Episode 143 - Diabetics Doing Things Interview with Xeris CEO Paul Edick

We’re living in unprecedented times, and with all the messaging in the news, sometimes you can miss important announcements that can make a difference in your life, so that’s what today’s episode is all about. Paul Edick, CEO and Chairman of Xeris Pharamaceuticals, makers of Gvoke pre filled syringe (liquid glucagon) joins the show to talk about the measures Xeris is taking to ensure people with Diabetes have access to glucagon during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Xeris has partnered with PillPack from Amazon to provide free delivery of Gvoke PFS. For those with commercial insurance, they have set the copay to $0, so for no money out of pocket, people with commercial insurance can get glucagon delivered to their home for free. Some restrictions apply, but be sure to check out this website for more information on the savings.

As you can imagine, setting a $0 copay is a big deal, so here is the press release from Xeris on the program.

Paul joins the pod to talk about the results Xeris has seen with their shelf-stable, liquid glucagon in Gvoke, and why he is working to get more glucagon in the hands of more people on insulin, to help prevent the nearly 250,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States for severe Hypoglycemia.

Paul and I also discuss how Xeris has leveraged the knowledge of influencers like Rob from the Diabetes community in terms of messaging, communication and the importance of access.

For more information, or to get started on your $0 copay Free Shipping order of glucagon, visit www.gvokeglucagon.com

Episode 142 - Diabetics Doing Things LIVE JDRF AZ with Glitter Glucose

Since COVID-19 has us all social distancing, I’ve been missing events where I get to be around lots of people with Diabetes. One of the most recent events was in Phoenix, Arizona and JDRF AZ. They brought me in for two sessions, the first of which was a LIVE podcast interview with one of my personal favorite Diabetes influencers Glitter Glucose aka Paloma Guerrero.

Paloma was on the podcast back in 2017, and we have become great online friends ever since. In this podcast we share many of the stories from the Diabetes online community over the years, and Paloma gives us a behind the scenes look at the life of a Diabetes influencer!

These times can feel really isolating, so I’m glad that I have these recordings of what it’s like to be in such a supportive community.

Can’t wait until the next one! Until then, stay safe :)

Episode 141 - Diabetics Doing Things LIVE JDRF Dallas 2020 Panel

Since COVID-19 has us all social distancing, I thought I’d drop this episode from JDRF Dallas’ 2020 TypeOneNation Summit.

Year 3 of the panel was fantastic. After last year’s panel with Jill Rippolone, Chris Ruden, Paloma Guerrero, Ariel Lawrence and Austin Fuerst, this year’s lineup was equally fantastic.

Join Christel Oerum (Diabetes Strong), Amshi Humphrey (LivingDiabetter blog), Dave Holmes (Esquire, Homophilia pod) and Andrew Slyfox (Slyfox Family) and I as we talk about real life with Diabetes and how social media has made life with Diabetes just a little more fun and helpful.

You’ll even get to hear me ask for a juicebox mid-podcast to treat a low. Unforgettable!

Episode 140 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Isaac Parkinson CEO of Skin Grip

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, I’d like to introduce you to Isaac Parkinson, CEO of Skin Grip (@SkinGrip on Instagram).

Many people featured on this podcast live with Type 1 Diabetes, but occasionally, we feature guests who live with other types of Diabetes as well as people who are creating companies who make an impact for people with Diabetes, and Isaac for sure meets that criteria.

Diabetes came into Isaac’s life when his younger brother was Diagnosed as T1D in 2013, like many of us Isaac had a surface level awareness of Diabetes, but once it came into his family’s life it became much more real to him.

The idea for Skin Grip came from Isaac and his family seeing their younger brother struggle to keep his Diabetes devices on while he was playing sports, swimming and living an active life. They thought there was an opportunity to improve life with Diabetes for people who live active lifestyles. But Isaac is firm in his stance that “Skin Grip is about improving the lifestyles of people with Diabetes” and if that’s all they do, they’re doing a good job. I wear Skin Grip, it works great to cover my sensor and keep it safe even while I’m playing basketball, running or just living my generally crazy life.

Be sure to give Skin Grip a follow and if you’re looking for a more durable patch for your CGM or pump site, give them a try! Not only is it a great product, but it’s made by great people as well.

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 139 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Henrik Berggren CEO of Steady Health

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, I’d like to introduce you to Henrik Berggren, CEO and founder of Steady Health.

Steady is a digital medical practice on your phone. Message our team or set up a video call, we’re available where it’s most convenient for you. It’s care, when you need it. They use CGM data to get you personalized diabetes care that you can get, whenever you need it! No more waiting for quarterly endocrinologist appointments — it’s honestly next level.

So I had to get to know the founder of this company, and wow am I glad I did! Henrik was diagnosed while serving in the Swedish Military (which at the time was required). Of course, he was then discharged and his life was shaken up a little bit. We talk about how life throws you curveballs and how those wild changes can lead you places you never knew you would pursue.

Henrik then turned to the startup world, and immediately took to life as a founder, and moved to Stockholm for more opportunities. He then made another jump after his company was acquired by Dropbox, and made his way to Silicon Valley and the U.S. After a few years at Dropbox, he took some time off before reentering the startup world with Steady Health.

This was a super interesting interview from a very smart, very cool person with Diabetes. I hope you enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 138 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Robby Barbaro and Cyrus Khambatta of Mastering Diabetes

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, I’m very excited to introduce the dynamic duo behind Mastering Diabetes, Robby Barbaro, MPH and Cyrus Khambatta, PHD.

Robby has been on the podcast previously, back in 2017 on episode 061 and it was exciting to talk about the journey of Mastering Diabetes since that interview.

We talk about how their partnership has grown since 2016 and what it’s like to run a business about diabetes as a person with diabetes, alongside a partner with diabetes. Spoiler alert: that’s a lot of Diabetes to deal with. But these two continue to excel and thrive as they help thousands of people with all kinds of Diabetes.

Their book released last week and is called Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently and is available wherever books are sold.

Be sure to check out this interview, and if you want more information on these two, be sure to check out their appearance on the Rich Roll Podcast as well!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 137 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Chris Polhemus of Type U Diabetic Self Journal

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, I’d like to introduce you to Chris Polhemus, founder of the Type U Diabetic Self Journal! The journal is now on kickstarter, so be sure to get in and fund the project!

After being diagnosed at the age of 8 - Chris Polhemus has recently made a life commitment to follow his passion and purpose in life - Providing  a platform to improve the mental, physical, and emotional lives of those living with diabetes. 

 His  goal is simple - " Help millions of diabetics of all ages and types achieve a healthy physical, mental, and emotional life by providing the platform to remind, record, recognize, and reflect on critical lifestyle choices that encourage controlled blood glucose levels (sugar) and sustained HA1c success. "   

The TypeUdiabetic Self Journal understands that nobody is perfect, that we all need structure, routine, and motivation to reach our goals, while understanding each person's limitations and expectations. It understands the human mind, how we think, retain, and develop habits that make us successful. This Diabetic Journal accounts for daily exercise, sleep, nutrition, hydration, insulin, medications, blood glucose readings, pump/injection sites, pump changes, and so much more! It understands the importance of developing realistic goals, the action steps to achieve those goals, and the importance of self-reflection on the human brain in reaching your goals. 

IG @christopherapolhemus

FB PAGE https://www.facebook.com/typeUdiabetic.co/?modal=admin_todo_tour

FB PRIVATE GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/2649318351808243/?source_id=331732847721914

TWITTER: @Polhemusc typeUdiabetic.co

WEBSITE https://www.typeudiabetic.com/ - JOIN VIP SELF JOURNAL LIST

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 136 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Matt Vande Vegte the FTF Warrior

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, I’d like to introduce you to Matt Vande Vegte (@ftfwarrior on Instagram) from the Pardon My Pancreas Podcast and FTF Warrior!

Matt and I met about two years ago when he was debuting his first of many video projects in the Diabetes community. Since then we’ve run into each other a few times, Matt even co-hosted a meetup with me in Dallas, and we both serve on the Beyond Type 1 Ambassador Council.

Matt is a super kind, thoughtful and energetic guy, and we talk a lot about how that plays into his various businesses. Diagnosed with Diabetes on December 23 2009, Matt and I discuss how his life has changed (in many ways for the better) since his diagnosis.

I say this with no hyperbole, Matt is an incredible friend. I’m grateful not only for his presence in the community and his heart for helping people with Diabetes, but also for the spirit of collaboration and friendship he exudes at every turn. It’s good to know that we can rely on each other in the Diabetes community, and Matt has become someone that I rely on over the past few months, and I’m so happy to have discovered that.

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 135 - Diabetics Doing Things COLLAB with Pardon My Pancreas Podcast

This is part 1 of a podcast collaboration with my friends from the Pardon My Pancreas podcast you can check out part 2 (the continuation) on the Pardon My Pancreas podcast.

Pardon My Pancreas is hosted by Matt Vande Vegte and Ali Abdulkareem, two men with Diabetes living in Southern California. We discuss how they met and the process of starting their Diabetes pod and what being involved in the Diabetes community has meant to them.

In typical Diabetics Doing Things fashion, we start with Diagnosis and work our way through Matt and Ali’s lives with Diabetes all the way to the present. The episode ends on a cliffhanger so be sure to listen to part 2 on the Pardon My Pancreas podcast!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 134 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS with Lauren Bongiorno Diabetic Health Journal

Continuing our amazing FOUNDERS series, Lauren Bongiorno (@lauren_bongiorno on Instagram) joins the pod to talk about her journey from solopreneur to entrepreneur and CEO.

Back in 2017, Lauren was one of the original guests on Diabetics Doing Things , it’s amazing to see how far she’s come in her journey since then, but be sure to check out Lauren on Episode 29 as well!

In 2018, Lauren published the first edition of her book, The Diabetic Health Journal a 3-month guide to help people with Diabetes achieve their lowest a1c. She has since added group training through her Decide and Conquer Bootcamps, as well as individual coaching. In 2020, she partnered with Lululemon to throw her first event, Together T1D, for women with T1D to come together in NYC for a weekend of workshops and empowerment.

Lauren is an incredibly inspiring person who does SO MANY THINGS! She and I dig deep into how she finds balance between her careers and in her personal life with her fiance Kris. Be sure to check out the newest edition of the Diabetic Health Journal or visit Lauren’s personal website today!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 133 - Diabetics Doing Things Comedy with Eric Van Leeuwen

I’m excited to introduce you to Eric Van Leeuwen (@vanlooenator on Instagram), my friend who I met through Dallas Comedy House!

Eric joins Lindsay Power and Scriven Bernard as other DCH T1Ds who have been on the podcast, and he shares a story that I had forgotten about how he discovered this podcast.

After signing up to take level 1 improv in 2016, Eric was googling “Things Diabetics Do” which led him to this website and this podcast, and in reading my bio discovered that I was a teacher and performer at Dallas Comedy House, where he had just enrolled in classes.

Since then, Eric and I have become good buddies through our “beetus probs” Facebook messenger group, which features multiple T1Ds associated with the comedy community.

This isn’t Eric’s first time on Diabetics Doing Things, he also appeared in our first live show In 2018 at DCH, where Lindsay, Scriven, Eric and I improvised Diabetes related scenes to raise money for JDRF Dallas.

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 132 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS - Jon Jensen - Type Zero Health

We are continuing to highlight founders with Diabetes on the podcast. The newest founder is Jon Jensen of Type Zero Health.

Diagnosed at the age of 13, Jon has always been passionate about sports, fitness and health. Even when he was recently diagnosed and looking for exercise advantages as a teen, the idea of a Diabetes friendly pre-workout supplement that didn’t spike your blood sugar was something that he felt he could do. Fast forward nearly 15 years later, and Jon made it happen.

After doing tons of research, working with various scientists and multiple manufacturers, TypeZeroHealth was born.

Last summer, Jon reached out to me to try Type Zero, and I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, but Type Zero works! It gives you great energy, pump and endurance without all the skin crawling, heart racing, blood sugar spiking junk that other pre-workouts give you.

If you want to try it out, you can save 20% by using code 20RobHowe at checkout. Let me know what you think if you try it, and be sure to follow Type Zero Health on Instagram for more updates. They even released a new Cherry Limeade flavor which is delicious!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 131 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS - Zack Schreier - Quevos Egg White Chips

We are continuing to highlight founders with Diabetes on the podcast. The newest founder is Zack Schreier, of Quevos!

Zack and his business partner Nick are the co-founders of the breakthrough egg white chip, Quevos, which they developed based on Zack’s love of egg white snacks because of how easy they are to enjoy with Diabetes. Quevos are the low carb, high-protein snack with 5g net-carbs, meaning that Zack doesn’t have to give himself a shot to enjoy a delicious snack.

We discuss his diagnosis with Diabetes at as early teen, and how his passion for Quevos (and the response of consumers and investors) inspired Zack and Nick to put college on hold and pursue their business full time!

Also, Quevos are delicious and can be ordered via their website!

This episode is sponsored by Real Good Foods! Be sure to check out their new Breakfast Sandwiches, made with cauliflower cheesy buns with only 2g net carbs! They’re packed with protein (18g) and have no gluten or grains. Available in sausage egg & cheese and bacon egg & cheese flavors and they’re ready within seconds. Order them online or find a store near you today!

Episode 130 - Diabetics Doing Congress with Quinn Nystrom

Quinn Nystrom (@QuinnNystrom on Instagram) is running for the United States Congress representing the 8th Congressional District of Minnesota and is a person with Diabetes. 

DONATE TO HER CAMPAIGN HERE 

Quinn Nystrom has been using her voice to advocate for people with Diabetes for many years, and now she’s taking that advocacy to congress. 

Quinn shares her story of her and her family’s life with Type-1 Diabetes, and how an interaction with her sitting congressmen (who she’s now running against) inspired her to take action into her own hands and run to give people with Diabetes and chronic illnesses a voice in Congress. 

She has a fundraising deadline on 12/31 that she needs our help with, so be sure to visit Quinn’s website and donate today. Every dollar can help you support a person with Diabetes representing you in Congress.

Follow Quinn on Twitter !

Episode 129 - Diabetics Doing Basketball in the NBA and Overseas with Gary Forbes

This episode has been nearly 3 years in the making! We welcome Gary Forbes, 2008 Atlantic-10 Player of the Year at UMASS and currently heading into his 12th year as a professional basketball player with the Saigon Heat .

Gary made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets in 2010, after going undrafted in the 2008 NBA draft which he attributes to teams not being comfortable with his Diabetes. Rob was playing college basketball in Colorado Springs at the time and remembers hearing the stories of the Nuggets signing a player with T1D, and being inspired by a guy with T1D playing at the highest level of basketball in the world.

Gary and Rob talk about the demands of being a professional athlete in a foreign country, as well as some of the struggles Gary has experienced in his years as an athlete. He’s had a few hypoglycemic incidents that were not only personally scary for him, but affected his ability to stay in the NBA at times.

Gary’s mindset may be his greatest skill, as he has never let his Diabetes, knee injuries, or unfavorable circumstances impact his belief in himself and his ability. He’s currently authoring children’s books to help pass along this mindset to the next generation of people with Diabetes in hopes that they will be able to chase their dreams like he has.

T1D runs in Gary’s family, and he mentions that his father (who also has T1D) was an example to Gary early in his life because he was an Olympic weightlifter with Diabetes long before any of the modern day technology was around. It’s that example that led to him being the most recent person with Type-1 Diabetes to play in the NBA, among others like Adam Morrison and Chris Dudley. Be sure to follow Gary on Instagram and keep up with his 2020 season in Vietnam.

This episode is sponsored by Companion Medical. If you are on multiple daily injections, but want the data and analytics pump users have available to them, then you need the In-Pen by Companion Medical. Learn more at Companion Medical’s website!

Episode 128 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS - Christel Oerum - Diabetes Strong

We are continuing to highlight founders with Diabetes on the podcast. The newest founder is Christel Oerum, who has appeared on the podcast twice! Once in episode 94 and again in episode 007 of Tools of Type 1s.

Christel is the co-Founder of DiabetesStrong.com along with her husband Tobias. She joins the pod to talk about how she balances life with Diabetes with a career in Diabetes, and how she stays motivated along the way. She is also accepting applications to the 4th annual Fit with Diabetes Challenge! Start 2020 strong by joining thousands of other people living with diabetes in the Fit With Diabetes Challenge on January 3!

This is the 4th year Christel hosts this free 3-week challenge on Diabetes Strong. Their team of top diabetes experts and I will take you through some of the most important things to know about diabetes and exercise, healthy nutrition, weight management, and diabetes mental health. They’ll help you reach your health and fitness goals, whatever they might be.

You can sign up for free and get ready as we kick off the Fit With Diabetes Challenge on January 3.

Christel and I also talk in-depth about Companion Medical and the In-Pen. She is currently utilizing the Companion Medical app to get insulin on board and carb ratios for her multiple daily injections. Be sure to check out Christel on Instagram and check out the amazing content on DiabetesStrong.com.

This episode is sponsored by Companion Medical. If you are on multiple daily injections, but want the data and analytics pump users have available to them, then you need the In-Pen by Companion Medical. Learn more at Companion Medical’s website!

Episode 127 - Diabetics Doing Things FOUNDERS - Dan Katzki - Frio Cooling Case

In our first episode in our Diabetics Doing Things Founders series, Dan Katzki, COO of Ready Care, makers of Frio Cooling Case joins the pod to talk about the journey he and his wife and co-founder Lisa took on with Frio.

It’s an awesome story of the importance of proof of concept, and includes an incredible tale of how Dan and Lisa were able to work to supply over 2500 FRIO cases to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 so they could keep their insulin cold without electricity.

Frio is also sponsoring this podcast, and listeners of Diabetics Doing Things can get 10% off their order from FrioCoolingCase.com by using code DDT at checkout. Dan and Lisa are also generously sponsoring Erik Douds and Annalisa Van Den Bergh on their next Miles of Portraits trip to India next year, so keep an eye out for that!

Episode 126 - Diabetics Doing Aviation Reform with Jeremy Robertson

Last week, Oren Liebermann broke a story for CNN that the FAA is set to allow pilots with Diabetes to fly commercial jets so I asked my friend Jeremy Robertson, former commercial pilot and Av Med Doctor to come explain what it means for pilots with T1D around the world.

It’s just the beginning, but Jeremy believes this ruling by the FAA will set the standard for other aviation associations across the world. Check out the interview for more!!

This episode is sponsored by Companion Medical. If you are on multiple daily injections, but want the data and analytics pump users have available to them, then you need the In-Pen by Companion Medical. Learn more at Companion Medical’s website!

Episode 125 - Diabetics Doing Miles of Portraits part 2 with Annalisa Van Den Bergh and Erik Douds

Annalisa Van Den Bergh and Erik Douds (@milesofportraits on Instagram) join the podcast to tell us about their next adventure: Miles of Portraits across India!

Visit the link above to learn how you can help support their trip to document people on the road across India and listen to the episode to learn about the questions they get along the way, how their trip to Alaska and across the United States over the last year has gone and what keeps them going on their long trips around the world.

I’m so grateful to be able to share the stories of two internet strangers that have become my good friends, and I hope you enjoy a look behind the scenes of the duo behind Miles of Portraits.

#ToolsofType1s - 030 - Ben Tzeel

Name: Ben Tzeel

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Date of Diagnosis: 1999

Tool: An Open Mindset

Diabetes Devices/Treatment Methods: Dexcom G6, MDI