was a nanny for the US Ambassador and I knew my time in France would not be the typical tourist adventure. I headed out with a HUGE backpack and cannot recall what diabetes supplies were on board.  (more…)