Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1628 – "A River in Egypt, Part 2"

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Patty
Release Date: September 15, 2025

Overview

In this heartfelt, insightful episode, Scott continues his conversation with Patty, a long-time type 1 diabetic, cancer survivor, and retired preschool teacher and yoga instructor. Through honest reflection and humor, Patty shares her strategies for living boldly with insulin, navigating complications, managing emotional health, and integrating yoga and mindfulness. The episode explores the intersection of diabetes, aging, caregiver stress, and loss, offering both practical tips and empathetic support for people with diabetes and their caregivers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Integrity in Diabetes Advocacy and Sponsorship

[00:14–06:28]

• Scott discusses his approach to partnering with industry sponsors, prioritizing genuine support over mere profit.
  • "Here you are, they're marketing, right? For pumps and CGMs and insulin, all the things they're trying to sell. And that's going to happen one way or the other. If I can take some of that money and use it to help people, then I've found a way to make something good out of a thing that was going to happen anyway." (05:16)
• Both Scott and Patty agree on the importance of intention and transparency, recognizing the necessity of monetizing advocacy work to sustain quality content.

2. Managing Diabetes with Cancer: The Role of Denial and Experience

[06:45–09:19]

• Patty recounts being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after acquiring her first insulin pump, highlighting how denial influenced her initial response.
  • "I had the pump, I paid a lot, even though we had good insurance, and I said, I can't do this. I just have to stay with what I know. MDI, in a way, I think it worked out well for me..." (06:45)
• She explains how her experience with multiple daily injections (MDI) and the effects of chemotherapy and steroids shaped her diabetes management during cancer.

3. Evolving Diabetes Tech: From Medtronic to Tandem and Beyond

[09:51–13:46]

• Patty describes her pump journey:
  • Initially hesitant to switch from MDI even after her first pump warranty expired.
  • Eventually transitioned to the Medtronic, then moved to Tandem T:slim after years of CGM frustrations and encouragement from a nurse practitioner.
  • Stresses the importance of proper device education, noting, "I didn't do my own due diligence...you know, I really like it [Tandem] except that...the infusion sites are becoming less and less viable." (12:25)
• Raises the issue of site fatigue and scar tissue, wondering about alternatives like Afrezza.

4. Infusion Set Site Scar Tissue and Device Fatigue

[13:39–20:12]

• Patty struggles with limited viable infusion sites after many years of pumping:
  • "It takes a couple of tries...I have a lot of scar tissue, and, you know, you're running out of place." (13:46)
• Discusses rotating sites, challenges with absorption, and considering breaks from pumping or trying inhaled insulin (Afrezza).
• Shares her experience with yoga and physical activity affecting her sites:
  • "My husband's theory is I'm stretching the areas and the infusion set's getting moved...you're tired of thinking about it. It seems to take more work now than it did years ago." (19:34)
• Scott underscores the relentless nature of diabetes management and the bodily wear over time, noting the difference between managing as a younger person versus now.

5. Psychological and Emotional Challenges

[22:58–24:02]

• Patty addresses diabetes-related anxiety and depression, exacerbated by persistent alarms and caregiver responsibilities for her elderly mother.
  • "I have developed anxiety over the years. You know, with managing this, I have been depressed. I have been to see therapists, you know, to kind of help." (22:58)
• Highlights the support found in online communities like Blue Circle Health and the importance of seeking connection with others living with diabetes.

6. Caregiving, Loss, and Family Dynamics

[24:54–27:34]

• Patty reflects on losing her 97-year-old mother and her role as caregiver, noting the profound impact:
  • "I believe that having them for as long as we did made it even harder...she is so close to us in our hearts and in every memory." (26:18)
• Scott and Patty discuss the enduring emotional connection of adult children to parents, regardless of age.

7. Aging, Practicality, and End-of-Life Philosophy

[27:34–30:55]

• Patty expresses a pragmatic attitude about aging and end-of-life, valuing quality over quantity.
  • "When your health wanes, you think that's the end of life? Like, you're not looking to suffer, to stay alive." (28:39)
• Emphasizes not wanting to become a burden, favoring independence and a focus on enjoying life and wellness.

8. The Therapeutic Role of Yoga and Mindfulness

[29:56–31:32]

• Yoga has been integral for Patty in processing the emotional and physical strain of chronic illness. She encourages mindful movement and breath for anxiety reduction.
  • "Yoga...is very helpful for people with chronic illnesses to kind of set that aside for half an hour and just be present in your body and learn how to use your breath to bring down the anxiety that comes with having this on you 24 hours a day." (29:56)
• Scott draws a striking comparison to controlling an organ manually:
  • "Imagine that breathing was something you had to think about...that's what it felt like raising Arden." (31:09)

9. Parenting, Adoption, and Building Family

[32:44–35:29]

• Patty openly discusses adopting two sons from South Korea after struggling with infertility due to endometriosis.
  • "We adopted two beautiful babies from South Korea, who are now almost 39 and 37 years old." (33:04)
• Both sons are successful, maintaining close family relationships.

10. Community Impact and Intergenerational Support

[35:30–37:32]

• Patty and Scott reflect on the unique nature of diabetes stories, with lessons and inspiration spanning all ages.
  • "There's certainly as much value in your story for somebody in their 30s as their 20s, 30s, 50s, etc. This is a very unique situation." (43:17)
• Patty praises the show for its personal stories and professional resources, motivating her participation and advocacy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Motivation and Advocacy:
  • "If I can take some of that money and use it...and the way I used it ends with you coming on and saying what you said about finding the podcast and helping yourself, then I found a way to make something good out of a thing that was going to happen anyway." — Scott (05:16)
• On Site Scar Tissue Frustration:
  • "It takes a couple of tries. I have a lot of scar tissue, and you're running out of place...When I hit a right spot, I'm like, yay." — Patty (13:46, 19:34)
• On Emotional Burden:
  • "I have developed anxiety over the years...I have been depressed. I have been to see therapists." — Patty (22:58)
• On Parenting and Loss:
  • "I believe that having them for as long as we did made it even harder...she is so close to us in our hearts and in every memory." — Patty (26:18)
• On Chronic Illness and Being Your Own Organ:
  • "What other organ are you in charge of for the rest of your life?" — Patty (30:56)
  • "Imagine that breathing was something you had to think about...that's what it felt like raising Arden." — Scott (31:09)
• On Community Sharing:
  • "Everybody has a story, right?" — Patty (35:36)
• Patty’s Song (beginning/end):
  • "Juicebox Podcast is good for you, whether your diabetes is one or two. Take some time to listen in. You'll gain so much knowledge, and that's a win." — Patty (00:00, 39:11)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14–06:28: Discussion on sponsorship, integrity, and sustaining advocacy
• 06:45–09:19: Patty’s cancer diagnosis, denial, and impact on diabetes management
• 09:51–13:46: Pump journey and device challenges
• 13:46–20:12: Scar tissue, site rotation, and yoga’s impact
• 22:58–24:02: Anxiety, therapy, and Blue Circle Health community
• 24:54–27:34: Caregiving for aging parents and dealing with loss
• 27:34–30:55: Philosophy on aging and independence
• 29:56–31:32: Yoga, mindfulness, and body awareness
• 32:44–35:29: Story of adoption and family
• 39:11: Patty’s song for the podcast
• 41:19-43:01: Praise for professional guests (Jordan and Sandy)
• 43:17: Reflection on the podcast’s impact across generations

Style & Tone

The episode is marked by Scott’s warmth, wit, and deep empathy, while Patty’s honesty, humor, and resilience create a sense of shared experience and encouragement. The dialogue is conversational, reflective, and often lighthearted—even when discussing complex, sometimes heavy topics. There is an emphasis on community, collective wisdom, and the value of personal stories.

For Listeners

This episode offers validation for anyone struggling with the physical or emotional challenges of type 1 diabetes or any chronic illness. Patty’s journey—from denial and setbacks to empowerment and advocacy—models resilience, self-compassion, and the importance of honest connection. Whether you’re new to the diabetes journey or decades in, there is practical wisdom and hope in these shared stories.

Memorable Sign-off:
"Everybody has a story, right, Scott?" — Patty (35:36)
"I think the more I hear, the more I understand about myself and everybody else." — Scott (35:48)