Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/around-the-circle-living-well-with-t1d The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D. Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. Learn more at BlueCircleHealth.org © 2026 Blue Circle Health bf124330-4504-54d0-81a2-8f94848a6e38 no en Fri, 15 May 2026 21:50:45 -0400 Fri, 15 May 2026 21:51:14 -0400 https://bluecirclehealth.org https://img.transistorcdn.com/j33BRy5cD31sGk4SH6nuFLpX4s7MOSBpPJdxA4ek4nw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zNTk3/NjFhNWRiZjNkMTEw/MTg4NzAyMDkwMWI1/MDk5YS5wbmc.jpg Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D https://bluecirclehealth.org episodic Blue Circle Health The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D. Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. Learn more at BlueCircleHealth.org The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support Blue Circle Health community@bluecirclehealth.org No No Matthew Garza: What It Takes to End Diabetes Stigma 15 15 Matthew Garza: What It Takes to End Diabetes Stigma full 3cae1554-f34f-4bc5-a60c-27e4db6a5228 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1cd8086 Matthew Garza, Director of dStigmatize at diaTribe, joins us to unpack a topic that so many people living with type 1 diabetes feel—but don’t always have words for: diabetes stigma. From subtle judgment to systemic bias, stigma can shape how people see themselves, how they interact with healthcare, and even the outcomes they experience over time.


Matthew shares what diabetes stigma really is, why it’s more than just “a bad joke,” and how it shows up everywhere: from doctor visits to media portrayals to policy decisions. But this conversation isn’t just about naming the problem—it’s about what we can do to address it.


We talk about the real impact stigma has on mental health, self-care, and engagement with the healthcare system. We discuss how small shifts in language, community, and confidence can start to change the story. This is a powerful, validating conversation for anyone who’s ever felt blamed, judged, or misunderstood while living with diabetes, and an important reminder that none of this is your fault.


What You'll Learn

  • How stigma goes beyond hurtful comments to influence healthcare, research, and policy decisions
  • The connection between stigma, shame, burnout, and disengagement from care 
  • Why negative healthcare experiences can create a cycle that’s hard to break
  • How language choices (like “control” or “compliance”) can unintentionally reinforce stigma
  • Simple ways friends, family, and providers can be more supportive
  • Practical ways to push back against stigma in your own life
  • Why your lived experience with diabetes is real expertise—and deserves to be respected

Key Quotes

  • “Diabetes stigma is everywhere, and as soon as you start to notice it, you see just how insidious it is.” – Matthew Garza
  • “It can feel really dismissive and make people want to disengage.” – Matthew Garza
  • “When you find those allies, that helps it feel a lot less lonely and a lot less isolating.” – Matthew Garza  

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> Matthew Garza, Director of dStigmatize at diaTribe, joins us to unpack a topic that so many people living with type 1 diabetes feel—but don’t always have words for: diabetes stigma. From subtle judgment to systemic bias, stigma can shape how people see themselves, how they interact with healthcare, and even the outcomes they experience over time.


Matthew shares what diabetes stigma really is, why it’s more than just “a bad joke,” and how it shows up everywhere: from doctor visits to media portrayals to policy decisions. But this conversation isn’t just about naming the problem—it’s about what we can do to address it.


We talk about the real impact stigma has on mental health, self-care, and engagement with the healthcare system. We discuss how small shifts in language, community, and confidence can start to change the story. This is a powerful, validating conversation for anyone who’s ever felt blamed, judged, or misunderstood while living with diabetes, and an important reminder that none of this is your fault.


What You'll Learn

  • How stigma goes beyond hurtful comments to influence healthcare, research, and policy decisions
  • The connection between stigma, shame, burnout, and disengagement from care 
  • Why negative healthcare experiences can create a cycle that’s hard to break
  • How language choices (like “control” or “compliance”) can unintentionally reinforce stigma
  • Simple ways friends, family, and providers can be more supportive
  • Practical ways to push back against stigma in your own life
  • Why your lived experience with diabetes is real expertise—and deserves to be respected

Key Quotes

  • “Diabetes stigma is everywhere, and as soon as you start to notice it, you see just how insidious it is.” – Matthew Garza
  • “It can feel really dismissive and make people want to disengage.” – Matthew Garza
  • “When you find those allies, that helps it feel a lot less lonely and a lot less isolating.” – Matthew Garza  

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2003 Matthew Garza, Director of dStigmatize at diaTribe, joins us to unpack a topic that so many people living with type 1 diabetes feel—but don’t always have words for: diabetes stigma. From subtle judgment to systemic bias, stigma can shape how people see themselves, how they interact with healthcare, and even the outcomes they experience over time.


Matthew shares what diabetes stigma really is, why it’s more than just “a bad joke,” and how it shows up everywhere: from doctor visits to media portrayals to policy decisions. But this conversation isn’t just about naming the problem—it’s about what we can do to address it.


We talk about the real impact stigma has on mental health, self-care, and engagement with the healthcare system. We discuss how small shifts in language, community, and confidence can start to change the story. This is a powerful, validating conversation for anyone who’s ever felt blamed, judged, or misunderstood while living with diabetes, and an important reminder that none of this is your fault.


What You'll Learn

  • How stigma goes beyond hurtful comments to influence healthcare, research, and policy decisions
  • The connection between stigma, shame, burnout, and disengagement from care 
  • Why negative healthcare experiences can create a cycle that’s hard to break
  • How language choices (like “control” or “compliance”) can unintentionally reinforce stigma
  • Simple ways friends, family, and providers can be more supportive
  • Practical ways to push back against stigma in your own life
  • Why your lived experience with diabetes is real expertise—and deserves to be respected

Key Quotes

  • “Diabetes stigma is everywhere, and as soon as you start to notice it, you see just how insidious it is.” – Matthew Garza
  • “It can feel really dismissive and make people want to disengage.” – Matthew Garza
  • “When you find those allies, that helps it feel a lot less lonely and a lot less isolating.” – Matthew Garza  

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No David Panzirer & T1D: From Changing His Family to Changing the System 14 14 David Panzirer & T1D: From Changing His Family to Changing the System full 72a2090e-0a97-4e8a-8e85-613e18082679 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fbc0da29 David Panzirer is a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the father of two adult children with type 1 diabetes. In this conversation, he shares what it was like to go from knowing almost nothing about type 1 diabetes to becoming deeply involved in improving care for people living with it.

In this conversation, David reflects on the early days of fear and uncertainty, what it really feels like to support a child living with diabetes, and how his perspective has evolved over time. He talks openly about the emotional weight carried by parents and caregivers, the importance of listening to people actually living with T1D, and why the healthcare system still falls short for so many. David also shares how important it is to listen to lived experience, and how he turned his fear and concern for his children’s well-being into advocacy, change, and a deeper mission to improve the lives of everyone living with type 1 diabetes.

What You'll Learn

  • What the early days after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel like for parents
  • How fear can evolve into purpose and advocacy over time
  • Why listening to lived experience changes how we think about support
  • The tension between wanting control and learning to step back as a parent
  • Practical ways anyone can advocate or support someone living with diabetes

Key Quotes

  • “Fear can be a very good motivator. And I was scared.” – David Panzirer
  • “If you were trying to design a system that would make life really difficult for people with a chronic disease, you’d have exactly what we have here in the US.” – David Panzirer
  • “Allow yourself some grace. Allow your child some grace who may be dealing with this.” – David Panzirer

Resources & Links


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> David Panzirer is a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the father of two adult children with type 1 diabetes. In this conversation, he shares what it was like to go from knowing almost nothing about type 1 diabetes to becoming deeply involved in improving care for people living with it.

In this conversation, David reflects on the early days of fear and uncertainty, what it really feels like to support a child living with diabetes, and how his perspective has evolved over time. He talks openly about the emotional weight carried by parents and caregivers, the importance of listening to people actually living with T1D, and why the healthcare system still falls short for so many. David also shares how important it is to listen to lived experience, and how he turned his fear and concern for his children’s well-being into advocacy, change, and a deeper mission to improve the lives of everyone living with type 1 diabetes.

What You'll Learn

  • What the early days after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel like for parents
  • How fear can evolve into purpose and advocacy over time
  • Why listening to lived experience changes how we think about support
  • The tension between wanting control and learning to step back as a parent
  • Practical ways anyone can advocate or support someone living with diabetes

Key Quotes

  • “Fear can be a very good motivator. And I was scared.” – David Panzirer
  • “If you were trying to design a system that would make life really difficult for people with a chronic disease, you’d have exactly what we have here in the US.” – David Panzirer
  • “Allow yourself some grace. Allow your child some grace who may be dealing with this.” – David Panzirer

Resources & Links


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2322 David Panzirer is a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the father of two adult children with type 1 diabetes. In this conversation, he shares what it was like to go from knowing almost nothing about type 1 diabetes to becoming deeply involved in improving care for people living with it.

In this conversation, David reflects on the early days of fear and uncertainty, what it really feels like to support a child living with diabetes, and how his perspective has evolved over time. He talks openly about the emotional weight carried by parents and caregivers, the importance of listening to people actually living with T1D, and why the healthcare system still falls short for so many. David also shares how important it is to listen to lived experience, and how he turned his fear and concern for his children’s well-being into advocacy, change, and a deeper mission to improve the lives of everyone living with type 1 diabetes.

What You'll Learn

  • What the early days after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can feel like for parents
  • How fear can evolve into purpose and advocacy over time
  • Why listening to lived experience changes how we think about support
  • The tension between wanting control and learning to step back as a parent
  • Practical ways anyone can advocate or support someone living with diabetes

Key Quotes

  • “Fear can be a very good motivator. And I was scared.” – David Panzirer
  • “If you were trying to design a system that would make life really difficult for people with a chronic disease, you’d have exactly what we have here in the US.” – David Panzirer
  • “Allow yourself some grace. Allow your child some grace who may be dealing with this.” – David Panzirer

Resources & Links


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Dr. Bill Polonsky: What the World Still Hasn’t Heard About Emotional Health and T1D 13 13 Dr. Bill Polonsky: What the World Still Hasn’t Heard About Emotional Health and T1D full a1c47317-7a1d-4eef-8fe1-b6d23c11cdbe https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2a1f2a8 Dr. Bill Polonsky, President and Co-Founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, joins Scott to talk about dealing with the emotional side of living with type 1 diabetes.

This isn’t about burnout as a buzzword or a clinical label. It’s about the real, day-to-day emotional weight of managing a condition that never lets up, and how that weight can quietly shape how we think, feel, and care for ourselves.

In this conversation, Dr. Polonsky helps unpack what diabetes distress actually is, why it’s so common (and so misunderstood), and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at diabetes, or just tired of the constant mental load, this one will likely hit close to home and hopefully offer some helpful strategies.

What You'll Learn

  • What diabetes distress really is (and what it’s not)
  • Why “trying harder” often makes things worse
  • The difference between depression and diabetes distress
  • Why experiencing diabetes distress is normal for those with type 1 diabetes
  • Practical ways to reduce the emotional burden of diabetes
  • What actually helps when you’re overwhelmed

Key Quotes

  • “It’s this very common feeling… where you just can feel this sense of pressure and burden of living with diabetes every day.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “We used to think that depression was extremely common in people with type one diabetes… and what we now realize is that was wrong.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “People were scoring high on depression questionnaires, but what we were really picking up was how overwhelmed they were about their diabetes.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “Don’t do diabetes alone!” – Dr. Bill Polonsky

Resources & Links

  • Learn more about diabetes distress at http://diabetesdistress.org/
  • Learn more about the Behavioral Diabetes Institute at http://behavioraldiabetes.org/
  • Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health (https://bluecirclehealth.org/), a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes.

]]> Dr. Bill Polonsky, President and Co-Founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, joins Scott to talk about dealing with the emotional side of living with type 1 diabetes.

This isn’t about burnout as a buzzword or a clinical label. It’s about the real, day-to-day emotional weight of managing a condition that never lets up, and how that weight can quietly shape how we think, feel, and care for ourselves.

In this conversation, Dr. Polonsky helps unpack what diabetes distress actually is, why it’s so common (and so misunderstood), and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at diabetes, or just tired of the constant mental load, this one will likely hit close to home and hopefully offer some helpful strategies.

What You'll Learn

  • What diabetes distress really is (and what it’s not)
  • Why “trying harder” often makes things worse
  • The difference between depression and diabetes distress
  • Why experiencing diabetes distress is normal for those with type 1 diabetes
  • Practical ways to reduce the emotional burden of diabetes
  • What actually helps when you’re overwhelmed

Key Quotes

  • “It’s this very common feeling… where you just can feel this sense of pressure and burden of living with diabetes every day.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “We used to think that depression was extremely common in people with type one diabetes… and what we now realize is that was wrong.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “People were scoring high on depression questionnaires, but what we were really picking up was how overwhelmed they were about their diabetes.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “Don’t do diabetes alone!” – Dr. Bill Polonsky

Resources & Links

  • Learn more about diabetes distress at http://diabetesdistress.org/
  • Learn more about the Behavioral Diabetes Institute at http://behavioraldiabetes.org/
  • Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health (https://bluecirclehealth.org/), a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1882 Dr. Bill Polonsky, President and Co-Founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, joins Scott to talk about dealing with the emotional side of living with type 1 diabetes.

This isn’t about burnout as a buzzword or a clinical label. It’s about the real, day-to-day emotional weight of managing a condition that never lets up, and how that weight can quietly shape how we think, feel, and care for ourselves.

In this conversation, Dr. Polonsky helps unpack what diabetes distress actually is, why it’s so common (and so misunderstood), and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at diabetes, or just tired of the constant mental load, this one will likely hit close to home and hopefully offer some helpful strategies.

What You'll Learn

  • What diabetes distress really is (and what it’s not)
  • Why “trying harder” often makes things worse
  • The difference between depression and diabetes distress
  • Why experiencing diabetes distress is normal for those with type 1 diabetes
  • Practical ways to reduce the emotional burden of diabetes
  • What actually helps when you’re overwhelmed

Key Quotes

  • “It’s this very common feeling… where you just can feel this sense of pressure and burden of living with diabetes every day.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “We used to think that depression was extremely common in people with type one diabetes… and what we now realize is that was wrong.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “People were scoring high on depression questionnaires, but what we were really picking up was how overwhelmed they were about their diabetes.” – Dr. Bill Polonsky
  • “Don’t do diabetes alone!” – Dr. Bill Polonsky

Resources & Links

  • Learn more about diabetes distress at http://diabetesdistress.org/
  • Learn more about the Behavioral Diabetes Institute at http://behavioraldiabetes.org/
  • Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health (https://bluecirclehealth.org/), a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes.

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No A More Flexible Approach to Nutrition and T1D with Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES 12 12 A More Flexible Approach to Nutrition and T1D with Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES full c3141a96-848f-4744-8f6b-7961bef97ebc https://share.transistor.fm/s/4133c9ec Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES,  joins Scott for a thoughtful and practical conversation about nutrition and type 1 diabetes—and how to make it a lot less overwhelming.

Rita is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Blue Circle Health who has spent decades helping people navigate food, blood sugars, and the challenges that can come with both. In this episode, Rita and Scott talk about why nutrition advice can feel so complicated when you live with type 1 diabetes and how the constant stream of “shoulds” around food can lead to unnecessary shame, stress, and confusion.

Together, they explore a different way of thinking about nutrition—one that replaces rigid food rules with curiosity, flexibility, and self-trust. Rita shares how small experiments with food can help people build confidence, why balanced meals can support both satisfaction and steadier blood sugars, and why “good enough” nutrition is often a healthier and more sustainable goal than perfection.

If food has started to feel like a math problem, a test, or something to fear, this episode offers a gentler path forward—one where nutrition becomes another supportive tool in your diabetes toolbox.

What You'll Learn
* Why nutrition can feel especially overwhelming for people living with type 1 diabetes
* How shame and judgment often get tangled up with food choices
* Why there is no single “right way” to eat with type 1 diabetes
* What “good enough nutrition” actually looks like in real life
* Why small food experiments can be more helpful than a complete dietary overhaul
* How predictable fallback meals can make daily life easier
* Why learning to listen to your own body is an important nutrition skill

Key Quotes
* "What could be more personal than the food we choose to nourish our bodies with?" – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "The biggest misconception is that we are all the same and we’re not." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Make time to eat. Give yourself that gift of making time to have a meal." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Listen to your own body. What is it saying to you? Rely on your own wisdom more than those external messages coming through everywhere." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES

Resources & Links
* American Diabetes Association Food Hub - https://diabetesfoodhub.org
* Blue Circle Health on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@BlueCircleHealth
* Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES,  joins Scott for a thoughtful and practical conversation about nutrition and type 1 diabetes—and how to make it a lot less overwhelming.

Rita is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Blue Circle Health who has spent decades helping people navigate food, blood sugars, and the challenges that can come with both. In this episode, Rita and Scott talk about why nutrition advice can feel so complicated when you live with type 1 diabetes and how the constant stream of “shoulds” around food can lead to unnecessary shame, stress, and confusion.

Together, they explore a different way of thinking about nutrition—one that replaces rigid food rules with curiosity, flexibility, and self-trust. Rita shares how small experiments with food can help people build confidence, why balanced meals can support both satisfaction and steadier blood sugars, and why “good enough” nutrition is often a healthier and more sustainable goal than perfection.

If food has started to feel like a math problem, a test, or something to fear, this episode offers a gentler path forward—one where nutrition becomes another supportive tool in your diabetes toolbox.

What You'll Learn
* Why nutrition can feel especially overwhelming for people living with type 1 diabetes
* How shame and judgment often get tangled up with food choices
* Why there is no single “right way” to eat with type 1 diabetes
* What “good enough nutrition” actually looks like in real life
* Why small food experiments can be more helpful than a complete dietary overhaul
* How predictable fallback meals can make daily life easier
* Why learning to listen to your own body is an important nutrition skill

Key Quotes
* "What could be more personal than the food we choose to nourish our bodies with?" – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "The biggest misconception is that we are all the same and we’re not." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Make time to eat. Give yourself that gift of making time to have a meal." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Listen to your own body. What is it saying to you? Rely on your own wisdom more than those external messages coming through everywhere." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES

Resources & Links
* American Diabetes Association Food Hub - https://diabetesfoodhub.org
* Blue Circle Health on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@BlueCircleHealth
* Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2096 Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES,  joins Scott for a thoughtful and practical conversation about nutrition and type 1 diabetes—and how to make it a lot less overwhelming.

Rita is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Blue Circle Health who has spent decades helping people navigate food, blood sugars, and the challenges that can come with both. In this episode, Rita and Scott talk about why nutrition advice can feel so complicated when you live with type 1 diabetes and how the constant stream of “shoulds” around food can lead to unnecessary shame, stress, and confusion.

Together, they explore a different way of thinking about nutrition—one that replaces rigid food rules with curiosity, flexibility, and self-trust. Rita shares how small experiments with food can help people build confidence, why balanced meals can support both satisfaction and steadier blood sugars, and why “good enough” nutrition is often a healthier and more sustainable goal than perfection.

If food has started to feel like a math problem, a test, or something to fear, this episode offers a gentler path forward—one where nutrition becomes another supportive tool in your diabetes toolbox.

What You'll Learn
* Why nutrition can feel especially overwhelming for people living with type 1 diabetes
* How shame and judgment often get tangled up with food choices
* Why there is no single “right way” to eat with type 1 diabetes
* What “good enough nutrition” actually looks like in real life
* Why small food experiments can be more helpful than a complete dietary overhaul
* How predictable fallback meals can make daily life easier
* Why learning to listen to your own body is an important nutrition skill

Key Quotes
* "What could be more personal than the food we choose to nourish our bodies with?" – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "The biggest misconception is that we are all the same and we’re not." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Make time to eat. Give yourself that gift of making time to have a meal." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES
* "Listen to your own body. What is it saying to you? Rely on your own wisdom more than those external messages coming through everywhere." – Rita Rubin, MS, RDN, CDCES

Resources & Links
* American Diabetes Association Food Hub - https://diabetesfoodhub.org
* Blue Circle Health on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@BlueCircleHealth
* Blue Circle Health (learn more / sign up) - https://bluecirclehealth.org

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, and often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/.

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No What's it Like Participating in Blue Circle Health? Featuring Keshia Cannon-Peak 11 11 What's it Like Participating in Blue Circle Health? Featuring Keshia Cannon-Peak full 289de29f-d256-41cd-8acf-b6e06d583649 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba50122d Scott K. Johnson talks with Keshia Cannon-Peak, a former Blue Circle Health participant who lives in Delaware and has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1984. Keshia shares what her diagnosis was like when she was 11 years old, the isolation she felt growing up without knowing anyone else with type 1 diabetes, and how technology and online communities changed her relationship with diabetes over time.

Keshia also walks us through how she found Blue Circle Health on social media (and why she initially thought it sounded too good to be true), what it felt like to add Blue Circle Health alongside her existing endocrinology care team, and the small, practical “game changer” tips that continue to help her today, about a year after she completed the program. She also spoke about a bigger shift: giving herself permission to ask for help, admitting when it’s hard, and giving herself grace. Keshia also shares that her experience with Blue Circle Health inspired her to go back to school with a new focus. 


What You’ll Learn

  • Why living with type 1 diabetes can feel isolating—especially when you don’t know anyone else who “gets it”
  • How Keshia navigated childhood, teen years, and adulthood with T1D (and what support looked like for her)
  • What changed when she realized there’s a whole world of people living with type 1 diabetes, and how community can help
  • How Blue Circle Health can work alongside your existing care team and collaborate together
  • Why small, specific tools (like right-sizing low treatments) can make a big difference over time

Key Quotes:

  • “I'm not alone. There are people like me.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “I learned how to navigate, how to do things differently. Understanding what the charts mean, asking the questions why, and recommending what I should change as far as a basal rate and things like that. So I learned that from Blue Circle Health.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “It's okay to say you need help,it's okay to say you're not having a good day, and it's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes” — Keshia Cannon-Peak

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with t1d.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/

]]> Scott K. Johnson talks with Keshia Cannon-Peak, a former Blue Circle Health participant who lives in Delaware and has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1984. Keshia shares what her diagnosis was like when she was 11 years old, the isolation she felt growing up without knowing anyone else with type 1 diabetes, and how technology and online communities changed her relationship with diabetes over time.

Keshia also walks us through how she found Blue Circle Health on social media (and why she initially thought it sounded too good to be true), what it felt like to add Blue Circle Health alongside her existing endocrinology care team, and the small, practical “game changer” tips that continue to help her today, about a year after she completed the program. She also spoke about a bigger shift: giving herself permission to ask for help, admitting when it’s hard, and giving herself grace. Keshia also shares that her experience with Blue Circle Health inspired her to go back to school with a new focus. 


What You’ll Learn

  • Why living with type 1 diabetes can feel isolating—especially when you don’t know anyone else who “gets it”
  • How Keshia navigated childhood, teen years, and adulthood with T1D (and what support looked like for her)
  • What changed when she realized there’s a whole world of people living with type 1 diabetes, and how community can help
  • How Blue Circle Health can work alongside your existing care team and collaborate together
  • Why small, specific tools (like right-sizing low treatments) can make a big difference over time

Key Quotes:

  • “I'm not alone. There are people like me.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “I learned how to navigate, how to do things differently. Understanding what the charts mean, asking the questions why, and recommending what I should change as far as a basal rate and things like that. So I learned that from Blue Circle Health.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “It's okay to say you need help,it's okay to say you're not having a good day, and it's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes” — Keshia Cannon-Peak

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with t1d.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/

]]> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1987 Scott K. Johnson talks with Keshia Cannon-Peak, a former Blue Circle Health participant who lives in Delaware and has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1984. Keshia shares what her diagnosis was like when she was 11 years old, the isolation she felt growing up without knowing anyone else with type 1 diabetes, and how technology and online communities changed her relationship with diabetes over time.

Keshia also walks us through how she found Blue Circle Health on social media (and why she initially thought it sounded too good to be true), what it felt like to add Blue Circle Health alongside her existing endocrinology care team, and the small, practical “game changer” tips that continue to help her today, about a year after she completed the program. She also spoke about a bigger shift: giving herself permission to ask for help, admitting when it’s hard, and giving herself grace. Keshia also shares that her experience with Blue Circle Health inspired her to go back to school with a new focus. 


What You’ll Learn

  • Why living with type 1 diabetes can feel isolating—especially when you don’t know anyone else who “gets it”
  • How Keshia navigated childhood, teen years, and adulthood with T1D (and what support looked like for her)
  • What changed when she realized there’s a whole world of people living with type 1 diabetes, and how community can help
  • How Blue Circle Health can work alongside your existing care team and collaborate together
  • Why small, specific tools (like right-sizing low treatments) can make a big difference over time

Key Quotes:

  • “I'm not alone. There are people like me.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “I learned how to navigate, how to do things differently. Understanding what the charts mean, asking the questions why, and recommending what I should change as far as a basal rate and things like that. So I learned that from Blue Circle Health.” — Keshia Cannon-Peak
  • “It's okay to say you need help,it's okay to say you're not having a good day, and it's okay to be overwhelmed sometimes” — Keshia Cannon-Peak

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
The US healthcare system makes it difficult, expensive, often impossible for people with T1D to access the care, education, and support they need to live. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with t1d.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org/

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Why Community Matters in Diabetes Care with Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC 10 10 Why Community Matters in Diabetes Care with Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC full 4d595b63-1c85-47ee-91f3-00229950f8cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/8fd1ab80 Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC, joins Scott to talk about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: diabetes can be incredibly isolating, and community can change everything.


Mila shares her own diagnosis story, including years of being misdiagnosed and the exhausting fight to be believed. From there, the conversation explores what makes a community truly supportive (and what can make it feel unsafe), why “lurking” is a legitimate and valuable way to begin, and how to take one small step toward connection even if you’ve been managing diabetes alone for a long time.


What You'll Learn

  • Why diabetes can feel so isolating, and why stigma makes it worse
  • What it’s like to advocate for yourself when necessary
  • How to spot a community that’s supportive (and avoid one that’s not)
  • Why moderation and “tone-setting” matter in peer spaces
  • The value of “lurking” as a low-pressure entry point to connection
  • A simple first step to building peer support: one DM, one friend, one connection

Key Quotes

  • “It took so much fighting, and it took so much energy and effort, just trying to be believed in a system that already doesn't believe people who look like me.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I felt like I'm in this prison of my own body and I just want to know what's wrong.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I think that community is so vital, truly, like our shared experience means so, so much.” – Mila Clarke
  • “Just don't give up on community because it can be so amazing.” – Mila Clarke

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC, joins Scott to talk about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: diabetes can be incredibly isolating, and community can change everything.


Mila shares her own diagnosis story, including years of being misdiagnosed and the exhausting fight to be believed. From there, the conversation explores what makes a community truly supportive (and what can make it feel unsafe), why “lurking” is a legitimate and valuable way to begin, and how to take one small step toward connection even if you’ve been managing diabetes alone for a long time.


What You'll Learn

  • Why diabetes can feel so isolating, and why stigma makes it worse
  • What it’s like to advocate for yourself when necessary
  • How to spot a community that’s supportive (and avoid one that’s not)
  • Why moderation and “tone-setting” matter in peer spaces
  • The value of “lurking” as a low-pressure entry point to connection
  • A simple first step to building peer support: one DM, one friend, one connection

Key Quotes

  • “It took so much fighting, and it took so much energy and effort, just trying to be believed in a system that already doesn't believe people who look like me.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I felt like I'm in this prison of my own body and I just want to know what's wrong.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I think that community is so vital, truly, like our shared experience means so, so much.” – Mila Clarke
  • “Just don't give up on community because it can be so amazing.” – Mila Clarke

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2277 Mila Clarke, MS, NBC-HWC, joins Scott to talk about something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: diabetes can be incredibly isolating, and community can change everything.


Mila shares her own diagnosis story, including years of being misdiagnosed and the exhausting fight to be believed. From there, the conversation explores what makes a community truly supportive (and what can make it feel unsafe), why “lurking” is a legitimate and valuable way to begin, and how to take one small step toward connection even if you’ve been managing diabetes alone for a long time.


What You'll Learn

  • Why diabetes can feel so isolating, and why stigma makes it worse
  • What it’s like to advocate for yourself when necessary
  • How to spot a community that’s supportive (and avoid one that’s not)
  • Why moderation and “tone-setting” matter in peer spaces
  • The value of “lurking” as a low-pressure entry point to connection
  • A simple first step to building peer support: one DM, one friend, one connection

Key Quotes

  • “It took so much fighting, and it took so much energy and effort, just trying to be believed in a system that already doesn't believe people who look like me.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I felt like I'm in this prison of my own body and I just want to know what's wrong.” – Mila Clarke
  • “I think that community is so vital, truly, like our shared experience means so, so much.” – Mila Clarke
  • “Just don't give up on community because it can be so amazing.” – Mila Clarke

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Move with Confidence: Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes with Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES 9 9 Move with Confidence: Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes with Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES full 545d1432-56fa-4308-a6ed-43db08e1abd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8147f939 Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES, joins Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D to unpack a powerful tool in diabetes management: exercise! An award-winning diabetes educator and the owner and founder of Integrated Diabetes Services, Gary brings deep clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.


Together, Scott and Gary talk about why exercise can feel intimidating with T1D and how to reframe physical activity as something that supports quality of life. From CGM lag time and insulin sensitivity to finding movement that’s actually enjoyable, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for anyone who wants to move more confidently with T1D.


Reminder: We are not providing medical advice. For personalized guidance, we'll always encourage you to talk with your personal healthcare team.


What You'll Learn

  • Why exercise is about more than blood sugar — and why mental health matters just as much
  • How consistent movement improves insulin sensitivity and predictability
  • Practical ways to start exercising safely, even if you’ve been inactive or feel overwhelmed 
  • How to think about CGM lag time and trends during activity
  • Why movement doesn’t have to look like a gym workout to “count”

Key Quotes

  • “Physical activity is extremely valuable for so many aspects of our daily quality of life — not just blood sugar management, but our mental wellbeing and our physical health now and down the road.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “I think it’s important to make exercise fun. Not a chore, not a task, not a painful thing you have to do.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Anything is doable. If you learn how to adjust for it accordingly, we can figure out a way to make it work.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Being active on a consistent basis keeps that insulin sensitivity amplifier dialed up — and that makes things more predictable.” – Gary Scheiner

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES, joins Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D to unpack a powerful tool in diabetes management: exercise! An award-winning diabetes educator and the owner and founder of Integrated Diabetes Services, Gary brings deep clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.


Together, Scott and Gary talk about why exercise can feel intimidating with T1D and how to reframe physical activity as something that supports quality of life. From CGM lag time and insulin sensitivity to finding movement that’s actually enjoyable, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for anyone who wants to move more confidently with T1D.


Reminder: We are not providing medical advice. For personalized guidance, we'll always encourage you to talk with your personal healthcare team.


What You'll Learn

  • Why exercise is about more than blood sugar — and why mental health matters just as much
  • How consistent movement improves insulin sensitivity and predictability
  • Practical ways to start exercising safely, even if you’ve been inactive or feel overwhelmed 
  • How to think about CGM lag time and trends during activity
  • Why movement doesn’t have to look like a gym workout to “count”

Key Quotes

  • “Physical activity is extremely valuable for so many aspects of our daily quality of life — not just blood sugar management, but our mental wellbeing and our physical health now and down the road.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “I think it’s important to make exercise fun. Not a chore, not a task, not a painful thing you have to do.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Anything is doable. If you learn how to adjust for it accordingly, we can figure out a way to make it work.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Being active on a consistent basis keeps that insulin sensitivity amplifier dialed up — and that makes things more predictable.” – Gary Scheiner

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1998 Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES, FADCES, joins Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D to unpack a powerful tool in diabetes management: exercise! An award-winning diabetes educator and the owner and founder of Integrated Diabetes Services, Gary brings deep clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation.


Together, Scott and Gary talk about why exercise can feel intimidating with T1D and how to reframe physical activity as something that supports quality of life. From CGM lag time and insulin sensitivity to finding movement that’s actually enjoyable, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for anyone who wants to move more confidently with T1D.


Reminder: We are not providing medical advice. For personalized guidance, we'll always encourage you to talk with your personal healthcare team.


What You'll Learn

  • Why exercise is about more than blood sugar — and why mental health matters just as much
  • How consistent movement improves insulin sensitivity and predictability
  • Practical ways to start exercising safely, even if you’ve been inactive or feel overwhelmed 
  • How to think about CGM lag time and trends during activity
  • Why movement doesn’t have to look like a gym workout to “count”

Key Quotes

  • “Physical activity is extremely valuable for so many aspects of our daily quality of life — not just blood sugar management, but our mental wellbeing and our physical health now and down the road.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “I think it’s important to make exercise fun. Not a chore, not a task, not a painful thing you have to do.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Anything is doable. If you learn how to adjust for it accordingly, we can figure out a way to make it work.” – Gary Scheiner
  • “Being active on a consistent basis keeps that insulin sensitivity amplifier dialed up — and that makes things more predictable.” – Gary Scheiner

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No The Hidden Weight of Talking about Type 1 Diabetes with Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 8 8 The Hidden Weight of Talking about Type 1 Diabetes with Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES full eca68f33-a08f-4eaa-a366-130506882b2d https://share.transistor.fm/s/0393f17b Anna Sabino, a social worker and diabetes educator who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years, joins the podcast to talk about self-advocacy. From unexpected questions at the gym to loaded comments from strangers, coworkers, or even healthcare providers, Anna and Scott unpack why these moments hit so hard and how people with T1D can respond in ways that protect both their emotional health and their energy.


Together, Anna and Scott explore the emotional side of explaining diabetes and practical tools for responding (or choosing not to respond) in everyday situations.


This episode isn’t about having the perfect response. It’s about permission, self-compassion, and recognizing that you are the captain of your own diabetes ship.


Learn more about Anna’s private practice at findingsmilescoaching.com, and her work with Integrated Diabetes Services at integrateddiabetes.com.


What You'll Learn

  • Why self-advocacy can feel so draining, especially when it’s unexpected
  • Common emotional reactions to diabetes comments: fear, shame, frustration, and grief
  • The difference between effort and data and why numbers never tell the full story
  • How to set boundaries around when, how, and whether you talk about diabetes 
  • Simple reframing tools (like “I wasn’t expecting that to happen”) to create emotional space
  • The importance of mental health support as part of diabetes care — at any stage

Key Quotes

  • "You are the captain of your own diabetes ship. When it comes to sharing information, you don’t owe anyone anything." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES
  • "The data doesn’t always represent the effort, and that’s where a lot of the shame gets internalized." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's not our job to figure out why every blood sugar shifts the way it does. That is just, it is impossible. And I think until we can accept that it's really hard for people to feel confident in having this, these self-advocacy skills" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's so important to process all of your emotions early and often when it comes to diabetes, because the more you understand yourself, the easier it's going to be to talk about it outwardly" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 

Resources & Links

The CWD Journey Award recognizes the work and resilience required to live with type one diabetes. Learn more and request your free CWD Journey Award at https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/cwd-journey-award/.

  • 🌐 Visit: https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/ to learn more.

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> Anna Sabino, a social worker and diabetes educator who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years, joins the podcast to talk about self-advocacy. From unexpected questions at the gym to loaded comments from strangers, coworkers, or even healthcare providers, Anna and Scott unpack why these moments hit so hard and how people with T1D can respond in ways that protect both their emotional health and their energy.


Together, Anna and Scott explore the emotional side of explaining diabetes and practical tools for responding (or choosing not to respond) in everyday situations.


This episode isn’t about having the perfect response. It’s about permission, self-compassion, and recognizing that you are the captain of your own diabetes ship.


Learn more about Anna’s private practice at findingsmilescoaching.com, and her work with Integrated Diabetes Services at integrateddiabetes.com.


What You'll Learn

  • Why self-advocacy can feel so draining, especially when it’s unexpected
  • Common emotional reactions to diabetes comments: fear, shame, frustration, and grief
  • The difference between effort and data and why numbers never tell the full story
  • How to set boundaries around when, how, and whether you talk about diabetes 
  • Simple reframing tools (like “I wasn’t expecting that to happen”) to create emotional space
  • The importance of mental health support as part of diabetes care — at any stage

Key Quotes

  • "You are the captain of your own diabetes ship. When it comes to sharing information, you don’t owe anyone anything." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES
  • "The data doesn’t always represent the effort, and that’s where a lot of the shame gets internalized." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's not our job to figure out why every blood sugar shifts the way it does. That is just, it is impossible. And I think until we can accept that it's really hard for people to feel confident in having this, these self-advocacy skills" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's so important to process all of your emotions early and often when it comes to diabetes, because the more you understand yourself, the easier it's going to be to talk about it outwardly" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 

Resources & Links

The CWD Journey Award recognizes the work and resilience required to live with type one diabetes. Learn more and request your free CWD Journey Award at https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/cwd-journey-award/.

  • 🌐 Visit: https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/ to learn more.

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2012 Anna Sabino, a social worker and diabetes educator who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years, joins the podcast to talk about self-advocacy. From unexpected questions at the gym to loaded comments from strangers, coworkers, or even healthcare providers, Anna and Scott unpack why these moments hit so hard and how people with T1D can respond in ways that protect both their emotional health and their energy.


Together, Anna and Scott explore the emotional side of explaining diabetes and practical tools for responding (or choosing not to respond) in everyday situations.


This episode isn’t about having the perfect response. It’s about permission, self-compassion, and recognizing that you are the captain of your own diabetes ship.


Learn more about Anna’s private practice at findingsmilescoaching.com, and her work with Integrated Diabetes Services at integrateddiabetes.com.


What You'll Learn

  • Why self-advocacy can feel so draining, especially when it’s unexpected
  • Common emotional reactions to diabetes comments: fear, shame, frustration, and grief
  • The difference between effort and data and why numbers never tell the full story
  • How to set boundaries around when, how, and whether you talk about diabetes 
  • Simple reframing tools (like “I wasn’t expecting that to happen”) to create emotional space
  • The importance of mental health support as part of diabetes care — at any stage

Key Quotes

  • "You are the captain of your own diabetes ship. When it comes to sharing information, you don’t owe anyone anything." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES
  • "The data doesn’t always represent the effort, and that’s where a lot of the shame gets internalized." – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's not our job to figure out why every blood sugar shifts the way it does. That is just, it is impossible. And I think until we can accept that it's really hard for people to feel confident in having this, these self-advocacy skills" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 
  • "It's so important to process all of your emotions early and often when it comes to diabetes, because the more you understand yourself, the easier it's going to be to talk about it outwardly" – Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES 

Resources & Links

The CWD Journey Award recognizes the work and resilience required to live with type one diabetes. Learn more and request your free CWD Journey Award at https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/cwd-journey-award/.

  • 🌐 Visit: https://childrenwithdiabetes.com/ to learn more.

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org


]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Building Better Care for People with Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Len D’Avolio 7 7 Building Better Care for People with Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Len D’Avolio full ba35dca2-815b-4c9a-a07b-b72f62d865ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/52df6280 Dr. Len D’Avolio, CEO and co-founder of Blue Circle Health, sat down with Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D host Scott Johnson to discuss why today’s healthcare system makes living with type 1 diabetes harder than it should be and how better is possible.


Drawing on decades of experience building and studying healthcare systems, Len explains why type 1 diabetes has become the “poster child” for what’s broken in chronic care today. Together, Scott and Len explore how a complex web of insurers, administrators, and financial and operational incentives can distort care, limit access, and leave people with T1D feeling unsupported despite trying their best to navigate their healthcare.


Through real stories, this episode exposes the gap between what people with T1D need to live well and what the healthcare system typically provides. The conversation also highlights why Blue Circle Health exists, what it’s trying to fix, and where there is still room for hope and meaningful change.


What You'll Learn

  • Why T1D is a “poster child” for a broken system: How chronic conditions reveal the cracks in modern healthcare more clearly than almost anything else.
  • Who actually influences your care: A look at the many invisible players — beyond your doctor — who shape access, coverage, and treatment decisions.
  • Why healthcare often feels impersonal: How financial and operational incentives can override human-centered care.
  • What’s been tried before: Past attempts to “fix” the system — and why many haven’t worked as intended.
  • Where hope lives: How new care models, including Blue Circle Health, aim to realign incentives around people instead of profit.
  • What change really requires: The difference between incremental fixes and true systemic transformation. 

Key Quotes

  • “Type one is the plane that never lands. You didn’t ask for this job, but now it’s your job for the rest of your life.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “Our healthcare system is designed to make it more difficult, more expensive, in some cases impossible to gain access to the medicine and the knowledge and the training that you need.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “The problem is the misalignment between all of the things that people need to live a long and healthy life with type one versus what they currently get from our healthcare system.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “It’s not that we [the U.S.] don’t spend enough money to dramatically improve hundreds of thousands of lives right now. It’s that we spend it on the wrong things.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: Diversity in Diabetes

Diversity in Diabetes works to create a more equitable diabetes landscape, with education, advocacy, and monthly “Insulin Inclusive” virtual meetups.
🌐 Visit: https://diversityindiabetes.org to learn more.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Dr. Len D’Avolio, CEO and co-founder of Blue Circle Health, sat down with Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D host Scott Johnson to discuss why today’s healthcare system makes living with type 1 diabetes harder than it should be and how better is possible.


Drawing on decades of experience building and studying healthcare systems, Len explains why type 1 diabetes has become the “poster child” for what’s broken in chronic care today. Together, Scott and Len explore how a complex web of insurers, administrators, and financial and operational incentives can distort care, limit access, and leave people with T1D feeling unsupported despite trying their best to navigate their healthcare.


Through real stories, this episode exposes the gap between what people with T1D need to live well and what the healthcare system typically provides. The conversation also highlights why Blue Circle Health exists, what it’s trying to fix, and where there is still room for hope and meaningful change.


What You'll Learn

  • Why T1D is a “poster child” for a broken system: How chronic conditions reveal the cracks in modern healthcare more clearly than almost anything else.
  • Who actually influences your care: A look at the many invisible players — beyond your doctor — who shape access, coverage, and treatment decisions.
  • Why healthcare often feels impersonal: How financial and operational incentives can override human-centered care.
  • What’s been tried before: Past attempts to “fix” the system — and why many haven’t worked as intended.
  • Where hope lives: How new care models, including Blue Circle Health, aim to realign incentives around people instead of profit.
  • What change really requires: The difference between incremental fixes and true systemic transformation. 

Key Quotes

  • “Type one is the plane that never lands. You didn’t ask for this job, but now it’s your job for the rest of your life.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “Our healthcare system is designed to make it more difficult, more expensive, in some cases impossible to gain access to the medicine and the knowledge and the training that you need.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “The problem is the misalignment between all of the things that people need to live a long and healthy life with type one versus what they currently get from our healthcare system.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “It’s not that we [the U.S.] don’t spend enough money to dramatically improve hundreds of thousands of lives right now. It’s that we spend it on the wrong things.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: Diversity in Diabetes

Diversity in Diabetes works to create a more equitable diabetes landscape, with education, advocacy, and monthly “Insulin Inclusive” virtual meetups.
🌐 Visit: https://diversityindiabetes.org to learn more.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1814 Dr. Len D’Avolio, CEO and co-founder of Blue Circle Health, sat down with Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D host Scott Johnson to discuss why today’s healthcare system makes living with type 1 diabetes harder than it should be and how better is possible.


Drawing on decades of experience building and studying healthcare systems, Len explains why type 1 diabetes has become the “poster child” for what’s broken in chronic care today. Together, Scott and Len explore how a complex web of insurers, administrators, and financial and operational incentives can distort care, limit access, and leave people with T1D feeling unsupported despite trying their best to navigate their healthcare.


Through real stories, this episode exposes the gap between what people with T1D need to live well and what the healthcare system typically provides. The conversation also highlights why Blue Circle Health exists, what it’s trying to fix, and where there is still room for hope and meaningful change.


What You'll Learn

  • Why T1D is a “poster child” for a broken system: How chronic conditions reveal the cracks in modern healthcare more clearly than almost anything else.
  • Who actually influences your care: A look at the many invisible players — beyond your doctor — who shape access, coverage, and treatment decisions.
  • Why healthcare often feels impersonal: How financial and operational incentives can override human-centered care.
  • What’s been tried before: Past attempts to “fix” the system — and why many haven’t worked as intended.
  • Where hope lives: How new care models, including Blue Circle Health, aim to realign incentives around people instead of profit.
  • What change really requires: The difference between incremental fixes and true systemic transformation. 

Key Quotes

  • “Type one is the plane that never lands. You didn’t ask for this job, but now it’s your job for the rest of your life.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “Our healthcare system is designed to make it more difficult, more expensive, in some cases impossible to gain access to the medicine and the knowledge and the training that you need.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “The problem is the misalignment between all of the things that people need to live a long and healthy life with type one versus what they currently get from our healthcare system.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio
  • “It’s not that we [the U.S.] don’t spend enough money to dramatically improve hundreds of thousands of lives right now. It’s that we spend it on the wrong things.” – Dr. Len D’Avolio

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: Diversity in Diabetes

Diversity in Diabetes works to create a more equitable diabetes landscape, with education, advocacy, and monthly “Insulin Inclusive” virtual meetups.
🌐 Visit: https://diversityindiabetes.org to learn more.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.


Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Realistic Goal Setting with T1D 6 6 Realistic Goal Setting with T1D full 508fa477-78c8-4b7f-9d9d-479212004289 https://share.transistor.fm/s/873090ef In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Carrie Matuzsan, a case manager at Blue Circle Health who has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 22 years. Carrie shares her journey from her diagnosis at age 12 to her current professional role helping others navigate life with diabetes, including financial hurdles, insurance, and social determinants of health like housing and transportation.

The heart of the conversation focuses on why sticking to goals is so challenging, especially with a 24/7 condition like T1D, and on how to use the SMART goals framework to shift from focusing on outcomes to breaking down the process and using a proven system to help achieve goals.

Carrie teaches us how to "smartify" our intentions, find our "North Star" through the “Toddler Approach”, and reevaluate our progress without self-judgment, especially when we get off track.

What You'll Learn

  • Common Pitfalls: Many of us focus on the outcome (e.g., "get an A1C below 7") rather than the process, making the leap from where we are to where we want to be feel impossible.
  • The Toddler Approach: How asking "Why?" repeatedly helps peel away surface-level answers to find the core values driving your goal. 
  • The SMART Goals System:
    • Specific: Making goals concrete rather than ambiguous
    • Measurable: Setting clear criteria for success
    • Attainable/Achievable: Ensuring the goal is something you can actually do.
    • Relevant: Making sure the goal is “along the path” to your bigger picture.
    • Time-bound: Setting a specific timeframe for check-ins and reevaluation. 
  • Contingency Planning: The importance of having a backup plan for when barriers (like bad weather or life events) interfere with your progress.
  • Removing Judgment: Why you should treat your own progress with the same kindness you would show a friend, rather than being your own "bully".

Key Quotes

  • "The process of it is the part that is not as much fun to think about or even to plan out." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "One of the biggest downfalls is being mean to yourself. Being your own bully is often the downfall for a lot of these goals." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "We are working to replace an entire hormone that our body is not producing, on top of living a full life. We continue to go and adapt. Just that resiliency... always amazes me." – Carrie Matuzsan

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Carrie Matuzsan, a case manager at Blue Circle Health who has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 22 years. Carrie shares her journey from her diagnosis at age 12 to her current professional role helping others navigate life with diabetes, including financial hurdles, insurance, and social determinants of health like housing and transportation.

The heart of the conversation focuses on why sticking to goals is so challenging, especially with a 24/7 condition like T1D, and on how to use the SMART goals framework to shift from focusing on outcomes to breaking down the process and using a proven system to help achieve goals.

Carrie teaches us how to "smartify" our intentions, find our "North Star" through the “Toddler Approach”, and reevaluate our progress without self-judgment, especially when we get off track.

What You'll Learn

  • Common Pitfalls: Many of us focus on the outcome (e.g., "get an A1C below 7") rather than the process, making the leap from where we are to where we want to be feel impossible.
  • The Toddler Approach: How asking "Why?" repeatedly helps peel away surface-level answers to find the core values driving your goal. 
  • The SMART Goals System:
    • Specific: Making goals concrete rather than ambiguous
    • Measurable: Setting clear criteria for success
    • Attainable/Achievable: Ensuring the goal is something you can actually do.
    • Relevant: Making sure the goal is “along the path” to your bigger picture.
    • Time-bound: Setting a specific timeframe for check-ins and reevaluation. 
  • Contingency Planning: The importance of having a backup plan for when barriers (like bad weather or life events) interfere with your progress.
  • Removing Judgment: Why you should treat your own progress with the same kindness you would show a friend, rather than being your own "bully".

Key Quotes

  • "The process of it is the part that is not as much fun to think about or even to plan out." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "One of the biggest downfalls is being mean to yourself. Being your own bully is often the downfall for a lot of these goals." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "We are working to replace an entire hormone that our body is not producing, on top of living a full life. We continue to go and adapt. Just that resiliency... always amazes me." – Carrie Matuzsan

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2165 In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Carrie Matuzsan, a case manager at Blue Circle Health who has lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 22 years. Carrie shares her journey from her diagnosis at age 12 to her current professional role helping others navigate life with diabetes, including financial hurdles, insurance, and social determinants of health like housing and transportation.

The heart of the conversation focuses on why sticking to goals is so challenging, especially with a 24/7 condition like T1D, and on how to use the SMART goals framework to shift from focusing on outcomes to breaking down the process and using a proven system to help achieve goals.

Carrie teaches us how to "smartify" our intentions, find our "North Star" through the “Toddler Approach”, and reevaluate our progress without self-judgment, especially when we get off track.

What You'll Learn

  • Common Pitfalls: Many of us focus on the outcome (e.g., "get an A1C below 7") rather than the process, making the leap from where we are to where we want to be feel impossible.
  • The Toddler Approach: How asking "Why?" repeatedly helps peel away surface-level answers to find the core values driving your goal. 
  • The SMART Goals System:
    • Specific: Making goals concrete rather than ambiguous
    • Measurable: Setting clear criteria for success
    • Attainable/Achievable: Ensuring the goal is something you can actually do.
    • Relevant: Making sure the goal is “along the path” to your bigger picture.
    • Time-bound: Setting a specific timeframe for check-ins and reevaluation. 
  • Contingency Planning: The importance of having a backup plan for when barriers (like bad weather or life events) interfere with your progress.
  • Removing Judgment: Why you should treat your own progress with the same kindness you would show a friend, rather than being your own "bully".

Key Quotes

  • "The process of it is the part that is not as much fun to think about or even to plan out." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "One of the biggest downfalls is being mean to yourself. Being your own bully is often the downfall for a lot of these goals." – Carrie Matuzsan
  • "We are working to replace an entire hormone that our body is not producing, on top of living a full life. We continue to go and adapt. Just that resiliency... always amazes me." – Carrie Matuzsan

Resources & Links

What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?
People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Collaborating to Close the Care Gap with Natalie Bellini and Quiana Howard 5 5 Collaborating to Close the Care Gap with Natalie Bellini and Quiana Howard full 20679978-1726-4adc-84ab-77b38cd62724 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10fcc580 It can feel like people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are fighting for their lives in a system built to wear them down. The twist is that clinicians often feel the same weight as they fight to provide care.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with two highly-skilled healthcare professionals from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio: Natalie Bellini, an endocrine nurse practitioner and program director for diabetes technology, and Quiana Howard, a PhD candidate and clinical nurse research specialist.

The conversation delves into the systemic struggles that prevent people with T1D from getting the support they need to live well with diabetes. The guests, including Natalie, who also lives with T1D, discuss the gap between what people need (like insulin access, education on carbs/fat/protein, and psychosocial support) and what they typically receive (a little information and a website).

They highlight the critical role of organizations like Blue Circle Health in providing holistic, wraparound support that addresses social determinants of health—going beyond glucose numbers to help with insurance, mental health, and food/housing security. Quiana also shares her research on social vulnerability and the surprising frequency of T1D misdiagnosis among minority and underserved populations. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for a community approach, recognizing that no single clinician or system can be the "do-all end-all" for T1D management.

What You'll Learn

  • Why the healthcare system struggles to get people with T1D what they need.
  • The essential needs at T1D diagnosis: insulin, psychosocial support, understanding insurance coverage, and education on diet and exercise.
  • How clinicians like Natalie and Quiana meet people with diabetes where they are—sometimes even outside the clinic—to build trust and break down cultural barriers.
  • Why Blue Circle Health is considered a "system breaker" for providing wraparound support beyond glucose numbers.
  • The challenge of misdiagnosis, often due to prejudice or assumptions based on race, age, or weight.
  • The shocking level of judgment and assumptions people with T1D face from others, and even clinicians.
  • Why clinicians must recognize that their system isn't designed to support every need a person with T1D has.

Key Quotes

  • "It can feel like we're fighting for our lives in a system built to wear us down. And here's the twist. Your doctors, your clinicians, feel a lot of that same weight as they fight to take care of you." – Scott Johnson 
  • "I have to talk to you as if we're equals and we're in this together, and I'm not going to leave you here alone... We're not going to talk at you; we're going to talk with you..." – Quiana Howard 
  • "There's no box. If we never had to think about any cost, what would we give to a person with diabetes? And that's what we get with Blue Circle Health." – Natalie Bellini 
  • "Blue Circle Health is a health equity model. They break down the systems that often prevent people from achieving the best outcomes when managing their type 1 diabetes." – Quiana Howard 

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: This episode highlights diatribe, a small nonprofit focused on education and advocacy around T1D, including fighting stigma and raising awareness of Time in Range.
  • 🌐 Visit: diatribe.org to learn more and subscribe to their newsletter.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> It can feel like people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are fighting for their lives in a system built to wear them down. The twist is that clinicians often feel the same weight as they fight to provide care.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with two highly-skilled healthcare professionals from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio: Natalie Bellini, an endocrine nurse practitioner and program director for diabetes technology, and Quiana Howard, a PhD candidate and clinical nurse research specialist.

The conversation delves into the systemic struggles that prevent people with T1D from getting the support they need to live well with diabetes. The guests, including Natalie, who also lives with T1D, discuss the gap between what people need (like insulin access, education on carbs/fat/protein, and psychosocial support) and what they typically receive (a little information and a website).

They highlight the critical role of organizations like Blue Circle Health in providing holistic, wraparound support that addresses social determinants of health—going beyond glucose numbers to help with insurance, mental health, and food/housing security. Quiana also shares her research on social vulnerability and the surprising frequency of T1D misdiagnosis among minority and underserved populations. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for a community approach, recognizing that no single clinician or system can be the "do-all end-all" for T1D management.

What You'll Learn

  • Why the healthcare system struggles to get people with T1D what they need.
  • The essential needs at T1D diagnosis: insulin, psychosocial support, understanding insurance coverage, and education on diet and exercise.
  • How clinicians like Natalie and Quiana meet people with diabetes where they are—sometimes even outside the clinic—to build trust and break down cultural barriers.
  • Why Blue Circle Health is considered a "system breaker" for providing wraparound support beyond glucose numbers.
  • The challenge of misdiagnosis, often due to prejudice or assumptions based on race, age, or weight.
  • The shocking level of judgment and assumptions people with T1D face from others, and even clinicians.
  • Why clinicians must recognize that their system isn't designed to support every need a person with T1D has.

Key Quotes

  • "It can feel like we're fighting for our lives in a system built to wear us down. And here's the twist. Your doctors, your clinicians, feel a lot of that same weight as they fight to take care of you." – Scott Johnson 
  • "I have to talk to you as if we're equals and we're in this together, and I'm not going to leave you here alone... We're not going to talk at you; we're going to talk with you..." – Quiana Howard 
  • "There's no box. If we never had to think about any cost, what would we give to a person with diabetes? And that's what we get with Blue Circle Health." – Natalie Bellini 
  • "Blue Circle Health is a health equity model. They break down the systems that often prevent people from achieving the best outcomes when managing their type 1 diabetes." – Quiana Howard 

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: This episode highlights diatribe, a small nonprofit focused on education and advocacy around T1D, including fighting stigma and raising awareness of Time in Range.
  • 🌐 Visit: diatribe.org to learn more and subscribe to their newsletter.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1748 It can feel like people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are fighting for their lives in a system built to wear them down. The twist is that clinicians often feel the same weight as they fight to provide care.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with two highly-skilled healthcare professionals from University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio: Natalie Bellini, an endocrine nurse practitioner and program director for diabetes technology, and Quiana Howard, a PhD candidate and clinical nurse research specialist.

The conversation delves into the systemic struggles that prevent people with T1D from getting the support they need to live well with diabetes. The guests, including Natalie, who also lives with T1D, discuss the gap between what people need (like insulin access, education on carbs/fat/protein, and psychosocial support) and what they typically receive (a little information and a website).

They highlight the critical role of organizations like Blue Circle Health in providing holistic, wraparound support that addresses social determinants of health—going beyond glucose numbers to help with insurance, mental health, and food/housing security. Quiana also shares her research on social vulnerability and the surprising frequency of T1D misdiagnosis among minority and underserved populations. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for a community approach, recognizing that no single clinician or system can be the "do-all end-all" for T1D management.

What You'll Learn

  • Why the healthcare system struggles to get people with T1D what they need.
  • The essential needs at T1D diagnosis: insulin, psychosocial support, understanding insurance coverage, and education on diet and exercise.
  • How clinicians like Natalie and Quiana meet people with diabetes where they are—sometimes even outside the clinic—to build trust and break down cultural barriers.
  • Why Blue Circle Health is considered a "system breaker" for providing wraparound support beyond glucose numbers.
  • The challenge of misdiagnosis, often due to prejudice or assumptions based on race, age, or weight.
  • The shocking level of judgment and assumptions people with T1D face from others, and even clinicians.
  • Why clinicians must recognize that their system isn't designed to support every need a person with T1D has.

Key Quotes

  • "It can feel like we're fighting for our lives in a system built to wear us down. And here's the twist. Your doctors, your clinicians, feel a lot of that same weight as they fight to take care of you." – Scott Johnson 
  • "I have to talk to you as if we're equals and we're in this together, and I'm not going to leave you here alone... We're not going to talk at you; we're going to talk with you..." – Quiana Howard 
  • "There's no box. If we never had to think about any cost, what would we give to a person with diabetes? And that's what we get with Blue Circle Health." – Natalie Bellini 
  • "Blue Circle Health is a health equity model. They break down the systems that often prevent people from achieving the best outcomes when managing their type 1 diabetes." – Quiana Howard 

Resources & Links

  • Community Partner Spotlight: This episode highlights diatribe, a small nonprofit focused on education and advocacy around T1D, including fighting stigma and raising awareness of Time in Range.
  • 🌐 Visit: diatribe.org to learn more and subscribe to their newsletter.


What is Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D?

People with type 1 diabetes fight two wars: one against a relentless 24/7 condition, and another against a healthcare system that makes it difficult and expensive to stay alive. Around the Circle: Living Well with T1D brings together voices from across the type 1 diabetes community to share real stories, expert insight, and practical support for living well with T1D.

Hosted by the team at Blue Circle Health, a U.S.-based program transforming type 1 care, this podcast helps people go from just surviving to truly living well with type 1 diabetes. https://bluecirclehealth.org

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Self-Advocacy Tips with T1D 4 4 Self-Advocacy Tips with T1D full 44cf5a45-77c3-47b9-9443-3883f1924e89 https://share.transistor.fm/s/723bff4e Navigating life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, even for those who are highly prepared and well-equipped. In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Rob Howe, diabetes advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the long-standing podcast "Diabetics Doing Things, about his journey as a former high-level college and professional basketball player who has lived with T1D for 20 years.

Rob shares his experience being diagnosed at 16, the courage it took to be upfront about T1D during his college recruiting process, and the mental anguish of balancing elite athletics with blood sugar management. The conversation digs into why living well with T1D requires managing the physical, mental, social, and often-overlooked financial aspects of life. Ultimately, Rob emphasizes that self-advocacy is a vital skill and a muscle you can build.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D is still incredibly difficult, even for the "most well-equipped person".
  • The four main categories of life T1D impacts: physical, mental, financial, and social.
  • How the financial strain and lack of insurance can put people with diabetes into a constant state of "fight or flight".
  • Why making a friend with diabetes is considered Rob's "biggest life hack" for T1D management.
  • That self-advocacy can show up as small acts, like simply asking for orange juice when your blood sugar is low.
  • The importance of separating your self-worth from your diabetes outcomes.

Key Quotes

  • "It's overwhelming. It's a crazy amount of things that it takes to live well with diabetes." – Rob Howe
  • "Your diabetes management and the outcomes of it aren't a report card on your value as a person." – Rob Howe
  • "In my life, my resilience or capacity moves around and changes based on the other things, the normal things in life that we all deal with, too." – Scott K. Johnson

Resources & Links

]]> Navigating life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, even for those who are highly prepared and well-equipped. In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Rob Howe, diabetes advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the long-standing podcast "Diabetics Doing Things, about his journey as a former high-level college and professional basketball player who has lived with T1D for 20 years.

Rob shares his experience being diagnosed at 16, the courage it took to be upfront about T1D during his college recruiting process, and the mental anguish of balancing elite athletics with blood sugar management. The conversation digs into why living well with T1D requires managing the physical, mental, social, and often-overlooked financial aspects of life. Ultimately, Rob emphasizes that self-advocacy is a vital skill and a muscle you can build.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D is still incredibly difficult, even for the "most well-equipped person".
  • The four main categories of life T1D impacts: physical, mental, financial, and social.
  • How the financial strain and lack of insurance can put people with diabetes into a constant state of "fight or flight".
  • Why making a friend with diabetes is considered Rob's "biggest life hack" for T1D management.
  • That self-advocacy can show up as small acts, like simply asking for orange juice when your blood sugar is low.
  • The importance of separating your self-worth from your diabetes outcomes.

Key Quotes

  • "It's overwhelming. It's a crazy amount of things that it takes to live well with diabetes." – Rob Howe
  • "Your diabetes management and the outcomes of it aren't a report card on your value as a person." – Rob Howe
  • "In my life, my resilience or capacity moves around and changes based on the other things, the normal things in life that we all deal with, too." – Scott K. Johnson

Resources & Links

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1730 Navigating life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging, even for those who are highly prepared and well-equipped. In this episode, host Scott Johnson talks with Rob Howe, diabetes advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the long-standing podcast "Diabetics Doing Things, about his journey as a former high-level college and professional basketball player who has lived with T1D for 20 years.

Rob shares his experience being diagnosed at 16, the courage it took to be upfront about T1D during his college recruiting process, and the mental anguish of balancing elite athletics with blood sugar management. The conversation digs into why living well with T1D requires managing the physical, mental, social, and often-overlooked financial aspects of life. Ultimately, Rob emphasizes that self-advocacy is a vital skill and a muscle you can build.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D is still incredibly difficult, even for the "most well-equipped person".
  • The four main categories of life T1D impacts: physical, mental, financial, and social.
  • How the financial strain and lack of insurance can put people with diabetes into a constant state of "fight or flight".
  • Why making a friend with diabetes is considered Rob's "biggest life hack" for T1D management.
  • That self-advocacy can show up as small acts, like simply asking for orange juice when your blood sugar is low.
  • The importance of separating your self-worth from your diabetes outcomes.

Key Quotes

  • "It's overwhelming. It's a crazy amount of things that it takes to live well with diabetes." – Rob Howe
  • "Your diabetes management and the outcomes of it aren't a report card on your value as a person." – Rob Howe
  • "In my life, my resilience or capacity moves around and changes based on the other things, the normal things in life that we all deal with, too." – Scott K. Johnson

Resources & Links

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Handling the Holidays with T1D 3 3 Handling the Holidays with T1D full c43c64c2-d93e-40b5-acad-69cc9e41d195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/701ccda6 If you've ever felt extra stressed and anxious about your diabetes as the holidays approach, you're not alone! The holidays are supposed to be times full of joy and cheer, but they often bring an extra dose of stress and disruption to our T1D routines.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Eleni Sheehan, a fellow PWD and Advanced Practice Nurse at Blue Circle Health, to talk about the emotional challenges of navigating type 1 diabetes during the holiday season.

They dive into why feeling stressed is so common, some typical sources of those feelings, dealing with difficult family members, wrestling with unrealistic expectations, and what you can do if you encounter any "diabetes police."

Because you deserve to enjoy the holiday season and feel good about your diabetes management.

What You’ll Learn

  • How normal it is for the holiday season to feel stressful
  • What really makes T1D so much harder to navigate during the holidays
  • That we remember what we felt long after the actions we took
  • Options for handling people in uncomfortable situations
  • How to advocate for ourselves when needed
  • Resources for mindfulness and more

Key Quotes
“It is a choice. You can decide what is most important to you at that time.” – Eleni Sheehan

“I want to feel happy and joyful! And I do... but I also get really stressed out and a bit anxious.” – Scott Johnson

"We get the opportunity to celebrate things and spend time with family and friends, but at the same time, it's something that is completely different than what we normally do." – Eleni Sheehan


Resources & Links

]]> If you've ever felt extra stressed and anxious about your diabetes as the holidays approach, you're not alone! The holidays are supposed to be times full of joy and cheer, but they often bring an extra dose of stress and disruption to our T1D routines.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Eleni Sheehan, a fellow PWD and Advanced Practice Nurse at Blue Circle Health, to talk about the emotional challenges of navigating type 1 diabetes during the holiday season.

They dive into why feeling stressed is so common, some typical sources of those feelings, dealing with difficult family members, wrestling with unrealistic expectations, and what you can do if you encounter any "diabetes police."

Because you deserve to enjoy the holiday season and feel good about your diabetes management.

What You’ll Learn

  • How normal it is for the holiday season to feel stressful
  • What really makes T1D so much harder to navigate during the holidays
  • That we remember what we felt long after the actions we took
  • Options for handling people in uncomfortable situations
  • How to advocate for ourselves when needed
  • Resources for mindfulness and more

Key Quotes
“It is a choice. You can decide what is most important to you at that time.” – Eleni Sheehan

“I want to feel happy and joyful! And I do... but I also get really stressed out and a bit anxious.” – Scott Johnson

"We get the opportunity to celebrate things and spend time with family and friends, but at the same time, it's something that is completely different than what we normally do." – Eleni Sheehan


Resources & Links

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1541 If you've ever felt extra stressed and anxious about your diabetes as the holidays approach, you're not alone! The holidays are supposed to be times full of joy and cheer, but they often bring an extra dose of stress and disruption to our T1D routines.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Eleni Sheehan, a fellow PWD and Advanced Practice Nurse at Blue Circle Health, to talk about the emotional challenges of navigating type 1 diabetes during the holiday season.

They dive into why feeling stressed is so common, some typical sources of those feelings, dealing with difficult family members, wrestling with unrealistic expectations, and what you can do if you encounter any "diabetes police."

Because you deserve to enjoy the holiday season and feel good about your diabetes management.

What You’ll Learn

  • How normal it is for the holiday season to feel stressful
  • What really makes T1D so much harder to navigate during the holidays
  • That we remember what we felt long after the actions we took
  • Options for handling people in uncomfortable situations
  • How to advocate for ourselves when needed
  • Resources for mindfulness and more

Key Quotes
“It is a choice. You can decide what is most important to you at that time.” – Eleni Sheehan

“I want to feel happy and joyful! And I do... but I also get really stressed out and a bit anxious.” – Scott Johnson

"We get the opportunity to celebrate things and spend time with family and friends, but at the same time, it's something that is completely different than what we normally do." – Eleni Sheehan


Resources & Links

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No Insurance & T1D: Why Does Getting Care Feel Like Another Job? 2 2 Insurance & T1D: Why Does Getting Care Feel Like Another Job? full dfaaf2ce-48e2-454d-a51e-e4e1d072bc74 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6405f6b Insurance might not be the most exciting part of living with type 1 diabetes… but it can make or break your ability to get the tools, supplies, and medications you need.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Neil Greathouse, a fellow T1D advocate, content creator, and producer at Blue Circle Health, to unpack the confusing world of insurance for people living with type 1 diabetes.

They dive into what every person with T1D should know about coverage, denials, appeals, and prior authorizations… and how to navigate the system without burning out. Neil shares stories from the field, insights from Blue Circle’s insurance navigation team, and a few hard-won lessons from decades of living with T1D himself.

Because when you’re fighting two wars… one against diabetes, and one against the healthcare system… you shouldn’t have to fight alone.

What You’ll Learn

  • The most common insurance barriers for people with T1D… and how to overcome them
  • How Blue Circle Health’s insurance navigators help participants understand coverage and resolve denials
  • Why appeals and prior authorizations don’t have to feel impossible
  • What to do when your insulin, CGM, or pump suddenly isn’t covered
  • How to prepare before open enrollment or plan changes
  • How to find free or low-cost prescription programs if you’re uninsured

Key Quotes
“People with T1D spend hours every year just trying to stay covered… that shouldn’t be normal.” – Neil Greathouse

“We want people to know they can ask for help before they hit a wall.” – Scott Johnson

“The goal isn’t just coverage … it’s confidence.” – Blue Circle Health Team


Resources & Links

  • 🌐 Learn more or apply to join: bluecirclehealth.org
  • 💬 Follow us on social media: @bluecirclehealth on Instagram and Facebook
  • 🧾 Community Partner Spotlight: Breakthrough T1D – advocacy and resources to fight for better access and coverage for people with diabetes
]]> Insurance might not be the most exciting part of living with type 1 diabetes… but it can make or break your ability to get the tools, supplies, and medications you need.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Neil Greathouse, a fellow T1D advocate, content creator, and producer at Blue Circle Health, to unpack the confusing world of insurance for people living with type 1 diabetes.

They dive into what every person with T1D should know about coverage, denials, appeals, and prior authorizations… and how to navigate the system without burning out. Neil shares stories from the field, insights from Blue Circle’s insurance navigation team, and a few hard-won lessons from decades of living with T1D himself.

Because when you’re fighting two wars… one against diabetes, and one against the healthcare system… you shouldn’t have to fight alone.

What You’ll Learn

  • The most common insurance barriers for people with T1D… and how to overcome them
  • How Blue Circle Health’s insurance navigators help participants understand coverage and resolve denials
  • Why appeals and prior authorizations don’t have to feel impossible
  • What to do when your insulin, CGM, or pump suddenly isn’t covered
  • How to prepare before open enrollment or plan changes
  • How to find free or low-cost prescription programs if you’re uninsured

Key Quotes
“People with T1D spend hours every year just trying to stay covered… that shouldn’t be normal.” – Neil Greathouse

“We want people to know they can ask for help before they hit a wall.” – Scott Johnson

“The goal isn’t just coverage … it’s confidence.” – Blue Circle Health Team


Resources & Links

  • 🌐 Learn more or apply to join: bluecirclehealth.org
  • 💬 Follow us on social media: @bluecirclehealth on Instagram and Facebook
  • 🧾 Community Partner Spotlight: Breakthrough T1D – advocacy and resources to fight for better access and coverage for people with diabetes
]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 1686 Insurance might not be the most exciting part of living with type 1 diabetes… but it can make or break your ability to get the tools, supplies, and medications you need.

In this episode, host Scott Johnson sits down with Neil Greathouse, a fellow T1D advocate, content creator, and producer at Blue Circle Health, to unpack the confusing world of insurance for people living with type 1 diabetes.

They dive into what every person with T1D should know about coverage, denials, appeals, and prior authorizations… and how to navigate the system without burning out. Neil shares stories from the field, insights from Blue Circle’s insurance navigation team, and a few hard-won lessons from decades of living with T1D himself.

Because when you’re fighting two wars… one against diabetes, and one against the healthcare system… you shouldn’t have to fight alone.

What You’ll Learn

  • The most common insurance barriers for people with T1D… and how to overcome them
  • How Blue Circle Health’s insurance navigators help participants understand coverage and resolve denials
  • Why appeals and prior authorizations don’t have to feel impossible
  • What to do when your insulin, CGM, or pump suddenly isn’t covered
  • How to prepare before open enrollment or plan changes
  • How to find free or low-cost prescription programs if you’re uninsured

Key Quotes
“People with T1D spend hours every year just trying to stay covered… that shouldn’t be normal.” – Neil Greathouse

“We want people to know they can ask for help before they hit a wall.” – Scott Johnson

“The goal isn’t just coverage … it’s confidence.” – Blue Circle Health Team


Resources & Links

  • 🌐 Learn more or apply to join: bluecirclehealth.org
  • 💬 Follow us on social media: @bluecirclehealth on Instagram and Facebook
  • 🧾 Community Partner Spotlight: Breakthrough T1D – advocacy and resources to fight for better access and coverage for people with diabetes
]]> type 1 diabetes insurance, T1D coverage, prior authorizations, insulin affordability, CGM coverage, diabetes care access, insurance navigation, Blue Circle Health, Breakthrough T1D, virtual diabetes support program No Introduction to Blue Circle Health 1 1 Introduction to Blue Circle Health full deb7c2de-d02d-4e5e-ae36-5d3f96f929a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1d4dad70 In this debut episode, host Scott Johnson, who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 45 years, sits down with Dr. Monica Gomberg, a practicing endocrinologist who left private practice to help re-imagine diabetes care at Blue Circle Health.

They explore one bold question:

What if we could start over and redesign T1D care from the ground up?


Dr. Gomberg explains how Blue Circle Health - a completely free, six-month virtual care, education, and support program funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust - is transforming access for adults with T1D. From personalized care plans and insurance navigation to mental-health support and prescription-assistance programs, she shares how the team builds care around the person, not just the disease.


What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D care often fails to meet real-life needs - and how Blue Circle Health is changing that
  • How the T1D Support Guide works as your personal point of contact
  • What makes a virtual model more flexible than traditional doctor visits
  • How Blue Circle Health collaborates with, not replaces, your current care team
  • Details on free resources: CGM access, financial assistance, insurance navigation, case management
  • The surprising truth about how hard it still is to live with T1D - and what gives Dr. Gomberg hope

Key Quotes

“It shouldn’t be this hard to stay alive.” – Dr. Monica Gomberg“Blue Circle Health was created to remove barriers - not add more.”“We built this program by listening to patients first.”


Resources & Links

]]> In this debut episode, host Scott Johnson, who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 45 years, sits down with Dr. Monica Gomberg, a practicing endocrinologist who left private practice to help re-imagine diabetes care at Blue Circle Health.

They explore one bold question:

What if we could start over and redesign T1D care from the ground up?


Dr. Gomberg explains how Blue Circle Health - a completely free, six-month virtual care, education, and support program funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust - is transforming access for adults with T1D. From personalized care plans and insurance navigation to mental-health support and prescription-assistance programs, she shares how the team builds care around the person, not just the disease.


What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D care often fails to meet real-life needs - and how Blue Circle Health is changing that
  • How the T1D Support Guide works as your personal point of contact
  • What makes a virtual model more flexible than traditional doctor visits
  • How Blue Circle Health collaborates with, not replaces, your current care team
  • Details on free resources: CGM access, financial assistance, insurance navigation, case management
  • The surprising truth about how hard it still is to live with T1D - and what gives Dr. Gomberg hope

Key Quotes

“It shouldn’t be this hard to stay alive.” – Dr. Monica Gomberg“Blue Circle Health was created to remove barriers - not add more.”“We built this program by listening to patients first.”


Resources & Links

]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:09:28 -0400 Blue Circle Health Blue Circle Health 2509 In this debut episode, host Scott Johnson, who’s lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 45 years, sits down with Dr. Monica Gomberg, a practicing endocrinologist who left private practice to help re-imagine diabetes care at Blue Circle Health.

They explore one bold question:

What if we could start over and redesign T1D care from the ground up?


Dr. Gomberg explains how Blue Circle Health - a completely free, six-month virtual care, education, and support program funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust - is transforming access for adults with T1D. From personalized care plans and insurance navigation to mental-health support and prescription-assistance programs, she shares how the team builds care around the person, not just the disease.


What You’ll Learn

  • Why T1D care often fails to meet real-life needs - and how Blue Circle Health is changing that
  • How the T1D Support Guide works as your personal point of contact
  • What makes a virtual model more flexible than traditional doctor visits
  • How Blue Circle Health collaborates with, not replaces, your current care team
  • Details on free resources: CGM access, financial assistance, insurance navigation, case management
  • The surprising truth about how hard it still is to live with T1D - and what gives Dr. Gomberg hope

Key Quotes

“It shouldn’t be this hard to stay alive.” – Dr. Monica Gomberg“Blue Circle Health was created to remove barriers - not add more.”“We built this program by listening to patients first.”


Resources & Links

]]> type 1 diabetes, T1D, living with diabetes, Blue Circle Health, diabetes support, diabetes stories, diabetes care, chronic illness, patient support, insulin access, healthcare barriers, diabetes education, peer support No