"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:

• University of Chicago Diabetes Research Program: https://www.uchicago.edu
• Clinical Trials Registry: https://clinicaltrials.gov

🎙️ 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.