November 3, 2025 marks 13 years of living with Type 1 diabetes, and I'm sharing the 13 most powerful lessons I've learned—the ones I wish someone had told me from day one. These aren't just tips about carb counting or insulin ratios. These are the mindset shifts, permission slips, and real-world strategies that transformed me from surviving to thriving.
🎯 The 13 Lessons You'll Learn:
1️⃣ You Don't Have to Accept Limiting Narratives - Rewrite the rules that don't serve you2️⃣ You Have Permission to Eat Sugar - Carbs aren't the enemy, strategy is everything3️⃣ Fire Your Doctor If They Don't Serve You - You're NOT a burden4️⃣ You Need BOTH Education AND Empowerment - Technical skills + mindset = transformation5️⃣ Minimize the Work, Maximize the Rewards - My signature coaching philosophy6️⃣ From Surviving to Thriving - Freedom and great blood sugar control AREN'T mutually exclusive7️⃣ Your Struggle Is Your Superpower - How T1D shaped you into someone incredible8️⃣ Diabetes Education Should Be Accessible - Why I give my book away for free9️⃣ You're Not Failing—Your Settings Might Be Wrong - The difference between systems vs. settings🔟 From 180 Decisions to 20-25 Habits - Stanford research on simplifying the mental load1️⃣1️⃣ Find YOUR Blood Sugar Comfort Zone - Not what the ADA says, what works for YOU1️⃣2️⃣ Your Doctor Gives Ratios, You Learn Your Body - Becoming the expert on yourself1️⃣3️⃣ Find Your People - Why lived experience matters as much as textbook knowledge
💡 Key Takeaways:
This episode is for you if:✅ You're newly diagnosed and overwhelmed✅ You've been managing T1D for years but feel stuck✅ Your A1C "looks good" but you feel miserable✅ You're terrified of lows and running yourself high✅ Your endo makes you feel like a bad diabetic✅ You're ready to stop surviving and start THRIVING
Type 1 diabetes is TOUGH. So are you. You're surviving with a disease that requires constant management just to LIVE. Your gut feelings matter. Your struggles are valid. And you deserve providers, resources, and strategies that actually work for YOUR life.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms
📚 Get my FREE book at typeonetypefun.com/free-book✅ Follow https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun🎙️ More episodes: TypeOneTypeFun.com & https://directdiabetes.com
Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: 13 Years with Type 1 Diabetes1:15 - Lesson 1: Reject Limiting Narratives2:24 - Lesson 2: You Have Permission to Eat Sugar4:53 - Lesson 3: Fire Your Doctor If Needed7:21 - Lesson 4: Education + Empowerment9:34 - Lesson 5: Minimize Work, Maximize Rewards14:14 - Lesson 6: From Surviving to Thriving16:37 - Lesson 7: Your Struggle = Your Superpower19:00 - Lesson 8: Accessible Diabetes Education21:18 - Lesson 9: You're Not Failing23:38 - Lesson 10: From 180 to 20 Decisions26:03 - Lesson 11: Find Your Comfort Zone30:46 - Lesson 12: Learn Your Body33:09 - Lesson 13: Find Your People
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication.
"I haven't taken insulin since October 2024." 💙
Imagine waking up without alarms. Drinking coffee without your blood sugar spiking. Swimming with your kids for hours without fear. Living life without insulin, pumps, or constant calculations.
For Robin Rybolt, this isn't a dream - it's her reality after receiving an islet cell transplant through a groundbreaking research study at the University of Chicago.
In this powerful episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES sits down with Robin to explore her remarkable journey from decades of managing Type 1 diabetes to living insulin-free. Robin shares the medical process, the emotional toll, the unexpected challenges, and the life-changing freedom she's experiencing nearly a year later.
💡 What You'll Learn:
✅ How Robin's diabetes was discovered in an unexpected way✅ What an islet cell transplant is and how it differs from a pancreas transplant✅ The actual process, how islet cells from a donor pancreas are placed into the liver✅ The emotional reality of living with T1D and why Robin made this life-changing decision✅ What life looks like after living without insulin for nearly a year✅ The role of anti-rejection medications and what recovery actually involves✅ Why participating in medical research can open new doors for treatment✅ Robin's advice for others considering research-based medical care✅ The hardest part of her journey (spoiler: it wasn't the surgery)
The Reality:Robin opens up about the challenges too—missing time with her kids during recovery, the emotional toll when her husband said he didn't want to be with someone who was "sick," and fighting through heartbreak while healing from multiple surgeries.
But she'd "do it a thousand times over" because the freedom she's gained is worth every moment.
Whether you're curious about cutting-edge diabetes research, feeling burnt out from daily management, or simply want to hear a story of hope and possibility—this episode offers a powerful glimpse into what the future of Type 1 diabetes treatment might look like.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major podcast platforms
📋 Mentioned Resources:
🎙️ Presented by DirectDiabetes.comArizona's trusted local supplier for CGMs, insulin pumps, and diabetes supplies📞 480-998-5551
Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com
🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com
Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment or medication. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Living with diabetes doesn't have to mean living in constant chaos.
In this episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES sits down with Coach Ken, diabetes health coach and host of The Healthy Diabetic Podcast, to talk about practical ways to simplify diabetes management and take back control of your life.Research shows people with Type 1 diabetes make 180+ decisions every day. But what if you could turn that overwhelming mental load into just 20-25 consistent habits?💡
What You'll Learn:
✅ Simplifying Diabetes – How to reduce decision fatigue and create sustainable routines
✅ Mindset Shifts – Why acceptance, honesty, and aligning your identity are key to thriving
✅ Burnout & Mental Health – Recognizing the root causes and actionable steps to move forward
✅ Strength Training & Blood Sugar – How timing, insulin on board, and exercise type impact glucose levels
✅ Food Myths & Freedom – Why carbs aren't the enemy and how strategy beats restriction
✅ Finding Your Comfort Zone – How to set realistic blood sugar targets that work for YOUR life
✅ The Power of Coaching – Why working with someone who's lived it makes all the difference
Coach Ken and Madi remind you that it's not about perfection—it's about progress, sustainability, and finding what works for you. Your doctor gives you ratios, but it's your job to learn your body and make adjustments (with your healthcare team's support, of course).
Whether you're newly diagnosed, decades into your journey, or supporting someone you love, this conversation will help you simplify the chaos and start living life first—with diabetes management as the supporting role, not the star of the show.🎧
Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major podcast platforms - TypeOneTypeFun.com and DirectDiabetes.com🔗
Connect with Coach Ken:
🎧 Podcast: The Healthy Diabetic Podcast (available on all platforms)
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachk3n/
🌐 Website: SimplifyingDiabetes.com
Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:
✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment at typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com
🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com
Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
What if the key to better blood sugar control isn't another medication - it's getting better sleep? 😴💡
In this episode, I'm sitting down with Tina Alexander, RDN, CDCES, founder of @integralifeaz, and we're diving into something most healthcare providers skip right over: the whole-person approach to diabetes care 🌟
Tina didn't just stumble into this work - her own health journey showed her that traditional diabetes education was missing something crucial: the connection between sleep quality, hydration, mental health, and blood sugar outcomes 🔗
Here's what makes this conversation different:
🛏️ Why sleep is step one for better blood sugars - Tina addresses this with every single patient first (and how it impacts insulin resistance more than you might think)
☕ Breaking the caffeine-fatigue cycle that keeps you exhausted and your blood sugars unpredictable
😰 What diabetes distress really is - and practical ways to handle it (because it's different from burnout and needs different support)
💧 The hydration factor most people overlook - and how it directly affects your CGM readings
🎯 Simple steps to feel better TODAY - no perfection required, just progress
This episode is for you if:✅ You're newly diagnosed and don't know where to start
✅ You've been managing diabetes for decades but feel stuck
✅ You're supporting someone with diabetes and want to understand the bigger picture
✅ You're tired of one-size-fits-all approaches that don't work for YOUR life
✅ You're exhausted from trying to be "perfect" and need permission to focus on progress instead
Tina's multi-state diabetes education program, Integra Life, proves that when we address the whole person—not just blood sugar numbers—real, lasting change happens 📈✨
This conversation is packed with tips to put you back in control of your health 💪 One doable step at a time.
Ready to stay connected?
✅ Follow IntegraLife at IntegraLifeAZ.com and on socials at @integralifeaz
✅ Follow @type.one.type.fun and @DirectDiabetes for more diabetes conversations
📚 Get my free book at typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ More episodes at DirectDiabetes.com
What's the one thing you wish your healthcare team addressed more?
Disclaimer: The content provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Get the strategies that changed everything - grab your FREE copy of You Have Permission: Eat Sugar, Fire Your Doctor, and Rewrite the Rules of T1D at 📚: typeonetypefun.com/free-book
Whether you're newly diagnosed and overwhelmed, decades in with diabetes burnout, or supporting someone with Type 1 diabetes - this episode gives you permission to rewrite the rules that aren't serving you.
In this raw, vulnerable solo episode, Madi shares her T1D diagnosis story from Halloween night as a terrified 14-year-old to the doctor who told her she'd "never again have a perfect record of health." But this isn't just storytelling - it's about giving you practical tools for diabetes management you can use today.
What you'll discover:
The real story behind Madi's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis (and why timing matters more than you think)
Why this book works for anyone - whether you're 2 weeks or 20 years into your T1D journey
How repetition and diabetes education build genuine insulin confidence
Practical strategies for carb counting, exercise with T1D, and blood sugar management
Why healthcare providers, family members, and diabetes supporters need these tools too
This episode transforms a personal story into actionable strategies around diabetes burnout, T1D support, and building confidence with insulin management.
Ready to rewrite your T1D rules? Your free copy of You Have Permission is waiting at typeonetypefun.com/free-book
Connect with Madi:
✅ Instagram: @type.one.type.fun for daily T1D support and education
🎙️ More episodes and diabetes resources: DirectDiabetes.com
📚 Free book and T1D strategies: typeonetypefun.com/free-book
#Type1Diabetes #T1D #DiabetesDiagnosis #InsulinConfidence #T1DSupport #DiabetesManagement #DiabetesBurnout #T1DEducation
🎙️ New Episode: From Navy Missions to Diabetes Care
What do island-hopping humanitarian missions and diabetes management have in common? A lot — if you ask Dr. Amir Harari. 👨⚕️⚓
In this episode, Dr. Harari shares:
✨ His 20+ years in the U.S. Navy & how he got to travel the world & bring care to remote islands
✨ How those experiences shaped his approach to helping patients with diabetes today
✨ The latest on tech like CGMs & pumps — and what’s coming in the next 5 years
✨ The real-life challenges people with diabetes face every single day (and why diabetes burnout is real)
🎧Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, insightful, and practical.
👂Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & everywhere you watch/listen to podcasts.
If you would like to get screened to see if you carry the markers for T1D, ask your doctor or you may be able to participate in this study: https://www.trialnet.org/
Connect with Endocrinology Associates on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EndocrinologyAssociatesPA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endocrinologyassociatesaz/
Website: https://www.endoassocaz.net/
Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this podcast:
✅Find resources at: https://www.typeonetypefun.com
📱On Socials https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book for T1D strategies & empowerment at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book
🎙️ Find more from this podcast at https://www.typeonetypefun.com/podcast
💻 Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://www.youtube.com/@DirectDiabetesPodcast
Want a FREE book? Grab one here: https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book
In this special bonus lightning episode, host Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES, shares the story behind her brand-new book You Have Permission: Eat Sugar, Fire Your Doctor, and Rewrite the Rules of T1D.
Madi opens up about:
✨ The life-changing diabetes conference she attended with her dad 10 years ago—and how it inspired her dream of speaking on that very stage.
✨ Her journey from dietetics to public health, and the friendships that paved the way to her 2025 TCOYD speaking opportunity.
✨ Why she wrote her 350+ page book: to thank the community that shaped her and to change at least one person’s life with diabetes.
✨ Early feedback from readers whose blood sugars improved within 24 hours of applying her strategies.
✨ What readers can expect: the first 280 pages of raw, empowering stories and reframes, plus 70+ pages of practical diabetes education on nutrition, insulin, exercise, and mindset.
The best part? Madi is offering the book FREE because she believes life-changing diabetes education should be accessible to everyone.
📖 Grab your copy now: https://www.typeonetypefun.com/free-book
You know that feeling when you think you've got diabetes figured out, and then life throws you another curveball? That's exactly what happened to today's guest, and honestly, her story is going to both break your heart and fill you with so much hope.
I'm sitting down with Samantha Sauer, the incredible leader behind G-PACT, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention: living with Type 1 diabetes AND gastroparesis. If you've never heard of gastroparesis, it's basically when your stomach decides to take a permanent vacation from doing its job—delayed stomach emptying that makes blood sugar management feel like you're playing a game where the rules keep changing.
Here's what we're diving into:
-What it's really like when food just... sits there for hours (or days!)
-How Sam went from feeling completely overwhelmed to becoming a fierce patient advocate
-Practical insulin timing strategies that actually work when digestion is unpredictable
-Why self-advocacy isn't just nice to have—it's literally life-changing
-The community and support that can make all the difference
Sam's journey from patient to advocate is honestly incredible. She's proof that even when life hands you multiple chronic conditions, you can still show up, make a difference, and help others feel less alone in their struggles.
Whether you're dealing with gastroparesis yourself, supporting someone who is, or you're just curious about how people navigate multiple chronic conditions with grace—this conversation is going to stick with you.
🎧 Watch or Listen to the full episode on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple
Podcasts & all other major podcast platforms - the link is in our bio & at DirectDiabetes.com.
Connect with G-PACT:
Instagram: @4gpact
Facebook: @GPACT
Website: G-PACT.org
Podcast: Surviving Out of Spite
Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast:
✅ Follow Madi @type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her FREE book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment on TypeOneTypeFun.com/book
🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com
🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com
🚀 Meet GlucoSense – the AI-powered app making life with diabetes so much easier! You can get it FREE in the iOS/Android app stores.
💡 What it does:
✅ Connects with Dexcom & Freestyle Libre CGMs
✅ Combines your meals, sleep, insulin & exercise in one clear view
✅ Gives you a daily glucose score + tips to stay in range
✅ Reduces the 180+ daily T1D decisions down to just the important ones
✅ AI-powered insights grounded in clinical research (backed by NIH grants!)
✅ Smart food logging with photo recognition—no manual entry required
👨💻 Created by Jonathan Fitch & Cole Chalab after a scary college seizure experience, GlucoSense is here to turn your numbers into insights—and your insights into confidence. 💪
In this episode, we dive into Jonathan's personal Type 1 diabetes journey, the terrifying moment that sparked this innovation, and how their breakthrough GlucoScore goes beyond time-in-range to capture the full story of your day. Whether you're dealing with diabetes burnout, decision fatigue, or just want better support from family and friends, this conversation is packed with hope and practical solutions.
🎧 See their video podcast & learn how GlucoSense could be your new favorite diabetes companion! Catch it on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all other major podcast platforms - the link's in our bio & at DirectDiabetes.com.
Follow GlucoSense on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glucosense_inc/ TikTok: @glucosense
Website: GlucoSense.ai
Registered Dietitian & T1D Coach Madi Cheever hosts this helpful/uplifting podcast: ✅ Follow Madi https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.fun
📚 Get her book for practical T1D strategies & empowerment - coming SOON!
🎙️ You can also watch episodes of this podcast on her platforms at TypeOneTypeFun.com 🎙️
Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com
You are not alone in this journey.
Those five words capture the heart of what the Diabetes Network of Arizona does every single day for the Type 1 diabetes community across the state. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the stories, struggles, and incredible support systems that are changing lives throughout Arizona.
Living with Type 1 diabetes is a 24-7 reality, and behind every diagnosis is a story—stories of resilience, community, and the ongoing fight against stigma and healthcare barriers. Our guests from the Diabetes Network of Arizona share how they're creating connections, providing education, and ensuring no one faces this journey alone.
What you'll discover:
Whether you're living with Type 1 diabetes, supporting someone who is, or looking to understand how local organizations are making a real difference—this episode is packed with inspiration, practical resources, and the reminder that community can be life-changing.
🔗 Connect with Diabetes Network of Arizona: https://www.diabetesnetworkaz.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabetesnetworkaz/
🌟 Follow Madi for more T1D advocacy, education, and support:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/type.one.type.funWebsite: https://typeonetypefun.comP.S. Madi's new book comes out NEXT WEEK! Be on the lookout and subscribe to emails for the inside scoop!
Dealing with delayed blood sugar spikes that don't make sense? https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148681264
🎧 Listen on YouTube + all podcast platforms.
Can you really eat brownies for breakfast when living with type 2 diabetes?
Author, advocate, and type 2 diabetes thriver Lynne Bowman says YES—and she’s made it her delicious mission to prove it.
In this inspiring and empowering episode, Madi Cheever, MPH, RD, LDN, CHES—a type 1 diabetes expert and founder of Type One Type Fun—sits down with Lynne to unpack her journey with type 2 diabetes, her no-BS nutrition philosophy, and her bestselling cookbook Brownies for Breakfast.
✨ What you’ll learn:
Why Lynne believes eating for type 2 diabetes might just be the healthiest way to eat (and the tastiest!)
How she uses sugar-free sweeteners like allulose and monk fruit without sacrificing flavor
The role of simple habits like meal timing and sleep in supporting blood sugar balance
How pink pumpkin donuts and a 2-ingredient salad dressing can make real food feel fun and doable
Whether you’re living with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, supporting someone who is, or just looking for real food recipes without the sugar spike—this episode is packed with tools, laughter, and lived experience.
📚 Grab Brownies for Breakfast on Amazon or Audible, and join Lynne’s mission to make type 2 diabetes-friendly food joyful again.
🎧 Listen on YouTube + all podcast platforms.
🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS:
Lynne BowmanInstagram: @lynneparmiterbowmanSubstack: lynnebowman.substack.comWebsite: lynnebowman.comAmazon: Brownies for Breakfast
Direct DiabetesWebsite: directdiabetes.comInstagram: @directdiabetes
Madi Cheever | Type One Type FunWebsite: typeonetypefun.comInstagram: @type.one.type.fun
Ever feel like you're doing everything right, but your blood sugar still spikes hours after eating? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not a bad diabetic. In this episode, I break down exactly why those delayed spikes happen after high-fat, high-protein meals (think pizza, pasta, burgers, takeout…), and the step-by-step strategy that’s helped hundreds of people with T1D finally take back control.
✨ Grab the free guide here: https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148681264
We’re diving into:
-Why this isn’t your fault (and why endo advice often falls short)
-The 2 biggest mistakes people make with these meals
-How to start learning the strategy that can actually fix it
-What’s inside my Blood Sugar Guide, and why it’s blowing people’s minds
This isn’t about restriction. It’s about strategy, clarity, and confidence, so you can enjoy your food without blood sugar chaos 3 hours later.
✨ Grab the free guide here: https://www.typeonetypefun.com/pl/2148681264
📣 Want to work together 1:1 or join the T1Dream Life Group?
DM me @TypeOneTypeFun or visit typeonetypefun.com
🎮 A FREE video game that teaches Type 1 Diabetes?! Yes, it’s real—and it’s changing lives.
In this episode, diabetes coach Madi Cheever (@TypeOneTypeFun) interviews game developer Sam Glassenberg, the dad behind Level One—a new, free diabetes education game built for kids, families, and caregivers.
When Sam’s 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), he realized how broken the “onboarding experience” was for families. So, using his background building games like Star Wars, Hunger Games, and Mission Impossible, he created something better: a mobile game that teaches T1D through play.
📱 What is Level One?
It’s a mobile game that turns complex T1D concepts—carb counting, pre-bolusing, insulin timing, ketones—into fun, accessible mini-games for patients, parents, teachers, babysitters, and more.
💡 “What took me a year to learn, this game could’ve taught me in hours.” — Sam Glassenberg
👉 Learn more: https://playlevelone.com
📲 Search Level One Diabetes in the App Store or Google Play.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now!
🌟 Follow Madi for more T1D advocacy, education, and support:
Instagram, YouTube, and more: https://typeonetypefun.com
🎙️ Find more podcast episodes + diabetes news at: https://directdiabetes.com