Episode summary
David Mina was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11 in Riverside, California, and now runs the Instagram account Type1Livabetic. He talks about learning independence from his mother after diagnosis, hitting a low point around age 14 with a high A1C and a hard conversation with his diabetes educator, and using that as a turning point to change his diet and exercise habits. He describes eating a plant-based diet, relying on a Dexcom CGM, and a scary pump failure at school that pushed him to manage anxiety around highs and lows. He also covers finding community through meetups, his work writing for Lifebulb, his BFA studies, his plan to become a certified diabetes educator, and his friendship with host Rob Howe.
Key takeaways
- David Mina says learning to manage his own diabetes, instead of relying on his parents, was pushed by his mom and became his biggest tool.
- A tough lecture from his diabetes educator at age 14, after a high A1C, led him to overhaul his diet and exercise and see real improvement within months.
- He eats a plant-based diet and says it has helped him feel more in control of his blood sugars, though he notes it may not work for everyone.
- A pump failure in class that sent his blood sugar into the 400s taught him to keep backup supplies and manage panic with prayer and self-talk.
- He says diabetics should be able to eat what they want as long as it's covered with insulin, rather than being told to avoid sugar or carbs.
Show notes
Name: David Mina
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Date of Diagnosis: 10.13.2008
Tool: Make Diabetes Look the Way You Want
Diabetes Devices/Treatment Methods: Tandem T-Slim X2
Questions this episode answers
Who is David Mina and what is Type1Livabetic?
David Mina is a type 1 diabetic from Riverside, California, diagnosed in 2008, who runs the Instagram account Type1Livabetic sharing photography and content about living with type 1 diabetes.
How does David Mina manage his blood sugar day to day?
He uses a Tandem T-Slim X2 insulin pump and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor, and says he eats a plant-based diet that he feels has helped his blood sugar control.
What happened when David Mina's insulin pump failed at school?
His pump stopped working in class and his blood sugar rose quickly into the 400s. He panicked, left class early, and went home to fix it, which led him to start carrying backup syringes and a vial of insulin at all times.
What career path is David Mina pursuing?
He was finishing a BFA in graphic design and planned to study afterward to become a certified diabetes educator, while continuing to write weekly blogs for Lifebulb.
Full transcript Searchable, with timestamps
Rob Howe: Tools of Type 1s. Towards the end of February. I don't know if you guys knew this, but February is a short month. Anybody know this? Anybody aware? It's also not a leap year. We have too few of those, I think. this episode david mina one of my good friends type 1 livabetic on instagram he and i have communicated back and forth for going on two two and a half years now his tool making diabetes look the way you want david and i first got introduced after i wrote my first article for beyond type 1 which was called on t1d and manhood and just it was my take on sharing and being vulnerable as a man in the diabetes community because at the time, and still really there are dramatically, I think more women who share their journey than men just because they're able to be more vulnerable and feel more comfortable sharing some of their insecurity shortcomings and feel more of the community there. And so I was calling the men of the community to action. And David read that article and got in touch with me and he and I have become real, we joke about it, hashtag T1D bros, but we have become very cool internet bros. He's a very awesome, genuine dude. Got to meet him in Chicago. Looking forward to the next time I get to interact with him. He's just a very genuine, very thoughtful person, and I'm very grateful that he took the time to A, do this episode, and B, just be a really good friend. So without further ado, David Mina, making diabetes look the way you want Tools to Type Ones.
David Mina: Hi, my name is David Mina. Some of you may know me as Type1LiveAbedic on Instagram. I'm from Riverside, California, and I've been living with Type 1 diabetes for 10 years now. I'm currently in my last year of college, and I'm also a Lifebulb ambassador where I write blogs on Type 1 diabetes for them weekly. I also have a passion for photography, which comes in very handy while running Type1LiveAbedic. In the last couple of years, I really picked up an interest in the diabetic community. I want to be as helpful as possible so my area of expertise can be found in a variety of different things. I blog on Type 1, but I also promote a healthy and positive lifestyle with Type 1 diabetes through the use of social media by spreading awareness and helping others to not feel alone with this disease by building a community through visuals and photos on Instagram. I first got in contact with Rob Howe when I read his article for Beyond Type 1 on being a guy with type 1. I sent him a message saying how much I appreciated his article, and since then we've become great diabros. You heard me right, diabros. And he even had me as a guest on his podcast for diabetics doing things, which was so much fun and such an honor.
Rob Howe: What is your tool of type 1s? And what's the one thing that a person living with T1D could learn from you or your experience?
David Mina: My tool of type 1 is owning an independent lifestyle and making diabetes how you want it to look like. Being diagnosed at the age of 11, I was still a very young kid trying to figure out this disease. I was very dependent on my parents for taking care of this disease for me, when in reality, that's not how it works. One day, my mom told me that I should start learning how to manage my type 1 on my own, as I should be the one who's in charge. That being said, she has always been there for me in terms of support. However, I needed to own my diabetes on my own and be in control of my life. Sure, I've had my share of scares along the way, but I owe my life to my mom as she is the one who pushed me to be independent and call all the shots in terms of my diabetes. I've learned independence and responsibility, as well as learning to make diabetes my own. What is the
Rob Howe: simplest thing you've done that has helped you with the management of your type 1 diabetes? Where did you learn it, or who showed it to you?
David Mina: One of the simplest things I have done that has helped me manage my diabetes significantly has been getting involved with the type 1 community. It took me several years before I was comfortable enough to venture out and meet others who share the same struggles as me. I remember my first type 1 meetup. I was very nervous and it was a very last minute decision to go, but I pushed myself and here I am. My goal since then has been to attend at least one meetup every month, even if it's grabbing coffee with one person. Just the connection between two type ones is so very important and meaningful to me. It turns out I wasn't the only one feeling this way. Once I got out there and met new people, everyone else seemed to feel and think the exact same way about loving the social aspect of type 1, which makes meetups extra special.
Rob Howe: What failures or apparent failures with T1D have made you better at living the rest of your life or made you more well-rounded as a person?
David Mina: When I was about 14 years old, my diabetes took a toll on my body. I was in the worst shape possible and had the highest A1C I have ever had. One day, I went in for my three-month diabetes checkup and got the biggest, scariest lecture ever from my diabetes educator on how bad my health was. Now, I'm not saying she was completely in the wrong, as I too was not careful with my diabetes in that period of my life. However, the things she was telling me, how my future would look like if I didn't take control of my numbers and my overall health, scared me. I came home that day very scared and depressed. I then decided to take charge. That very day, I put myself on a very strict and healthy diet, made sure to exercise regularly, and then within just a few short months, my life had changed for the better. It stayed that way. I was more mindful of what I was putting into my body. The way I viewed my type 1 had changed completely, and overall, I was a much happier individual. I took a failure of mine at the lowest point in my life, flipped it upside down, and it changed my life for the better.
Rob Howe: What unusual or absurd opinion or approach regarding your diabetes do you have?
David Mina: One thing that I do for my diabetes is that I eat a completely plant-based diet. Though I don't eat this way just for my diabetes, I do find that eating a healthy, clean diet helps me and my overall health. I'm more mindful of what I'm putting into my body and it helps me tap into my own health and see how I'm doing overall. I've noticed a bit more control over my blood sugars as a result of this diet and so many other amazing benefits. I know that this diet may not be for everyone, however, I find that it works well with me.
Rob Howe: What's your favorite thing? What gets you to smile or laugh almost every time?
David Mina: My favorite thing to do is go to Disneyland with my friends. I don't know what it is, but every time I go, I'm in the best mood possible. I always have a smile on my face, and there's just so much creativity and inspiration in Disneyland, which makes it so enjoyable for me to go all the time. I love planning trips out there with my friends where we can just go for a bit and have some fun, celebrate an achievement, or just go to catch up with each other. It's my happy place and it's also my home away from home. If you're ever in the area,
Rob Howe: hit me up. I'd love to show you around the park. In the last five years, what new adjustment to your lifestyle has improved your life with diabetes the most? Within the last five years,
David Mina: I've really taken control of wearing a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. It has given me peace of mind in knowing what my blood sugars are during the day and at night. It comes in very handy when I'm at school or if I'm driving. For example, with a quick look on my phone or watch, I have instant access in knowing what my blood sugars are and how I'm doing. It's been a lifesaver for me multiple times and has allowed me to accomplish so much more than I ever thought possible
Rob Howe: with type 1 diabetes. What challenges related to T1D did you encounter or have to overcome
David Mina: while you were doing your thing? One challenge of mine regarding type 1 diabetes that I had to learn to overcome would definitely be learning to not panic in terms of my diabetes when I'm out and about. I had a bad diabetes moment one day in class where my pump stopped working and my blood sugar was rising very fast into the 400s. Scared out of my mind, I panicked and almost froze. I ended up leaving class early, rushed home, and fixed the situation. Since then, I've been learning to reduce my anxiety and overcome my stress. Just because I go low or high does not mean it's the end of the world. I need to learn to cope with my diabetes in any and every situation like a pro. Since then, I'm always prepared. I have backup syringes, a vial of insulin with me at all times, and in situations where I do find myself panicking, I find that prayer and self-talk helps me get out of the funk that I'm in. Definitely a work in progress, but I'm learning each day how to simply live with no limitations. What bad advice regarding diabetes do you see or here that you'd like to address. Oftentimes, when people hear that I have type 1 diabetes, they try and give me advice in which I know better. Some of that advice is that I should not be eating a certain food, for example. Non-diabetics suggest that I eat no sugar, low carb, you name it. However, what I push for is that as a diabetic, you can literally eat anything you want, just as long as you cover it with the right amount of insulin. I get it. Some people choose to eat a certain way, and that's perfectly fine. But I think we need to push more on people the true facts of type 1. It is most commonly looked at as a food disease, something that limits what we can and cannot eat. But that should not be the case. We need to reduce our limitations and start living.
Rob Howe: What priority are you focusing on in your own life currently? This can be diabetes related or not.
David Mina: One thing that I've been prioritizing lately in my life has been being actively involved in the type 1 community. Every now and then, I get messages from people living with type 1 diabetes or their parents saying such nice things about how they love what I do on social media. That's not the point, though. The point is that I want to be a part of this change in the way we see diabetes. I want to help influence people for the better in the way they live with their diabetes. Yes, I have so much fun running my Instagram account, working with different type 1 brands, and providing daily content. However, what matters most to me is that I'm helping make a difference in the type 1 community. I eventually want to become a certified diabetes educator, which is why it is my goal and mission to work hard on social media and make it almost a job right now where I can always have something to share with the community and help spread hope and
Rob Howe: change. Who is someone that you look up to and what have they taught you? How do you apply that
David Mina: to your life? Now I'm not just saying this because I'm recording for Rob right now but someone who I truly look up to is Rob Howe. As mentioned, I reached out to him when I read his blog for Beyond Type 1 on being a guy with type 1 diabetes. This was something I struggled with when I was first diagnosed with type 1. I didn't have anyone to look up to in terms of my diabetes and how to truly own it. I think of him as a very well-known role model in the way I manage my diabetes as he does it so confidently and with such style. I look back at the time when I was diagnosed at the age of 11, and I remember it being a very hard time for me. I had never met a type 1 diabetic that made me feel like I could live the life I wanted. And then I came across Rob, who showed me that we have our own individual struggles, but it's doable. You just have to own this disease. Thanks, Rob.
Rob Howe: What are you most hopeful for? This can be diabetes related or not.
David Mina: One thing that I am most hopeful for is the future of diabetes technology. I remember the day I first put on my Dexcom G6. I was amazed at how painless and accurate it was. I remember saying how if this is how far diabetes technology has come, I can only imagine how amazing it'll be five to ten years into the future. Diabetes technology is now becoming so amazingly helpful in the way we truly live out each day. Every year there is a new pump or CGM that is changing the way us diabetics live by being painless, more accurate, more dependable, and by providing us with the ability to not have to contribute as much to this burden of a disease. What advice
Rob Howe: would you give someone who has T1D and is trying to pursue a career in your line of work?
David Mina: I'm currently in my last year of college receiving a BFA degree in graphic design. I then plan on studying to become a certified diabetes educator next year as well. Though these two very different career paths are in my future, if I were to give any advice in reaching a goal to pursue this line of work, I would simply say it can be done. I have to share that I have had some very bad experiences in terms of my diabetes when it came to school. But most days, getting out of bed is a struggle for me, and it does take all the energy out of me, mental and physical. But I have learned that through all these experiences in going to school with diabetes, getting a higher education, and all of that that comes in the mix, you cannot just sit at home every day and do nothing. Life goes on. Yes, you may have diabetes, but life is short. Challenges will arise, and I know that being in school with diabetes is a great challenge, but it can be done. And though I am not at my final destination yet, I already know that when I'm all done and have achieved my academic goals, I will be so proud of myself that I was able to do so, all while living with type 1 diabetes. All you have to do is be prepared. have all your supplies with you at all times and own a healthy mindset.
Rob Howe: What's the one facet or trait that you think makes you uniquely you? Explain why.
David Mina: I think that one trait of mine that makes me myself is that I'm always willing to be of help to anyone anytime. I know how it feels to live with a chronic illness, so I'm easily able to empathize with one another, diabetes or not. That being said, I want everyone and anyone to know that they can come to me for support in a time of need. Life is hard, so adding a disease to the mix is a struggle. I want to be a person that I wish I had when I was first diagnosed, and that has been my goal ever since I was given type 1 diabetes. I feel that this is a trait that I carry and I want to pass on to as many people as possible.
Rob Howe: Plug yourself. Tell us where we can find you in the diabetes online community.
David Mina: So to wrap up, where can you find me? Well, the main place you can find me is on Instagram at type1livabetic. I post daily content Monday through Friday, so you can always reach me that way. Reach out, say hi, let's become Diabudies. I also write blog posts for the medical organization Lifebulb and have a new diabetes-related blog out every week. You can follow them on Instagram as well, at Lifebulb, where they post updates on my blog every time I upload a new one.
Rob Howe: Where do you get plugged into the T1D community the most?
David Mina: A way in which I get plugged into the type 1 community the most is by staying social and active. Attending type 1 meetups, remaining constant on social media, and actively engaging with one another with people who live with type 1 diabetes or other type 1 brands is a great way to stay out there in the type 1 community. Staying up to date on what's new in the T1D community is a great way to help stay in the loop. Also, joining the Beyond Type 1 app is another amazing resource to find locals in your area or any meetups happening in your hometown. Thanks for listening. Bye now.
Rob Howe: Thank you for listening to the Tools of Type 1's podcast on diabetics doing things. I'm Rob Howe, and every Tuesday and Thursday in 2019, we are posting the next Tools of Type 1 episode. So follow us on Instagram, hashtag tools of type ones, or just on diabetics doing things. We will post these regularly every Tuesday, every Thursday. My favorite type ones are answering the questions I want to know the answers to. And hopefully you'll learn a few things as well. If you like this episode, be sure to review us on iTunes. And if you didn't like it, go ahead and let me know that too. I want to know. All the feedback is good to me. Thanks again for your time. I value that more than anything you could possibly give me. Thanks so much. bye bye
About David
David Mina is a type 1 diabetic from Riverside, California, diagnosed in 2008, known on Instagram as Type1Livabetic. He is a photographer and writer who blogs weekly for Lifebulb and was finishing a BFA in graphic design with plans to become a certified diabetes educator.