Grown Up T1Ds! A Festivus for the Rest of Us!

At last, there’s an organization dedicated to adults living with diabetes, providing a relaxed environment where meaningful connections and instant friendships can flourish!

IN EPISODE 74 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder Gary Scheiner welcomes Kelly Dawes from T1DGrownups.org for an inspiring conversation about a service designed for an often-overlooked group: adults with type 1 diabetes.

Both Gary and Kelly have lived with type 1 diabetes for over 40 years and openly discuss the emotional challenges that come with it. Kelly shares her motivation for founding T1D Grownups and explains what attendees can look forward to at one of the group’s free chapter events!

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985. Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Kelly Dawes was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in 1981. She is the founder of grownupt1ds.org and possesses a unique blend of expertise and social charisma. Her career began in dialysis, which broadened her understanding of health, eventually leading her to become a nationally certified personal trainer with a specialization in diabetes, and senior fitness.

✔️The cathartic benefit of being in a room with people who get it.

✔️ Diabetes talk is organic with no agenda at a Grownup T1D event.

✔️ Grownup T1Ds is a free, non-profit organization that hosts in person events for adults.

00:00 Welcome and introduction

06:20 What inspired you to create Grownup T1Ds?

07:42 The unique aspects of T1DGrownups

10:32 What to expect at a T1D event

13:01 Things that Kelly and Gary get away with BECAUSE of diabetes

16:23 How to get involved as a participant or volunteer

19:46 The challenges in building Grownup T1Ds

21:27 The value of in person connections

23:43 The surprise benefit of GrownupT1Ds.org events

25:35 The age range of attendees

26:44 What the future holds for Kelly Dawes

✔GrownupT1Ds https://grownupt1ds.org/

✔For information on the Philadelphia chapter contact philly@grownupt1ds.org

✔The February 28th meet up will take place at Dave & Buster’s—Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA RSVP to event at https://grownupt1ds.org/rsvp-form/

✔To learn more about volunteering or activities in your area, contact kelly@grownupt1ds.org

Other similar episodes:

✔Empowered Aging. Proactive Strategies for Seniors with Type 1 Diabetes https://youtu.be/oyUQfSBgF1M

✔Is it Menopause, life or diabetes? Real Talk from Female Clinicians Who Live It. https://youtu.be/SbPnbu-S29M

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

What if the symptoms you’ve been told are caused by diabetes… actually aren’t?

In this episode 73 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians Tavia Vital and Alicia Downs examine a frustrating and all-too-common issue in diabetes care… when medical symptoms are incorrectly blamed on diabetes—and the real diagnosis is missed!

From neuropathy and kidney disease to fatigue, pain, and hormonal issues, Tavia and Alicia explain why people with diabetes are frequently told “it’s your diabetes” even when other conditions would also fit. They reveal how systemic healthcare constraints, insurance coding, and time pressure can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and unnecessary guilt for patients.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Alicia Downs, RN, MSN, CDCES, BC-ADM experienced years of mis-diagnoses and ineffective treatments that gave her the incentive to take the lead in her own health care and educate those around her. Alicia is passionate about providing educated compassionate informed and equitable care to all people.

✔️Blaming your diabetes rather than finding the true cause can create unnecessary emotional and physical stress.

✔️How non-diabetes conditions get mislabeled as diabetes complications

✔️The problem is often systemic. To investigate your potential diagnosis, your doctor needs to first provide a diagnosis.

✔️Your “neuropathy” is often treatable before it is debilitating.

✔️The importance of creating a team “us” with your medical professionals.

00:00 Welcome and introduction

03:01 Understanding the endocrine system

04:39 When it’s really NOT diabetes

07:32 Where the fault lies

12:16 The facts about diabetes related neuropathy

19:54 Rare conditions are not rare in the diabetes population

24:55 Reference ranges, diagnostic ranges, and prevention

29:20 When it wasn’t Tavia or Alicia’s diabetes

35:17 The questions to ask

39:53 One bad lab result doesn’t mean you have another disease

Autonomic Neuropathy Screening Update for People with Type 1 Diabetes

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If the podcast has helped you to live better with diabetes, please tell someone else how to find it! If you have a question, take a moment and ask! We reply to everyone. And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 71 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder Gary Scheiner speaks to innovator and entrepreneur, Aurelian Briner about the SNAQ app that he created for his wife, Loredana.

The conversation explores the app's development journey, its key features for carb counting and diabetes management, and the challenges faced in the digital health space. The Briner’s share how user insights and lived experiences have allowed them to continue to build the app to help a growing number of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985. Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Aurelian Briner is the CEO & Co-Founder of SNAQ. SNAQ is an AI-powered diabetes management platform that helps people make smarter mealtime decisions using its patented photo-based food analysis

✔️SNAQ was created by people living with type 1 diabetes for people living with type 1 diabetes…and they care.

✔️ The value of the SNAQ app during T1 pregnancy.

✔️The depth of the SNAQ app over uploading images to random AI programs.

✔️SNAQ app provides data only. They don’t show ads or share your data.

00:15 Welcome and introduction

06:23 Inspiration for SNAQ

08:11 The value of having a test subject as your wife

09:22 The key features of the SNAQ app

15:50 Features that will be getting an upgrade over time

21:00 The biggest challenges in marketing the SNAQ app

24:21 SNAQ app pricing

26:07 SNAQ vs Gary Scheiner

28:44 SNAQ tips for accurate results

29:53 Advice for diabetes entrepreneurs

https://snaq.go.link/3B8Rc

The Ultimate Guide To Accurate Carb Counting

Food, Technology, and Insulin. Secrets of Successful Glucose Management

IDS Diabetes Experts, The Trynamic Trio Share Personal Experiences with Open-Source Automation

Entrepreneurism in the diabetes space

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 70 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians. Mental health professional, Kristi Paguio and registered dietitian, Dana Roseman unpack the complex relationship of food, insulin, and cultural pressures that can exacerbate disordered eating patterns.

They share their own experiences as women living with type 1 diabetes and provide strategies for improving your relationship with food, your body, and your insulin.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, LCSW, CDCES is a Mental Health Specialist. She has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 as a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes. She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

✔️Disordered eating is a broad term that encompasses various unhealthy food relationships.

✔️ Cultural pressures can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and perceptions of food.

✔️ Food should be viewed as a source of joy and connection, not just a means to manage diabetes.

✔️Normalize healthy eating for the entire family.

00:40 Welcome and introduction

03:12 What constitutes disordered eating?

06:25 Cultural influences vs the needs of a healthy body

09:24 The “Food Police”

11:46 All foods fit in your diet

13:51 Helping someone experiencing disordered eating

18:05 Restriction vs Indulgence. Finding the middle ground when it comes to food.

20:33 The impact of judgement when you have diabetes

23:06 Why disordered eating is more common when living with diabetes

24:00 Seeking help for disordered eating with diabetes

If you are seeking a team to assist you with issues surrounding disordered eating and your diabetes, Integrated Diabetes Services has a full team of professionals who are Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists who live with type 1 diabetes. They can help with all aspects of your self-care. Call 1 (610) 642-6055 or email info@integratedservices.com to schedule an appointment.

Articles: Eating disorders are on the rise.

If this episode helped you or you have a question, take a moment to leave a short note. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In episode 69 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services founder, Gary Scheiner sits down with his personal endocrinologist to discuss what it takes to build a successful patient/provider relationship.

Listen to Gary’s conversation with Dr. Koch and learn how to build a successful partnership with your doctor, how to get the most out of your time with your endocrinologist and learn about the areas of care that even Gary could improve on.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the founder and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. An award-winning Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, Master’s-level Exercise Physiologist, and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985, Gary Scheiner has dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Benedictine University. He received his diabetes training with the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center. Gary serves on the faculty of several prominent organizations and the clinical advisory boards for a number of diabetes device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Cheryl Koch, MD is a diabetes & metabolism endocrinologist in Bryn Mawr, PA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Koch has extensive experience in Thyroid Disorders, Diabetes & Glucose Monitoring, and Osteoporosis & Screening. She graduated from Penn State University College of Medicine in 1989. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Lankenau Medical Center. .

✔️Every diabetes patient is different.

✔️Your doctor is human too.

✔️The value of making small changes.

✔️Your doctor’s job is to help. You don’t have to be perfect.

✔️Find an endo that is interested in you and matches your needs.

00:50 Welcome and Introduction

07:56 The appeal of endocrinology

10:04 Staying up-to-date with diabetes advances

12:46 Getting the most out of your endo visits

15:31 When it’s okay to break up with your endo

17:40 The value of CDCES in diabetes education

18:54 Areas that Gary Scheiner struggles with in his diabetes care

23:57 Dr. Koch’s parting advice for building trust with your endo

How To Find a Health Care Team You Love – Integrated Diabetes Services

The Power of a Team in Your Diabetes Weight Loss Journey – Integrated Diabetes Services

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If this episode helped you, take a moment to leave a short review. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In this episode of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, Integrated Diabetes Services clinicians, Gary Scheiner and Dana Roseman explore the impact of protein on people living with diabetes. the role and impact of protein in the lives of people with diabetes.

Listen as they share science-backed answers to common questions about protein’s role in blood sugar management, ideal protein sources, dietary balance, and long-term health.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985. Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

✔️Protein requires you to use the entire alphabet of amino acids.

✔️The value of having a consistent amount of daily protein.

✔️Protein becomes more important as you age.

00:51 Welcome and Introduction

02:51 The role of protein in a healthy body

04:18 Better sources of protein

07:50 How much protein is enough for YOU?

11:28 What you should know about protein supplements

13:24 Bolusing for protein

18:51 Are you getting enough protein?

21:56 Can you ever have too much protein?

24:57 What you need to remember about protein and type 1 diabetes

Protein List from Integrated Diabetes Services

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If this episode helped you, take a moment to leave a short review. We love to hear from you! And then be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.

In this year-end special, host Gary Scheiner shares top moments from your three favourite episodes!

Number 3…Clinicians offer practical advice on glucose management in “Food, Technology, and Insulin.”

Number 2… Riva Greenberg discusses the illusion of perfect glucose control, challenging conventional thinking.

And the fan-favourite for 2025 was the episode when Gary and Dana Roseman compare leading CGMs in “Libre 3 vs Dexcom G7.” This beloved podcast helping listeners make informed choices.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is the owner and Clinical Director of Integrated Diabetes Services. He is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985. Gary is also actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Riva Greenberg is a multi-time author, columnist, and blogger. She has lived with type 1 diabetes for over 50 years and has presented her “Flourishing Approach” to healthcare professionals and people with diabetes all over the world.

✔️80% of your management is what you do over and over.

✔️Why it is impossible to “control” your blood sugars, but how you can positively influence them.

✔️The value of data when managing your diabetes care.

00:15 Welcome and introduction

02:28 Understanding your insulin

8:08 The value of understanding your typical meals

10:13 Meet Riva Greenberg

12:18 Why can’t diabetes and blood sugar levels be controlled?

15:25 Glucometer commercials should picture readings of 283 mg/dl

19:24 The evolution of CGMs

22:11 Dexcom G7 vs Libre 3+

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to ensure that you never miss an episode.

Also, leave a review to let us know what you think, and share this episode with others who will enjoy it as well!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.