Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1620: Thick Thighs Save Lives – Part 1
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Laura
Date: September 5, 2025

Episode Overview

In this gripping and candid episode, Scott Benner welcomes Laura, who shares her remarkable story of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 54. The conversation delves into late-onset type 1, acute medical emergencies, persistent self-advocacy, the intersection of career stress and health, and practical strategies for bold, empowered diabetes management. The episode weaves together harrowing medical episodes with humor and actionable insights, making the experience both deeply personal and widely relatable for anyone touched by diabetes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Laura’s Diagnosis Story: Acute Adult Onset T1D

• Surprising Diagnosis (02:31)

  • Laura details her disbelief in being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult at 54, especially after previously having only gestational diabetes.
  • Quote:

    "I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 54 in March of 24, which I didn’t even know was a thing. Adult onset type 1 until I was diagnosed with it. Who knew?" – Laura [02:32]

• Medical Crisis: DKA and Necrotizing Fasciitis (04:33–19:56)

  • Laura describes ignoring symptoms—rapid weight loss, severe fatigue, and a mysterious growth on her thigh—while pushing through a corporate deadline.
  • Memorable detail: Laura initially believed the growth was just a result of new undergarments causing friction [08:57], but it quickly escalated.
  • She explains how her inability to recognize symptom severity (blurred vision, exhaustion, digestive distress) was exacerbated by mental confusion from high blood sugars.

• Critical Week Timeline (08:57–19:56)

  • Tuesday: Saw nurse practitioner for cough and mentioned 30lb weight loss; prescribed strong prednisone.
  • Thursday–Saturday: Thigh discomfort escalates to a “small potato”-like lesion; extreme exhaustion ensues.
  • Tuesday night (next week): Laura is so impaired she lets her husband drive her car—an act very out of character.
  • Wednesday: Too sick to stand, misses doctor’s appointment due to late arrival. Husband finally insists on ER visit.
  • Notable quote:

    "I go until I can’t. And that’s what I do. Not just in corporate life..." – Laura [13:20]

• Hospitalization: Near-Death Experience

  • Laura goes into DKA, develops septicaemia and necrotizing fasciitis, and requires emergency surgery. She experiences hallucinations and codes during surgery [24:13].
  • Quote:

    "I even coded on the table." – Laura [25:01]

Managing Recovery & Diabetes Education

• Discharge Instructions & Early Management (26:42–28:54)

  • Initial management advice was sparse—basics on insulin injection/prep, glucose monitoring, and nutrition.
  • Laura relied on prior gestational diabetes experience and previous dietary education.

• Corporate Mindset and Research (27:30–30:08)

  • Laura’s strong professional drive propels her to research and self-educate quickly, even while still recuperating.
  • She finds community and resources through a recommended Facebook support group and Adam Brown’s book Bright Spots and Landmines.
  • Discovery of the Juicebox Podcast becomes transformational.

    "Your podcast is what gave me the complete confidence that, okay, this is the best resource. This is real world, and it’s consumable in a way that feels personal." – Laura [30:09]

The Power of Technology & Modern Treatments

• CGM as a Game Changer (41:11–42:21)

  • Laura shares how transitioning from finger sticks to a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) revolutionized her understanding of post-meal glucose spikes and food choices.
  • Example: Realizing that a frozen breakfast sandwich spiked her blood sugar above 200, despite being “under 180” at the two-hour mark via finger stick.

• GLP-1 Agonist Therapy and Honeymooning (32:13–34:04)

  • Laura transitions from basal-bolus insulin to GLP-1 agonist (Mounjaro), drastically reducing and eventually eliminating her insulin requirement during a prolonged “honeymoon” phase.
  • She has also reduced her thyroid medication as her weight and inflammation decreased.

    "We've also reduced my thyroid meds twice...I'm down about 45 pounds." – Laura [34:08 & 34:19]

• GLP-1 Side Effects and Self-Management (35:46–37:14)

  • Practical advice: GLP-1 can intensify pre-existing digestive issues. Laura warns others to anticipate magnified sensitivity, especially with trigger foods like barbecue sauce or high sodium.

    "If you notice you have anything digestive before the medication, it’s probably going to be magnified when you’re using the medication." – Laura [36:09]

  • Discussion of bathroom habits, sodium sensitivity, and weight-travel strategies.

Bold Strategies and Takeaways

• Adapting Diet and Lifestyle (42:21–43:47)

  • CGM data empowers Laura to switch up foods and make targeted adjustments—e.g., swapping out high-carb breakfast sandwiches for Greek yogurt or chia-protein puddings.

• Dealing with Side Effects (44:47–45:29)

  • Both Scott and Laura discuss acclimating to the GI effects of GLP-1s, differentiating between tolerable and serious side effects, and trusting that some issues will resolve with time.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Adult Onset Diagnosis

  “I didn’t even know there was a thing. Adult onset type 1 until I was diagnosed with it.” – Laura [02:32]

• On Medical Emergency & Denial

  “I go until I can’t. And that’s what I do.” – Laura [13:20]

• On Surviving Thanks to Her Body

  “The only time in my life, Scott, that I have been happy that I had a thicker thigh because it only got into the fatty tissue and not into any muscle or any connective tissue.” – Laura [22:56]

• On Starting Over After Hospitalization

  “I was in corporate mode before I left the hospital.” – Laura [27:33]

• On Importance of CGM

  “Oh, it is a complete game changer...Once I got a cgm, I had that same breakfast sandwich. Didn’t realize I was going up over 200.” – Laura [41:11]

• On GLP-1 and Insulin Reduction

  “Every time we titrated up for the Manjaro, my insulin needs reduced. And then once I was on 12.5, that's when I was controlled without insulin.” – Laura [32:39]

• On Peer Support and Community

  “Your podcast...gave me the complete confidence that...this is the best resource. This is real world, and it’s consumable in a way that feels personal.” – Laura [30:09]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Diagnosis and Early Symptoms: 02:31–08:57
• Critical Medical Week & Hospitalization: 08:57–25:01
• ICU Experience and Surgeries: 25:01–26:42
• Navigating Early Diabetes Management: 26:42–30:09
• Finding Community and Resources: 30:09–32:13
• Transition to GLP-1, Weight Loss, Medication Shifts: 32:13–35:46
• GLP-1 Side Effects (GI, sodium sensitivity, lifestyle adjustments): 35:46–41:11
• Role of CGM & Diet Choices: 41:11–43:47
• Adapting to GLP Side Effects & Real Life Management: 44:47–End

Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is open, relatable, and often laced with humor—even regarding grave medical topics. Laura’s candor and Scott’s affable, inquisitive style create a safe space for unpacking difficult experiences, breaking through shame and self-blame, and celebrating the resilience of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion

Laura’s story is a vivid testament to the unpredictability of type 1 diabetes, the necessity of self-advocacy, and the value of tech-enabled management. This episode offers both practical tips (CGM insights, GLP-1 impact, dietary experimentation) and important emotional support, urging listeners to trust their bodies, seek help when needed, and leverage the collective wisdom of the diabetes community.

For deep dives on specific tactics, broader management series, and personal stories, check out further episodes and the "Pro Tip" series as recommended by Scott.