Dr. Ed Damiano is the developer of the bionic pancreas, a closed-loop system that uses a pump and a CGM to automate delivery of insulin as well as glucagon currently in clinical trials. Dr. Damiano got the idea for a dual-chambered system when his son was diagnosed with type 1 at the very young age of 11 months. Dr. Damiano talks to Stacey about the system, now called the "iLet" and about the new company formed to help bring it to market. Called Beta Bionics, it's a unique kind of company, perhaps the first of its kind in the diabetes sector. Dr. Damiano explains what a public benefit corporation is and why he felt it was necessary to form one in order to get the iLet from prototype to commercial product. In this episode, Stacey also shares the story of her family's first JDRF Walk almost ten years ago and how her daughter, who doesn't have diabetes, reacted to the idea of raising money for better research.
"The Human Trial" is a documentary in process about a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes. Stacey talks to director Lisa Hepner about her life with type 1 and why she wanted to share this story. The movie features ViaCyte, a California biotech firm testing a stem cell treatment for T1D. They have FDA approval to test only the fourth embryonic stem cell-derived product in the world in people. As those human trials progress, Hepner and her crew are there to film the process. They hope to use the documentary to spread awareness and education about type 1 and about the encapsulation method. In this episode, we learn what ViaCyte is, all about encapsulation and why so many researchers and scientists are excited about these latest trials.
Sam Talbot shot to fame as a finalist on Bravo's Top Chef, then helped found the new diabetes advocacy group, Beyond Type 1. Diagnosed with type 1 when he was 11, Sam shares his love of healthy food, clean eating and managing diabetes despite a very busy schedule & lots of travel. Our Community Connection this week is health coach Daniele Hargenrader, better known at Diabetes Dominator. She's overcome her own health and life challenges with gusto and now helps others succeed.
A few years back, Scott Hanselman wrote a post some have called a seminal moment in the diabetes community. Called "The Sad State of Diabetes Technology in 2012," it sparked action, particularly in what's now known as the #WeAreNotWaiting movement. We talk to Scott about what he thinks about diabetes technology today, how he manages his own T1D and why a cross-country airplane trip is a perfect diabetes analogy. Community Connection this week is all about programs for adults with type 1. Camp Nejeda in New Jersey will host a weekend session in May. Information about that "Survive and Thrive Boot Camp," and ideas about how to begin something like that where you live.
(Note: due to some technical issues, "helpful links" for this episode may not appear until 24 hours after the episode goes live. Apologies for the delay)
Stefany Shaheen says she was skeptical when her family decided to try a Diabetes Alert Dog for their daughter, Elle. She shares their story and explains what to ask before deciding whether an alert dog is right for you. Shaheen's book, "Elle & Coach: Diabetes, The Fight for My Daughter's Life and the Dog Who Changed Everything" comes out in paperback this month. Stacey also talks to Dexcom Research and Development Senior Vice President Jake Leach about the new G5 mobile app for the Apple Watch and much more.
Roddy Riddle says, "Rule diabetes. Don't let it rule you." Diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 40, Roddy was already an international cyclist and didn't see any reason to slow down. He completed the grueling Marathon de Sables ("The Toughest Footrace on Earth") and is competing right now in the 6633 Ultra, a 350 mile race that touches the Arctic Circle. Marina Tsaplina is just as tough, but in a very different way. She wants us to think about diabetes, and about all of health care, as a very human story. We talk to Marina about her organization The Betes, what puppets have to do with diabetes, and about "The Patient Voice" event.
This month, Pediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Stephen Ponder marks 50 years since his own diagnosis with type 1 diabetes. His book and method "Sugar Surfing" use CGM technology to practice dynamic diabetes management, anticipating where blood sugar numbers will be rather than reacting to where they've been. Dr. Ponder also answers questions from parents about independence, A1Cs and fear.
Ryan Reed started racing at age 4, but when he was diagnosed in 2011, he was told those days were over. Instead, Ryan found another doctor and surrounded himself with a "diabetes pit crew" of support. 5 years later, we talk about NASCAR, type 1 management and his Drive to Stop Diabetes partnership with the ADA. Stacey also talks about whether to celebrate "diaversaries" and brings up important information about a Dexcom alarm notification.
"My Diabetes Secret" is a place to share thoughts, frustrations and experiences online while staying anonymous. Creator Christopher Snider is also behind #DayOfDiabetes on Twitter and hosts the podcast "Just Talking. Diagnosed with type 1 in college, Snider shares why social media is important to his diabetes management and why he'd like to help other health communities with the "My Disease Secret" platform. Stacey also shares some advice she's been given for dealing with Dexcom-related skin issues.
Sam Fuld returns for his tenth season of Major League Baseball this year, now with the Oakland A's. He was diagnosed at age 10 and found inspiration in established Major League players who had type 1. Now Fuld holds a yearly sports camp for kids with diabetes where all the coaches have T1D as well. Stacey also talks with Yoga instructor Rachel Zinman, who was misdiagnosed for six years! She says it was a relief to finally find out she had type 1 diabetes.