Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1631: Glucose Guardians
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Jacob Ritzert
Date: September 18, 2025

Overview

In this engaging and candid episode of the Juicebox Podcast, Scott Benner welcomes Jacob Ritzert—a passionate 27-year-old (almost 28) who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just over two years ago and has since become an advocate for education and empowerment in diabetes care. Jacob shares his diagnosis journey, experiences with diabetes management, the impact on his mental health and relationships, and how he's found community and workplace support. The conversation is both enlightening and relatable, offering real-world insights for anyone living with type 1 (or supporting someone who is).

Major Discussion Points & Insights

Jacob’s Diagnosis Journey

[03:02–08:13]

• Before Diabetes: Jacob describes a life of athleticism, invincibility, and nutrition-conscious living.
• Diagnosis Triggers: Severe, unexplained weight loss (40 pounds), muscle loss, extreme thirst, and frequent urination.
  • “I went from about 160 healthy pounds to 120 pounds when I ended up in the hospital.” —Jacob [04:29]
• Hospitalization:
  • Initial blood sugar: 390 mg/dL at doctor’s office; prescribed 5 units Lantus (ineffective).
  • Within four days, hospitalized in DKA with a blood sugar of ~590.
  • Spent 30–36 hours in ICU—“They're waking you up every 30 minutes, pumping you with potassium.” —Jacob [09:06]
  • Official diagnosis confirmed on July 4, 2023.
• Family Medical History: Aunt with type 1 (early Medtronic adopter), paternal grandparents with type 2, personal history of asthma and allergies.

Transition After Diagnosis

[23:09–27:56]

• Hospital Release: Memorable July 4th discharge with fireworks; describes the emotional relief at leaving the hospital.
• Living Situation & Support:
  • Briefly moved in with father and received initial care from his mother (school food service director).
  • Relationship with ex-girlfriend ended around this period—“She knew I was in the hospital and didn't reach out...You see my locations in the hospital for four days and you care, then you probably reach out.” —Jacob [26:36]
• Career Pivot: Lost previous job, but found a new position in diabetes care industry, which became a source of professional and personal support—“I do feel very fortunate. Almost like it's a calling just to be within the diabetic space.” [27:58]

Early Diabetes Management & Technology Choices

[28:44–32:01]

• Initial Management:
  • MDIs (multiple daily injections) and blood glucose meter after discharge.
  • Used a family friend's spare Libre CGM before formal prescription.
• Nutrition Knowledge:
  • Leverages nutrition degree and app tracking for accurate carb counting—“I already had a leg up...I was tracking everything prior. I knew how many carbs are in a serving...” [12:12]
• Transition to Tech:
  • Quick upgrade to Omnipod pump (motivated by fitness lifestyle and this podcast) and Dexcom G6 within 1.5 months of diagnosis.
  • Still prefers Dexcom G6 over G7, waiting for “Reddit threads and potential problems” to resolve.
  • “It’s tried and true.” —Jacob on G6 [32:11]

Aggressive Control, Learning Curve, and Automation

[32:17–36:39]

• Pursuit of ‘Perfect’ Control:
  • Lowered A1C from 11.5 to 5.0 in one year through precise, intensive management—often in manual (non-auto) mode.
  • “It took a lot of mental capacity away from me...because I was so embedded in making sure my sugar levels were perfect.” —Jacob [32:48]
• Risks of Over-Aggression:
  • Frequent lows, including below 55 mg/dL almost daily; eventually led to advice to use automated mode more often.
  • Nearly fatal low (seizure) on July 5th in Boston, waking up in an ambulance—“That was a huge...slap in the face from diabetes because I thought I could control this.” [36:39]
• Shift to Automation:
  • Switching to automated mode brought life balance, fewer lows, and less emotional burden—“I feel like diabetes isn't so much of a hassle anymore...it's given me a lot of my life back.” [35:14, 41:59]
  • Accepts a higher (low 6s) but healthier A1C for quality of life.

Physical Setbacks and Resilience

[46:00–51:58]

• Severe Injury: Broke arm (thrower's fracture) during first pitch at a rec baseball game; extensive recovery (six months), surgery, ongoing pain.
  • “My arm shatters. And that was a whole nother ordeal...managing diabetes, trying to fill up an insulin vial when your arm can't even move.” [48:06]
• Community and Family Support: Relies on family and roommates for basic needs during recovery (bathing, cooking, diabetes tech changes).

Lifestyle Adjustments, Support Systems, and Mental Health

[28:27–44:40, 42:36–44:40]

• Work & Social Life:
  • Found vocation in diabetes care and sports nutrition.
  • Maintains strong family connections, credits sister (a PA) for recognizing his DKA, and values company’s support and flexibility.
  • Enjoys recreation and sports—Guardians baseball, volleyball, basketball—and shares strategies for remaining active.
• Mental Health & Acceptance:
  • Discusses isolation and frustration over the “limitations” diabetes can pose (e.g., altitude effects on glucose, missing out on food with friends, adjusting activities).
  • Accepts the unpredictability—“I've learned that you're not going to perfect this as much as I like.” [41:22]
  • Carries more snacks and supplies post-seizure for safety.

Community, Outreach, and the Role of the Podcast

[38:23–39:29, 53:54–54:17]

• Source of Knowledge: Credits Juicebox Podcast for foundational learning—“When I got my Dexcom system...she suggested your podcast. I took that to heart… I consumed probably fifty to a hundred of your podcasts…” [38:36]
• Desire to Share: Wanted to tell his story to resonate with others navigating similar challenges.
• Approach to Relationships: Prefers meeting people “organically,” values genuine connections, and hopes for supportive partner.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Invincibility to Vulnerability
  • "I felt completely invincible for the most part...And then getting diagnosed has been a challenge. But...I took it as a challenge and something to...really put my life studying towards." —Jacob [03:11]
• On Striving for Perfection:
  • “I gave away a good portion of my life that year [pursuing perfect A1C]… I thought I could do it… but it came with a lot of lows.” —Jacob [33:13]
• Seizure in Boston:
  • "I had a seizure in Boston because my blood sugar was so low… we were just on a walk... I sat down and I woke up in the back of an ambulance." —Jacob [36:36]
• Letting Go and Trusting Technology:
  • “Just letting it—taking back some of my own control and letting—trusting the technology to do the work. I wasn't comfortable with that at first.” —Jacob [41:22]
• Diabetes Isn’t Everything:
  • “I'm not going to determine my life around having a perfect A1C. I'm not going to not go out and have a drink with my friends or eat a slice of pizza because my sugar is going to spike a little bit.” —Jacob [41:59]
• Family, Support, and Resiliency:
  • “I'm very fortunate and blessed to have a lot of support around me.” —Jacob [50:46]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:02] — Diagnosis and weight loss warning signs
• [07:04] — Ineffective initial management (Lantus Rx) and hospitalization details
• [23:09] — Release from hospital, returning to family support
• [28:44] — Early management and quick shift to diabetes tech (Omnipod/Dexcom)
• [32:17] — Achieving “perfect” A1C, challenges and consequences
• [36:36] — Severe hypoglycemia and the Boston incident
• [41:22] — Transition to automated mode and balance regained
• [42:36] — Mental health impacts and changing expectations
• [46:00] — Broken arm, surgery, and impact on diabetes management/lifestyle

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is empathetic, humorous, and real. Scott and Jacob blend laughs (“My mom’s gonna kill me” [66:10]), frank admissions of pain and disappointment, and practical strategies for living (“...go out and have a drink with my friends or eat a slice of pizza…,” [41:59]). The episode is a resource for those struggling with fear, perfectionism, or feelings of isolation—Jacob’s journey underscores that progress is possible, even if it’s imperfect and messy.

Final Thoughts

Jacob’s story is a testament to the strength, adaptability, and ongoing learning required to thrive with type 1 diabetes. His willingness to share both hard-won lessons and painful missteps provides genuine comfort and solidarity for others, while the podcast itself remains a beacon for bold, empowered diabetes management.

For more personal stories and actionable information on living with type 1, visit juiceboxpodcast.com or join the Juicebox Podcast Type 1 Diabetes group on Facebook.