In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea talk with Lissie Poyner, the creator of Needles and Spoons, and delves into her personal journey of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease, the challenges of managing chronic illnesses, the importance of support and education for young adults with diabetes, and the complexities of being an entrepreneur in the diabetic community.

Topics discussed:

1. **Diagnosis Story and Initial Symptoms**

- Lissie shares her experience of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 19 while in college.

2. **Managing Diabetes and Adjacent Chronic Illnesses**

- The conversation covers her journey of managing diabetes alongside chronic illnesses like colitis and Crohn's disease.

- She shares the challenges of managing physical pain alongside blood sugar fluctuations and the impact on her personal and professional life.

3. **Navigating Chronic Illness**

- She discusses the emotional impact, confusion, anger, and grief of managing multiple chronic illnesses.

- The conversation highlights the impact of toxic positivity and the need for permission to feel angry about the situation.

4. **Advocacy and Self-Advocacy**

- The importance of advocating for oneself, getting screenings, and not being intimidated by discussing health issues, whether it's Crohn's, diabetes, or any other condition is emphasized.

5. **Creating 'Needles and Spoons'**

- Lissie shares her experience of managing diabetes burnout and the decision to transition to working full time.

- The challenges of being a diabetes content creator, the impact of personal sharing on the community, and the balance between vulnerability and adding value are explored.

6. **Building Muscle with Diabetes**

- The importance of building muscle for women with diabetes through strength training, progressive overload, proper nutrition, rest, and tracking progress is emphasized.

References:

- [Needles and Spoons](https://www.needlesandspoons.com/)

- [SkinGrip](https://skingrip.com/)

00:02  Inspiring Story of Young Adult Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
04:16  Navigating the Confusion of a Diabetes Diagnosis Away from Home
11:52  Navigating the Journey of Managing Diabetes with Adjacent Chronic Illnesses
19:51  Navigating Chronic Illness and Finding Support: A Personal Journey
25:06  Navigating the Diagnosis Journey: From Symptoms to Empowerment
30:37  Transforming Health with Personal Journey: From Google to Remission
33:41  Navigating Life with Diabetes and Entrepreneurship: A Candid Conversation
40:47  Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur and Finding Identity, Diabetic Community Bonding, and Building Muscle with Diabetes
46:20  Empowering Women with Diabetes: Building Muscle and Feeling Strong
55:47  Empowering People with Diabetes and Recommending SkinGrip Products