#1654 Born This Way

Summary

Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1654 "Born This Way"

Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Crystal (33 years old, type 1 diabetic since age 12)

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Main Theme

This episode dives deep into Crystal’s lived experience with type 1 diabetes, her unique health circumstances, struggles with management (including past insulin omission for weight loss), and her renewed commitment to better self-care. The conversation moves through her diagnosis, family history, current health challenges, and actionable plans for improving her outcomes—with a strong focus on community-based support and realistic, compassionate advice. The tone is candid, empathetic, often humorous, and practical.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diagnosis and Early Years with Diabetes

• Crystal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 12 after excessive sleepiness and a checkup revealed unreadably high blood sugar ([02:06]).
• Admitted to the hospital for three days; initially managed diabetes with syringes—no mention of insulin pumps then ([03:02], [03:29]).
• Her father was highly supportive, assisting with insulin injections at school, especially early on ([05:30]).

2. Family Health History and Personal Background

• Crystal’s mother passed away from kidney failure when Crystal was 8; she was born with only one kidney, as was Crystal ([04:01], [04:33]).
• Family history includes gestational diabetes in her mother, type 2 diabetes in her father and brother (Crystal is the only type 1) ([04:13]).
• Crystal herself was also born missing a heart valve and a uterus, among other congenital conditions ([16:49], [17:02]).

3. Struggles with Diabetes Self-Management

• Describes the past 20 years of management as “very shaky” ([06:37]).
• A1c values commonly around 10, sometimes as high as 13 ([06:47], [07:06]).
• Managed on a sliding scale regimen for over a decade ([07:32]).

4. Turning Point and the Impact of DKA

• A severe episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) last year (blood sugar reached 918, hospitalization, confusion, infection) served as a wakeup call ([08:00], [08:34]).
• Crystal admits to periodically omitting insulin as a method of weight loss, after learning about it online as a teenager ([09:32], [10:16], [10:59]).
  • Quote:
    "I learned that the hard way.” – Crystal ([09:52])
• The awareness of the DKA’s danger fueled Crystal’s renewed commitment to learning better management.

5. Mental Health and Psychosocial Factors

• Past bullying about weight influenced negative self-care behaviors ([10:16], [10:22]).
• Crystal is open and honest about her challenges but shows resilience and a strong desire to improve.

6. Current Health Challenges

• Beyond T1D, Crystal faces a multitude of health issues: one kidney, missing heart valve, no uterus, high cholesterol (was high blood pressure), hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic skin condition), and gastroparesis ([16:57], [17:02], [20:58], [21:00]).
  • Quote:
    “I was born without a uterus.” – Crystal ([17:02]) “I was diagnosed with gastroparesis. They told me I could still have breakfast in me by dinner time.” – Crystal ([21:00])

7. Day-to-Day Diabetes Management

• Utilizes a Dexcom G7 CGM ([13:14]).
• Basal insulin: Toujeo; meal insulin: Humalog ([13:24], [34:18]).
• Struggles with consistent lows overnight and large spikes after meals, especially after cereal ([13:30], [12:41]).
  • Quote:
    "Cereal isn't one [of the better foods]." – Crystal ([27:46])
• Describes typical meals (cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, variable dinners), with detailed discussion about how certain foods affect blood sugar and strategies to improve glycemic control ([12:41]-[31:31]).

8. Support Systems and Community

• Family support limited after her father’s death; now lives with stepmom and brother, but leans heavily on online support, especially the Juicebox Podcast Facebook group.
  • Quote:
    "Ryan’s actually helped me a lot." – Crystal ([25:20])
• Found significant value in peer support and practical tips from the community ([25:24]-[26:01]).

9. Plans for the Future & Technology

• Upcoming appointment to start insulin pump therapy (considering Omnipod 5 or Tandem T:slim Control IQ) ([24:05], [24:22]).
  • Anxious but optimistic about how automation might help, especially with nighttime lows ([24:47]).
• Setting an A1c goal of 7.5 or below, inspired by new knowledge and community encouragement ([37:23]).

10. Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle Adjustments

• Advised by host Scott to cut out sugary drinks, cereal, and processed snacks—replace with proteins, whole foods, and water ([27:46]-[41:18]).
  • Quote:
    “Please stop eating cereal. Okay?” – Scott ([27:49]) “Drink a little more water, keep going outside, moving around, walking, finding exercise. But I would just try to cut sugar out of my diet.” – Scott ([41:18])
• Crystal cares for stray cats, enjoys swimming, walks often, and tries to stay active ([13:49]-[13:55], [35:19]-[35:21]).

11. Self-Advocacy and Personal Growth

• Advocated for herself after DKA, sought out resources, and now takes greater responsibility for her health ([26:21]).
• Open to trying supplements like digestive enzymes and magnesium oxide to help with gastroparesis and constipation ([22:09]-[23:30]).
• Shows interest in employment and education, despite health limitations ([18:20]-[18:42]).
• Maintains a long-distance relationship and has personal hobbies, demonstrating well-rounded interests and resilience ([36:06]-[36:16], [33:04]).

12. Practical Insights and Education

• Discussion of practical approaches to pre-bolusing, adjusting insulin regimens, navigating food choices, and using technology effectively ([25:13]-[25:18]; [44:29]-[45:09]).
  • Quote:
    “You have a goal. You know what you're... you want to get done. You know, you've outlined all the smart ideas. Eliminating sugar and junky food from your diet. You're already getting outside, moving around a lot… Be careful as you're changing your diet, we don't want you … having a bunch of low blood sugars…” – Scott ([43:28])
• Addresses "foot on the floor" phenomena (morning blood sugar rise) and how Crystal is combatting this ([44:29]-[45:09]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On discovering diabetes as a child:
  “I was at a checkup and I felt fine ... but they said my blood sugar was so high they couldn't read it.” – Crystal ([02:06])

• On her father's support:
  “If my blood sugar was high, he would go up to the school and give me my shots.” – Crystal ([05:30])

• On living with multiple rare conditions:
  “I was born with one kidney … missing a heart valve … was born without a uterus.” – Crystal ([04:33], [16:49], [17:02])

• Regarding insulin omission for weight loss:
  “I learned that the hard way.” – Crystal ([09:52])
  “Just by, like, Googling.” – Crystal ([09:45])

• Crystal’s turning point:
  “I even went into DKA last year.” ([08:00])
  “I wasn't responding to their questions … last thing I remember was them shining a light in my eye to wake me up.” ([08:34])

• On finding community:
  “Ryan’s actually helped me a lot ... in my Facebook group.” – Crystal ([25:20])

• On diet and practical change:
  “Please stop eating cereal. Okay? Yeah. What kind of cereal are you eating?” – Scott ([27:49])
  “Sour Cream [Pringles].” – Crystal ([29:59])

• On resilience and plans:
  “I think you're gonna be in a much different situation in six months from now… you’re gonna learn a lot of new stuff… have an A1C in the sevens.” – Scott ([45:33], [50:36])

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Diagnosis and Early Diabetes Experiences – [01:49] to [05:45]
• Family and Medical Background – [03:45] to [05:15], [16:47] to [17:47]
• Management Struggles and Turning Point (DKA) – [06:00] to [09:54]
• Insulin Omission and Eating Disorders – [09:32] to [12:08]
• Current Treatment and Daily Life – [12:41] to [14:35], [22:35] to [23:30]
• Community Support/Online Groups – [25:20] to [26:01], [33:08] to [33:14]
• Diet and Lifestyle Coaching – [27:46] to [41:18]
• Pump Hopes and Practical Adjustments – [24:05] to [25:03], [33:49] to [34:31], [45:33] to [45:59]
• Mental and Physical Health Challenges – [16:47] to [23:01]
• Moment of Hope & Future Goals – [37:23], [50:36] to [51:02]

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Overall Tone and Takeaways

Scott’s conversation with Crystal is marked by warmth, candor, and a real willingness to dig into sensitive issues with care. Crystal’s story offers a window into the complexities of living with type 1 diabetes, especially where social pressures, mental health, and multiple comorbidities intersect. The episode is motivational and educational, providing not only empathy but practical, obtainable steps toward better diabetes management—underscoring how online community, small adjustments, supportive tools, and perseverance can make a significant difference.

Recommended for:
Anyone navigating type 1 diabetes, experiencing management fatigue, considering new technology (like pumps/CGMs), or in need of community support and practical, lived-in advice.

Transcript

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Friends, we're all back together for the next episode of the Juice Box Podcast. Welcome.

[Crystal]

Hey, I'm crystal. I am 33 years old. I've been a type 1 diabetic ever since I was 12.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

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[Crystal]

Hey, I'm Crystal. I am 33 years old. I've been a type one diabetic ever since I was 12.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

12. So watch this. Crystal, was that 21 years ago that you were diagnosed?

[Crystal]

Yep. It's been 21 years.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No kidding. All right, 12 years old. What do you remember about being diagnosed?

[Crystal]

Well, I was at a checkup and I felt fine and everything. I didn't feel sick, but they said my blood sugar was so high they couldn't read it.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, and so you were just at a regular, like, doctor's appointment?

[Crystal]

At my regular doctor's office.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. And you. You did or did not. I'm sorry, you did or did not feel sick prior to the appointment?

[Crystal]

I didn't feel sick. Other than falling asleep a lot in class.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You're falling asleep a lot. Is that why your parents took you to the doctor?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. They said, hey, this one keeps falling asleep, and they checked your blood sugar.

[Crystal]

Right in the office, and they couldn't even read it.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Well, that's kind of cool that they knew to check your blood sugar, you know? So you were. You didn't have any Long, drawn out problems, trying to figure out you had type one. They told you right in the office. Do you remember what happened next? Did you go to the hospital or how did they handle it?

[Crystal]

I went to the hospital and got admitted.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. How long were you there?

[Crystal]

Three days, I think.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Three days. Okay, kind of fast forwarding a little bit. You get out of the hospital and you have diabetes now, but 21 years ago. So 21 years ago. 2004. Right around there.

[Crystal]

That sounds about right.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That sounds about right. Okay, so do they give you pens or just needles? Does anybody talk about insulin pumps? Like, how do you recall the management in the very beginning?

[Crystal]

Well, when I started, I was using the insulin syringes, but they didn't really talk about pumps or anything.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Nothing like that. Now, did your parents help you with your diabetes or did they leave it to you?

[Crystal]

My dad was actually a really big help before he died.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, gosh. When did you lose your dad?

[Crystal]

Four or five years ago to lung cancer.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, I'm sorry. Were your parents together when you were diagnosed?

[Crystal]

My mom had died when I was 8.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Crystal, how did your mom pass away?

[Crystal]

Kidney failure.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, I'm so sorry. So your mom passed away about four years before you were diagnosed. Then you were diagnosed. Did she have diabetes or any other health issues?

[Crystal]

My mom had it when she was pregnant. My dad's type 2 and so is my brother, but I'm the only type one.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, but your mom had gestational.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Kidney failure. I'm sorry to ask, but was that related to something or just out of the blue?

[Crystal]

My mom was only born with one kidney, like I was.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, no kidding. Your mom had one kidney and I.

[Crystal]

Was born with one.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You were born with one as well. Did something happen that precipitated her kidney failure, illness, or is that. I don't understand. People live with one kidney, right?

[Crystal]

So I think she was just born with that. I don't think it caused the diabetes or anything.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, no, no. I mean, like, her passing. Was there an illness that, like. Do you know what created the damage to the kidney that led to the failure?

[Crystal]

She wasn't taking good care of herself.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, okay. When did you know you were born with one kidney?

[Crystal]

I think, like, when I was in elementary school.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. How many does your brother have?

[Crystal]

He has both of his.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

What a jerk. Okay, I know. Okay, well, I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your parents. That's terrible. But I want to go back to. You're diagnosed and your dad is really helpful with your diabetes, so what does that mean? Like, how was he helpful?

[Crystal]

When I was going to school, I would check my blood sugar, and then I didn't know how to do shots. If my blood sugar was high, he would go up to the school and give me my shots.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, that's nice. That's very nice of him. When do you think, at what age did you become a little more proficient taking care of yourself? Maybe taking more of it on sixth or seventh grade. Okay. Oh, how old is that?

[Crystal]

About 12, 13?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No.

[Crystal]

13. 14.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, so a little later then a couple years after your diagnosis, maybe?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Does that then completely take him out of the care or just more of it's focused on you and he helps, but he helps less.

[Crystal]

I really just focuses more on me, and he kind of helps less, but still helps.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, so now, looking backwards as an adult now, how are you doing taking.

[Crystal]

Care of yourself the last few weeks? I've gotten better, but I've still got a lot of work to do.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

So you're telling me that things are shifting for you, but only recently. So for the last 20 years, things have been shaky?

[Crystal]

Very shaky.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Very shaky. Okay, what does that mean? What are your outcomes? Like, do you see an endocrinologist regularly? What are your A1Cs?

[Crystal]

Well, my last A1C was A10, but I'm supposed to go back on the 23rd of this month to talk about the insulin pump.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. You're not on a pump still?

[Crystal]

Not yet.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, so, Crystal, I want you to be, like, a little introspective, right? Is 10 a pretty average J1C for you?

[Crystal]

10 is average. It's been as high as 13.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

It's been as high as thirteen. Why do you think that is?

[Crystal]

Well, I wasn't pre bolting before my mills or everything. I'd eat, like, cereal and skyrocket.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Gotcha. Are you telling me that it's a little to do with how you're using your insulin, a little to do with what you're eating?

[Crystal]

It is. And also, they had me on a sliding skull.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You've been on a sliding scale for 10 years?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Where do you live?

[Crystal]

I'm in South Carolina.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

South Carolina. I guess now you figured out that you need to do something different. But before you knew that, did you feel like you were doing well during those years? Would you leave an endocrinologist's office thinking, gosh, I am not doing a good job? Or did you think, this is going right? Like, what's your takeaway when you leave those appointments?

[Crystal]

I knew I wasn't Doing good. I even went into DKA last year.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, and when you know you're not doing well, what stops you from trying to figure out a better way?

[Crystal]

Well, helping. Listening to the podcast, asking people in the group.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You've just decided to, like, dig into it more?

[Crystal]

Yep. Ever since I. I went to DKA last year.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, that's the answer. So DKA kind of got you thinking, I gotta do something. Tell me about the dk. How did it start and what was it like?

[Crystal]

I tried to go to sleep one night and I just kept getting sick. It was 2 o' clock in the morning. My stepmom called an ambulance. I got to the hospital, my blood Sugar was like 918. I wasn't responding to their questions or anything. The last thing I remember when I got there was them shining a light in my eye to wake me up.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay.

[Crystal]

I was in the ICU for three days.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Were you conscious the entire time?

[Crystal]

I was conscious, but very confused the first three days.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, Crystal, tell me, how does that happen? You're mdi, right? Were you not taking your basal insulin? Were you not injecting for meals? Like, how does your blood sugar. Were you sick? Like, what happened?

[Crystal]

Well, I was skipping shots and I had a bad infection too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

So you had an infection, which was adding to your insulin need, but you're skipping. Why were you skipping shots?

[Crystal]

To lose weight a little bit.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Ah, okay. So is that a thing you've done throughout your life?

[Crystal]

It is, but I haven't really. Lately, I've been taking them all.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, where did you learn that?

[Crystal]

Just by, like, Googling.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, now do you know that's dangerous when you're doing it?

[Crystal]

I learned that the hard way.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

So. Okay, so this is interesting, Crystal, and please don't be embarrassed. Like, I appreciate you sharing your story. Okay, so was your weight an issue and you were trying to find ways to do something about it and you tripped across the information? Or like, how does that first come to be the first time that you thought, I'm going to restrict my insulin because I'll try to lose weight that way? Do you remember how you got to that information?

[Crystal]

I don't really, but when I was going to school, I was like, always picked on about my weight.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, your whole life?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. And so you're looking for ways to.

[Crystal]

Deal with it, which wasn't really the healthiest way.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, no, no, no. Let's not be unclear, Crystal. It's not a good idea at all. So you find out through Googling. I would give anything to Be there the day you were googling and to know what you typed in to get that information. But, like, you're looking for ways to lose weight and you come up with, if I don't take my insulin, I'll lose weight?

[Crystal]

Yep. Didn't even think of the consequences or anything?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You didn't think of what might happen? How old do you think you were the first time you did that?

[Crystal]

16. 17, maybe?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

16 or 17. And you tell me again, you're how old right now?

[Crystal]

33.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

33. Did it work the first time you did it, or did it work enough that you thought, I'll try it again? How often did you do that?

[Crystal]

It worked to where I thought I'd try it again.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Was it a thing you did yearly, twice a year. How frequently?

[Crystal]

Like yearly, Once a year.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, don't answer me if you don't want to. Okay. But would you tell me how tall you are and how much you weighed when the first time you tried to do it?

[Crystal]

5:1, I think I was, like, right at 200.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, and what's your weight now?

[Crystal]

202 now. I gained, like, 8 pounds.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I see you pretty much maintained around that 200 weight, though. I assume you haven't grown. You're still 5:1, right?

[Crystal]

No, I'm still 5:1. I've been as low as 100 and 50s before, though.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. At what age?

[Crystal]

I think that was about two years ago.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

How did you get to that? Was it restricting insulin or were you dieting, exercising, or did you find something else?

[Crystal]

It was not doing shots and walking a lot.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. And while you're doing that, you think, I want to make sure I understand what you were thinking during that. During that, you were thinking, hey, I found a way to lose weight. This is great. Or you thought, I'm potentially hurting myself, but I'm losing weight, so I'll go with it.

[Crystal]

Really? The second one, you did have some.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Idea that this wasn't okay, not taking the insulin?

[Crystal]

Yeah.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Would you describe to me a general idea of what you eat in the course of a day?

[Crystal]

Usually in the morning will be like cereal, which I'm trying to not eat as much because I'll wake up, my blood sugar will be like 90, and it'll shoot right up to three, four hundreds.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Before you eat or after you eat?

[Crystal]

Before I eat.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Before you eat. So you wake up in the morning with a lower blood sugar, and do you shoot your basal insulin before you go to bed?

[Crystal]

I do. Like, right before?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Right before. Okay. So overnight you have a pretty stable Overnight blood sugar? Normally, do you have a CGM? I'm sorry?

[Crystal]

I have the Dexacom G7.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, you're wearing a G7. So overnight, what do your blood sugars look like overnight? You shoot your. What is it? Leve Lantis Toshiba. What do you use?

[Crystal]

I'm on Trajero.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, Trudgero. Okay, overnight. And then what do your blood sugars look like overnight?

[Crystal]

Well, last night I kept having to wake up because they kept dropping during the night. And I woke up and it was at like 40.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, you were getting low last night?

[Crystal]

I ended up like with two juice last night.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Were you particularly active yesterday? A lot of walking or out in the heat or something like that?

[Crystal]

I'm usually always walking or I go outside. I feed stray cats.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay.

[Crystal]

Take care of them.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, that's nice. Is that your job? Do you have a job? What do you do?

[Crystal]

I don't, so pretty much my stray cats. I'll take care of them when they have kittens. I'll find the kittens homes.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That's so nice. Do you live with your stepmom?

[Crystal]

I do. And my brother.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Are you not working on purpose or.

[Crystal]

Is there a reason I'm really not able to?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Tell me about that.

[Crystal]

I have like so many health problems on SSI and everything.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

What are some of your other health problems?

[Crystal]

I'm missing a heart valve.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

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[Crystal]

No, I am missing one.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You're missing a heart valve. I was like, I don't think you're going to be okay with just one. So you're. So there's a congenital defect. You're missing a heart valve.

[Crystal]

I was born that way.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Right, right, right. And you have one kidney. What else?

[Crystal]

I was born without a uterus.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Get the hell out of here. Seriously?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Did your. Crystal, I almost said the dumbest thing that anybody could possibly say. I almost said, did your mom have a uterus? Oh, geez.

[Crystal]

I wouldn't be here.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I know. Crystal. That's why it's gonna be the dumbest thing anyone could have ever said in that situation. Oh, my gosh. Okay. Yeah.

[Crystal]

This made my face, like, turn all red.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Made me mine, too. I was like, oh, I don't have to tell people this, but I'm just gonna say it anyway. Almost said something so stupid. I'm sorry. Any. Anything else? The heart? The heart, uterus, kidney.

[Crystal]

Well, I have high cholesterol.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay.

[Crystal]

I had high blood pressure, but that's actually gotten more normal now. And I've gotten taken off of the pills.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That's good. That's awesome. What did you do in school? What did you enjoy in high school?

[Crystal]

Well, my favorite class was drama class. I loved the stage and chorus.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Did you go to college?

[Crystal]

I did not.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Did you consider it?

[Crystal]

I did consider it, but it's, like, so expensive.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. No, I understand. If you went, what do you think you would have gone for?

[Crystal]

Maybe nursing. I kind of like to help people.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You like helping people? Okay. So you don't see yourself in the future having a job?

[Crystal]

I do. And I'VE been kind of looking around.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

What do you think you might look into?

[Crystal]

Maybe, like, working at the hospital or with pets. Children.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, stuff. Helping people, helping pets. You enjoy that?

[Crystal]

Because I'm good with kids, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, you are. Oh, that's awesome. I am, too, by the way. Kids love me.

[Crystal]

It's funny. I'll go swimming and stuff, and a kid will randomly come up to me, be like, hey, want to play tag in the water?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, that's lovely. Do you have something called. Have you ever heard somebody call. My gosh, what is this? Mueller? Arian? Agnesis.

[Crystal]

I've actually never heard those words.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

A female born with no uterus. Mayor. My gosh. Why would they use something Something? Hauser syndrome. One kidney called renal Agnesis. Missing a heart valve.

[Crystal]

Oh, and I do have another condition.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Get out of here. What else?

[Crystal]

Trying to think how to hydro something. Supera. The skin condition.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, hold on. Skin condition. Let me see if I can figure it out. Skin condition. Hydro. Hydro what?

[Crystal]

Hydro. I don't know. Sapira is at the end. I don't know. The ER told me one day.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I got it.

[Crystal]

You found it.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hydra. Okay, hold on. Hydronetis. Supertive.

[Crystal]

Yeah, .

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Abbreviated HS. Chronic skin condition that causes painful lumps or nodules under the skin, often in areas where skin rubs together, like armpits, groin, under your breast, buttocks. Lumps can become inflamed and swollen, rupture and drain, form tunnels or tracks and scar over time. It is not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene. This is a thing you have?

[Crystal]

I got that diagnosed with that when I was in the hospital with the infection.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, the infection? The dka.

[Crystal]

It was, like, under my arm.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Under your. Where was the infection?

[Crystal]

I had, like, two cysts under my.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Left arm and they got infected.

[Crystal]

And I didn't even know I had it until they said I got you.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Because you slipped into the decay. And they took you to the hospital and then they found all that stuff when they were trying to figure out what was going on.

[Crystal]

And I have another one, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You have another what?

[Crystal]

Condition.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Go ahead.

[Crystal]

Gastroparesis.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You have gastroparesis?

[Crystal]

Stomach damage.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, from the high blood sugars.

[Crystal]

All those years, they told me I could still have breakfast in me by dinner time. That's how slow my digestive system is.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, gosh. Have you ever tried a little over the counter digestive enzyme to put along with your food to help it break down?

[Crystal]

I haven't. I wonder if that'd help.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

It might. You can find them. I mean, Pretty much anywhere. You can get them on Amazon. Amazon comes to South Carolina, right?

[Crystal]

Oh, yeah, I love Amazon.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Who doesn't? Let's see. Hold on. Digestive enzymes. I'm going to look for you. There are probably a ton of different kinds. I would try. Pure Encapsulations is one company that makes digestive enzymes. And if you want something that might be a little better priced, there's something, something called super enzymes by now also should be pretty valuable based on how I'm seeing them formulated here. Yeah, that one's 12 bucks. Hold on a second.

[Crystal]

That's not bad.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Listen, you know what I mean? Everything's expensive now. 90 of them for $12. Let's see, it has the beta teen, HCI, the ox bile. Yeah, this ought to be okay. Yeah, like take a capsule with a meal and see if, if, if you don't maybe experience some better digestion. Does, does the slow digestion cause problems on the other side when it's coming out?

[Crystal]

It does. And I get, like a lot of stomach pain.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, this might help with that. It's worth a try. It's worth $12 to try.

[Crystal]

I think I'll get that. And leg cramps a lot.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Leg cramps. You could address the leg cramps with magnesium.

[Crystal]

Huh?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hold on a second. Are you taking any vitamins in general right now?

[Crystal]

I'm not, but I'd be open to it.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

When you say problems going to the bathroom comes out too much or not enough.

[Crystal]

Not enough.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I like you trying a magnesium oxide and the digestive enzyme. This should be maybe. I mean, there should be a pretty cheap magnesium oxide. Hold on a second. I'll send these to you when we're done. All right, So I like Twin Lab. They sell a two pack for 20 bucks.

[Crystal]

That's not bad.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

But you can get cheaper if you want it. But it has to be oxide. Magnesium oxide. I would try one of those a day for going to the bathroom more consistently. And I would try the digestive enzyme with meals to see if you can't get your digestion to work a little better. Now that we've kind of gone all through that, and I feel like we have a good idea of who you are and how you got where you are. I need to ask you. The decay happens. You come out and you say to yourself, I got to do better. What's your next step when you realize you have to do better?

[Crystal]

Well, right now I'm trying to get the omopod.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Mm.

[Crystal]

But my doctor wants me to see.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Her first before you can get a Pump. Before you get any pump or Omnipod. And you looking for Omnipod 5? You want some automation or you. What are you thinking about?

[Crystal]

I'm trying to decide between the Omopod 5 and the Tandem T. Slim Control IQ.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. I mean, I think either is a good option for you. Do you prefer the tubeless part or do you not mind the tubing? Which one do you think you'd have an easier time with?

[Crystal]

I don't really mind the tubing.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You don't mind the tubing. Okay, so you're looking right now at Tandem Control IQ, the X2 probably, or the Omnipod 5.

[Crystal]

The only thing I would worry about is going low during the night.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Well, both of those systems are going to do their. They're going to try to keep you from getting low overnight. I don't think it's always going to work, but they're going to. They're going to try. What's your A1C right now? Did you say it's 10 right now?

[Crystal]

It's right at 10 and that's down from a 13.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. You've gotten it down since the DKA.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

By doing what?

[Crystal]

Just trying to watch what I eat more and pre Bolsting. That's been a really difficult.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Where'd you learn about that?

[Crystal]

Ryan's actually helped me a lot.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, you mean in my Facebook group?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hey, what's up, Ryan? Good for you, man. Out there helping people. That's awesome.

[Crystal]

He's awesome.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

He is, isn't he?

[Crystal]

Him and Nico are really good.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Nico's awesome, too. Yeah, no kidding. Crystal, look at you like. So how did you find the Facebook group?

[Crystal]

I was searching diabetic groups on Facebook once and that actually came up, got.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Your attention, and you went and checked it out.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You found all the lovely people inside trying to help each other, then I.

[Crystal]

Didn'T need the other groups.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Well, the other ones, of course, are, you know, what do you need? When you got the best, you don't need the rest.

[Crystal]

And so many that are helpful in this group, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Really awesome people. No kidding, right? Yeah. That's excellent. I want to ask, though, at the hospital, did someone in the hospital or a family member, your brother or perhaps your stepmom, did someone direct you and say, hey, you've got to get help, or is that something you came to on your own?

[Crystal]

That's really something I came to on my own.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, awesome.

[Crystal]

And then when I saw the 918, I'm like, yeah, that's not good.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. So listen, I'M not your dad. Right. But I'm gonna tell you, I'm gonna tell you something, okay? Restricting your insulin is not okay. Don't do that. Okay. You're right to decide to eat differently because when you take in fewer calories and use the correct amount of insulin, if you eat the calories that you should in a day and take in the insulin, you're gonna lose weight. And it'll take a little bit of time, but it will, it'll work. I would also say obviously that keep going with like moving around, getting outside, walking, all really great stuff. Make sure you're drinking, you know, a fair amount of water.

[Crystal]

Yeah, I'm kind of bad at not drinking water.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

What do you drink when you're thirsty?

[Crystal]

Diet soda.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

All right, so no sugar in your drinks, right?

[Crystal]

No diet soda or tea. But sometimes a sweet tea.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. No sweet tea. Okay, listen to me. Don't drink sugar. Huh? Okay. Simple thing to do, don't drink sugar. That's going to help you. A lot, a lot of calories, a lot of sugar, a lot of need for more insulin. If you take in too many calories and you know you're, you're going to gain weight, so you're going to have to restrict your insulin a little bit. Look for foods that are easier to digest. I would mix those.

[Crystal]

Cereal isn't one crystal.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I haven't gotten to that yet, but please stop eating cereal. Okay? Yeah. What kind of cereal are you eating?

[Crystal]

Like the Rice Krispies, the sugar cereal.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Basically not good. Hard to bolus for lots of calories, lots of sugar. Right. What if we had. Do you like an egg? Have you had an egg ever?

[Crystal]

Hard boiled eggs?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You like a hard boiled egg? Have you ever, have you ever poached an egg?

[Crystal]

I haven't, but that actually sounds good a little bit.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

A low rolling boil, a splash of vinegar helps it stay. You crack the egg right into the water. Then you just, you decide how much you want the, the yolk cooked. You leave it in till it gets as firm as you want it. Take it out. Lovely. Salt, pepper, you're gonna love it. Okay. Scrambled egg, perhaps fried egg, even tiny bit of butter. I don't mind that. In the morning with some sort of protein, you know what I mean? Mix it with, I don't know, anything you like, really. You know, if you like bacon, have some bacon. You, you like a sausage, have a little sausage, chicken, anything at all like that. Try to stay higher protein in the morning like that. It'll help you lose weight, to give you energy. For the day. Won't be hard on your blood sugars. Do you like a salad? What do you have for lunch?

[Crystal]

Lunch is usually just pretty much a sandwich.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. What kind of sandwich you enjoy?

[Crystal]

Ham, roast beef.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Is that like a deli meats that you get from the grocery store?

[Crystal]

Yeah, like a Walmart.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. All right.

[Crystal]

And I'll put cheese on it sometimes.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Not bad. What do you. What do you. Bread. What kind of bread you like?

[Crystal]

White bread.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

All right.

[Crystal]

I know that one can cause your sugar to go up too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, but let's just make sure that we're buying white bread that doesn't have high fructose corn syrup in it. So you. You're gonna look on the label for no high fructose corn syrup. And that. That's extra added sugar that you don't want. And there are plenty of breads out there that you can get that don't have that. That would be a big help for you. And then what are you having with that sandwich?

[Crystal]

Usually I'll have like, some chips. I'm bad at having Pringles.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Pringles. Which ones you like, the red or the green?

[Crystal]

I like the sour cream one with the.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

The orange can. You're telling me. Yep, I hear you. Okay. Is there a world where I could have you replace the Pringles with maybe just a nice tortilla chip?

[Crystal]

That would probably work.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, of course it would. Just a nice simple tortilla chip. Gonna try to take some of the processing out of that of those Pringles. I mean, I. Listen, a Pringle's awesome. I know what you're talking about. It's crunchy and it's salty and it tastes. Yeahl zing from it, but not good for you. These are the things. You remove these things from your diet, you're going to use less insulin, you're going to lose weight, you're going to be in a completely different situation. And you know, how much weight would you like to lose?

[Crystal]

About 20 or 30. Nothing too crazy.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, well, listen, you'll never know where it lands. You know, when you adjust your. Your intake a little bit, you're going to use less insulin. And then, you know, you have no idea where. Where, where your body will kind of find its spot where it want. Once you're taking in kind of an appropriate amount of calories in the day. How about dinner? Your mom cook or your stepmom cook or do you cook?

[Crystal]

It does. Dinner kind of usually varies. How last night was beef stew.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay.

[Crystal]

Or we'll do like spaghetti some nights, homemade tacos.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

All right, all that sounds great. Do you know how to bullish for that stuff? You learning?

[Crystal]

Learning. And there's a process.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, it certainly is. It takes time to figure it out. Your stepmom helping you with any of this, or are you pretty much leaning on the people online?

[Crystal]

Pretty much just leaning to the people online, yeah.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Does she have any health issues, your stepmom? How old is she?

[Crystal]

I think she just turned 60.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, that's nice. Nice age. Did you have a party?

[Crystal]

No, just a stay at home day.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

How about a card? Did anybody get a card?

[Crystal]

I made her a card.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hey, that's very nice. Did you draw something on the front?

[Crystal]

I did, but nothing fancy. I'm not a good drawer.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I'm not either. I want to tell you very, very bad with the drawing. If people who are good at drawing are considered talented, I don't know what I'm considered. Not talented. At the very least, I'm terrible at drawing. I can barely write and read my own writing.

[Crystal]

When I'm done, I have that problem too. Then it's like, okay, what does that say? What did I write there?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, that happens to me a lot. I throw away a lot of notes, and the last thing I think was, huh, I wonder what that said.

[Crystal]

Do you use, like, a lot of whiteout?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, not anymore.

[Crystal]

But not anymore.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I used to. Do you use whiteout?

[Crystal]

I do all the time.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Awesome. I didn't even know that.

[Crystal]

When I was in school doing homework and stuff, I'm like, okay, that doesn't sound right.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Do you have a computer?

[Crystal]

I do. I'm in the process of trying to save up for another one, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. All right. How much do you think you'll need to get a new computer?

[Crystal]

500, 600? They're expensive.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

They are. They are. What do you use it for mostly?

[Crystal]

Mostly I'll play games, listen to the podcast, listen to YouTube.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Mm, gotcha. And reach out to people online. But in the Facebook group, too, I would imagine.

[Crystal]

And I'll watch Peacock and Hulu on here too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hulu. Do you watch that Murders and Only Murders in the Building show?

[Crystal]

Oh, I do.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. The new season just came out the other day.

[Crystal]

I actually just got Netflix. I started watching Wednesday.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh. I think there's two seasons of that available right now.

[Crystal]

I'm only on episode three.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Are you liking it so far?

[Crystal]

I am. She's interesting.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. No, no, she is. She's got a weird look. Right. All right. So, Crystal, you're doing a good job here for yourself. You're trying to get the pump. Like, how long till you think you're going to have a pump in hand?

[Crystal]

Well, I see her on the 23rd and she said she'll send a prescription in from there. I've talked to the pharmacy and they said it would only take three to five days to get to me.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, so this is going to be covered by your. What do you have Medicare?

[Crystal]

I do.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. And they're going to cover that.

[Crystal]

And then I'd have to set up training and all that.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. You're definitely gonna need training. They're gonna switch your insulin, you know, what's your fast acting insulin now?

[Crystal]

I'm on Humalog. I took Novolog a long time ago.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, well, Humalog will work. The Humalog will go into your pump and then there won't be any more of the Tujero. That'll be gone. You won't need that anymore, which.

[Crystal]

That'll be a whole lot easier.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, right. One insulin, the pump will take care of it. But now, you know, when you're using a pump, we don't want you back in DK ever again. Right. So, like, you. The pump can't run out. You can't go like, oh, I'll put another one on an hour or something. Like, you gotta keep your pump on, keep things going, Bolus your meals, keep pre bolusing the way you're doing. You know, always have that pump on. That's gonna be very important. Okay.

[Crystal]

Yeah. And make sure it doesn't like fall off or anything.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, right. You know, hopefully it'll stick to you nicely if you get the omnipod. And if not, like, if you have trouble with it, with your skin, you can get like overlap patches that help hold it down. If you go with the tandem, the control iq, it'll just be your infusion set. That'll have a little sticky on it. I don't. People don't normally have too much trouble with those.

[Crystal]

That'll help when I go swimming and stuff.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, exactly. Do you swim a lot?

[Crystal]

Very rarely, no.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Well, where would you swim in South Carolina?

[Crystal]

Pool. I got to a public pool yesterday.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I was going to say public pool or a lake or something. Are there lakes in South Carolina or are there alligators in those lakes?

[Crystal]

We've got a couple of lakes.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I don't know much about South Carolina. I've driven through it, but that's it. They do have that one thing out on the highway. The. The south of the border. Have you ever driven past that? I've driven past that a couple of times. Okay. Do you drive?

[Crystal]

I don't. Something I'm working on too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Trying to learn.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. That's awesome.

[Crystal]

Instead of having to ask people to take me to the doctor and all that.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Do you date?

[Crystal]

Actually, I am in a long distance relationship.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Are you now?

[Crystal]

We've been dating seven years. He lives in New York.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No kidding. How'd you meet?

[Crystal]

We met online actually.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Very nice. What's his deal? What's he do right now?

[Crystal]

He doesn't have a job. He's looking for a new one.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Mm. What did he do before Corrections? He was a corrections officer.

[Crystal]

Uh huh.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, interesting. Do you get to see each other in person ever?

[Crystal]

About once a year maybe.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No kidding. Do you think you'll ever move to be closer to each other?

[Crystal]

He's actually thinking about moving to Florida.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That's a little closer than New York. About.

[Crystal]

I don't even know how much closer.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, I'm going to say. I'm going to say about 500 miles come off the top. Then back in the day it's probably like 300 miles closer than not. It's probably a lot closer by car all of a sudden. You know.

[Crystal]

That'd be exciting and be very doable to come visit.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, of course. That'd be lovely. What are your goals around the diabetes? Like, where do you hope to put your A1C if and when you get it to a point where you're like, this is awesome. This is exactly what I was hoping for. Like, where do you imagine that being.

[Crystal]

The lowest my A1C has ever been was 7.5. I'd like to get it there or lower.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I think you put a pump on and you get good settings and cover your meals. I think A seven's very doable.

[Crystal]

Might have to like tweak the settings maybe a little bit.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I mean, along the way that's gonna. That's definitely gonna be true. You're gonna need to get, you know, the doctor's gonna have to help you get set up in a reasonable way. You'll see what's going on. Right. Like there might be times where, I don't know, you might like, you know, around your period, for example. Oh, you don't have a uterus. Do you get a period?

[Crystal]

I don't actually.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Awesome. That's good. Now people are jealous.

[Crystal]

I don't want one of those.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, nobody wants that. Do you get like a hormonal shift every Month. Even though you're not having a period?

[Crystal]

I do a little bit and I'm on birth control.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, so you do have that birth control for what? What's the birth control for? To help with the.

[Crystal]

Just for hormones.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Keep your hormones more stable. How long have you been on those?

[Crystal]

Since high school, I think. It's been a while.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Why did they put you on them originally?

[Crystal]

Honestly, I don't even remember I'm saying.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Crystal, why don't you talk to your doctor about that? Because couldn't that be. I mean, I'm not a lady, but couldn't the birth control help or be part of your issue with weight maybe. Hold on a second. I don't know. So I'm going to try to find out. Birth control can affect weight, but the relationship is more nuanced. Hold on a second. Water retention. Hormonal effects on appetite, estrogen and progression. And birth control can increase appetite in individuals, potentially leading to increased calorie intake. Small portion of users may see shifts in where their body stores fat like hips, thighs, breasts, due to hormonal changes. Most large, well controlled studies find little to no significant long term weight gain from birth control. Anyway, I would ask a doctor, I don't really know, but I would say, hey, I've been on birth control for 15 years or more here and I got to be honest with you, I don't have a uterus and my boyfriend's in New York. So is this a thing I need to be doing? Could this be part of my issue with my weight? Ask the question, see if you can get an answer from a doctor on that.

[Crystal]

Yeah, because I was just at the doctor the other day and she said I gained eight pounds.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I mean, what was her advice?

[Crystal]

The only thing she really pretty much only told me was stop eating cereal.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I mean, it's good advice, but it makes me wonder why she didn't wonder about the, about the birth control too. I'd wanna, I'd ask about that. If I was the doctor, I would, I would kind of dig into that.

[Crystal]

A little more because 8 pounds kind of seems like a lot.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

It is, right? I mean like 5% of your weight actually. So it's a, it's a big number for that. And did you change anything? You're using more insulin, right?

[Crystal]

Yeah, I'm using more insulin, just pre bullishing and I didn't really change much.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, so Crystal, I'm going to tell you this. I think like you said, if we, if you eliminate the cereal and you know, go with something like Something more natural in the morning. Like I said. Eggs, some sort of protein, like meat, you know what I mean? Bacon, sausage, I don't know anything like that. You know, try to stay away from bread that has a lot of sugar in it. So no high fructose corn syrup. Take a look on the label. Just make sure it doesn't say high fructose corn syrup in the the ingredients. Drink a little more water, keep going outside, moving around, walking, you know, finding exercise. But I would just try to cut sugar out of my diet. Sweet tea? No, you know, that's just.

[Crystal]

Yeah, not really healthy.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, it's empty calories and, and a lot of sugar you don't need. And more insulin because you're gonna have to bolster in it.

[Crystal]

I think I drink too many diet sodas. I'm like hooked on this.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, well listen, I prefer if you didn't drink too much soda, but over sweet tea, I'm choosing the diet soda over the sweet tea.

[Crystal]

Yeah. Other than sweet tea.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, yeah. I mean there's other stuff you could do. There's. Oh gosh, like there's like no sugar, like cranberry juice. I don't know if there's other things you might find that you enjoy. I don't know, you have to.

[Crystal]

I like those. I don't know if you've seen them, those starburst flavored waters.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I have not, but that does not sound like it's gonna be. Hold on, let's say, do they have sugar?

[Crystal]

Definitely zero sugar.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, well listen, anything, zero sugar I think is better than sugar for you.

[Crystal]

Uh huh.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You're telling me there are starburst waters, flavored water.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Hold on a second. Where do we live? Oh yeah, there it is. How about that Starburst ice?

[Crystal]

Yep. They're actually good.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I imagine they might be tasty. Strawberry, zero sugar.

[Crystal]

Okay, well got like four or five flavors I think.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Wait, how much are they expensive?

[Crystal]

A dollar and stuff at Walmart.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, I was looking at the Walmart right here. Hold on a second because I knew you said you went there. 12 pack. A 12 pack of variety. 17 ounces. 12 pieces. How much? Why won't you give me a price?

[Crystal]

You would think I would give you a price?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, you know, on it. Don't they want me buying? Oh, $24.

[Crystal]

Everything's gone up.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You're not kidding. So it's $2 a bottle. Well, you know what they say about water. Free. Yep. Yeah.

[Crystal]

And I prefer bottled water because I've got well water.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Does it taste like minerally it does. Yeah. Icky. A little icky. I hear you. Well, then, okay then. Bottled water it is. All right. Do you know what you're doing now? You have a good idea, a plan?

[Crystal]

I do. And hopefully that A1C will get down soon.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Listen, you're paying attention to it, Crystal. That's the biggest deal. Okay, so you're paying attention. You have a goal. You know what you're, you know, you know what you want to get done. You know, you've outlined all the smart ideas. Eliminating sugar and junky food from your diet. You're already getting outside, moving around a lot. You keep doing that. Do more if you can. You know, be careful. You know, as you're changing your diet, we don't want you to having a bunch of low blood sugars because you're using more insulin. You know, you're using the amount of insulin that you usually use with the. The junky food, and then you take it away. You, you know, you might see some need to adjust your, you know, your basal insulin if you're getting low or seeing lower blood sugars. So keep an eye on that. Talk to your doctor about it. I'd let them know, you know, the first time it happens, you know, you see a low, it's hard to deal with, and you've changed your diet, I'd call and say, hey, look, you know, I've cut some things out of my diet, but I'm seeing some low blood sugars. Do you think we should adjust my basil, you know, maybe my insulin sensitivity for corrections?

[Crystal]

One thing I'm trying to get better at, when you wake up in the morning and your blood sugar just rises. Foot on the floor.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. You get nervous in the morning. Adrenaline, excited. How do you feel in the morning when you wake up?

[Crystal]

I get, like, excited.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Yeah, to get the day going right.

[Crystal]

And then it'll shoot up. Then you're like, really?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Have you tried, like, waking up and giving yourself a little insulin right away?

[Crystal]

I have like 10 minutes before I wake up.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

How does that work?

[Crystal]

That's actually helped a whole lot. Better.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Good. Yeah. Just kind of get in the way of that rise with some insulin.

[Crystal]

I kind of freak when I see double arrows up, though.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I mean, listen, I understand you don't want that, but you don't have to freak out. Also, I think with either of the pumps that you're talking about, they both have automated systems that should help you with that. As that rise starts to occur, it should start pushing back even before you're awake to Push the button and ask for more. So that can help as well.

[Crystal]

Maybe I didn't even think of that.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I think you're gonna be in a much different situation in six months from now, you know, because you got a different focus, you're gonna have different tools. That should give you enough time to figure out, you know, your settings and how to use your pump and everything. And I think you're gonna be really pleased with yourself and all the work you've put in, you know, a few months from now.

[Crystal]

And it'll be a lot better than using shots.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

You prefer to get rid of the shots if you can.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. How many shots do you have a day usually?

[Crystal]

Right now it's three to four shots a day, but lately it's been more with corrections.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay. Yeah. Is that counting your basil or plus basil?

[Crystal]

The plus basil.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Three or four shots. Are you injecting just when you're eating meals?

[Crystal]

I do just before I eat.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Okay, but now you're starting to do more corrections for high blood sugars.

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That's a great idea. That's very good. You don't want to sit and stare at your. At high blood sugars. Right.

[Crystal]

And waiting for it to go down before I eat. That I'm kind of struggling with still. I'm used to just eating.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, well, listen, may I say something between you and I feel like we might be friendly now. I'll be honest with you. Okay. You're not working. Just, you know, chill out and wait. What are you busy? You know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just like, you know, I know it's tough, but find something to distract yourself with. Just don't get so distracted that you forget to eat.

[Crystal]

I've actually done that before.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, of course you have. Everyone has. I've made full plates of hot food and never touched it. You've ever done that? Ridiculous.

[Crystal]

And one day I went there to go lay down, and I'm like, oh, it's dinner time. I need to eat. And my stepmom goes, you don't remember? You already ate dinner.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No kidding.

[Crystal]

I'm like, wait, I don't remember any of that.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Were you just tired?

[Crystal]

I think I was just exhausted that day.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. You know, you're not gonna feel as tired when you get your A1C down. When your blood sugars are lower and stable and they're not fluctuating up and down all the time, you're gonna feel better. You really are. It's gonna change a lot of things.

[Crystal]

For you, and I won't almost faint. Like I almost fainted in church or Walmart once.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Wait, from low blood sugars or from high?

[Crystal]

From, I guess high blood sugars. That went really low when I was in the store.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, I see. Started walking around the Walmart and it crashed.

[Crystal]

Well, I was in the pet food aisle and I started getting dizzy. I looked, it was dropping. I go, oh, I'll feel fine. I get to the cash register and I only start feeling worse and almost passed out. And a nurse was right behind me.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

She help you out?

[Crystal]

She gave me a regular Coke.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Nice. What kind of pets do you have besides the cat? Were you there getting cat food?

[Crystal]

I was getting cat food. And I have two birds, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

What kind?

[Crystal]

Cockatiels.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh. Do they go in the same cage? Do they stay together? Do they have to be separate?

[Crystal]

They stay together. A boy and a girl.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Do they make any babies?

[Crystal]

Not yet.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

How long have you had them?

[Crystal]

It's been five years.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

They haven't made a baby yet? Nope. Are you sure it's a boy and a girl?

[Crystal]

I think not. 100% sure.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

How do you check?

[Crystal]

I don't even know.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Did you say cockatiel or. Cockatiel? Yeah, yeah, cockatiels. They're like. They get the little yellow. They're white, and they have a little yellow up on their head, right?

[Crystal]

Yeah. The boy, he is white with, like, blue. And the girl's really dark.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, she's dark. Oh, like a great. A green gray.

[Crystal]

Yeah.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Huh. My friend's mom had them, actually. He had diabetes too.

[Crystal]

Did he? I didn't know that.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

I know. Yeah. But do you think cockatoos heels give people diabetes? No. Probably not, right? No, I don't think so. Do you think people with diabetes just like cockatiels? Hmm. There's no way for us to know this. Okay. Do you have any questions for me or anything that you'd like to talk about that we haven't talked about so far?

[Crystal]

I don't.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

We did a good job.

[Crystal]

We did do awesome.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Oh, you were awesome. I was just okay.

[Crystal]

You're just okay?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. I mean, I did my best, but you were really the star of the show. You really. You really made things work, and I'm.

[Crystal]

Glad this phone works a whole lot better to understand me.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah, I know. Your headset. People don't know this because it was before we started working, but your headset, it sucked.

[Crystal]

Yeah. I need a new one.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

That what I tell you? I said throw that thing in traffic when you're done. There's nothing good about that thing. But now this worked out really well. You sound awesome and you were able to hear me okay, right?

[Crystal]

Big time.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. Okay, well. Well, I just want to tell you that I'm super happy that you found the Facebook group and those people and that they've been helpful for you. I'm really proud of you for taking control of your situation and already getting your A1C down as much as you have. I really do think that if you keep on the path you're on and stay focused the way you are, that you're going to learn a lot of new stuff over the next couple of months, and I guarantee you, you're going to have an A1C in the sevens when you get that pump.

[Crystal]

That'll be awesome, too.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

It's really going to be wonderful for you. I hope it sincerely hope that it helps you with some of your other issues. I think it's definitely going to make you feel better, give you more energy, mental clarity. I hope that you're able to give the magnesium oxide and the digestive enzymes to try, because I'd like to see you not have so much stomach pain, especially when you're eating right. And I'd like to see you go to the bathroom every day. Everybody should poop every day.

[Crystal]

I know, right?

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. They say everybody poops, but they didn't meet you, Crystal. You know what I mean?

[Crystal]

Yep.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

Yeah. You seen that book Everybody Poops?

[Crystal]

I have. It's been a while.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

No, it's because it's a kid's book. All right, well, Crystal, I'm gonna thank you for doing this and say goodbye, but I really appreciate you doing this. Will you hold on one second for me?

[Crystal]

All right.

[Host (likely Dan or a similar host name)]

All right, hold on one second. Let me hit stop. Okay. Where is stop? Oh, it's in the same place it always is. Right there. Today's episode was sponsored by Skin Grip and Skin Grip. They understand what life with diabetes is like and they know how infuriating it can be when a device falls off prematurely. They don't want that to happen to you. Juice Box podcast listeners save 20% off of their first order when you use the link skingrip.com Juicebox links are also available in the show notes of your podcast player and@juicebox podcast.com head now to tandom diabetes.com juicebox and check out today's sponsor, Tandem Diabetes Care. I think you're going to find exactly what you're looking for at that link, including a way to sign up and get some started with the Tandem MOBI system. This episode of The Juice Box Podcast was sponsored by usmed usmed.com juicebox or call 888-721-1514. Get started today with us med links in the show notes links@juicebox podcast.com I can't thank you enough for listening. I'll be back tomorrow with another episode of the Juice Box Podcast. If this is your first time listening to the Juice Box Podcast and you'd like to hear more, download Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Really any audio app at all. Look for the Juice Box Podcast and follow or subscribe. We put out new content every day that you'll enjoy. Want to learn more about your diabetes management? Go to juiceboxpodcast.com up in the menu and look for Bold Beginnings, the Diabetes Pro Tip Series and much more. This podcast is full of collections and series of information that will help you to live better with insulin. If you're looking for community around type 1 diabetes, check out the Juice Box Podcast. Private Facebook Group juice box podcast type 1 diabetes but everybody is welcome. Type 1 type 2 gestational loved ones it doesn't matter to me. If you're impacted by diabetes and you're looking for support, comfort or community, check out Juice Box podcast type 1 diabetes on Facebook. I am here to tell you About Juice Cruise 2026. We will be departing from Miami on June 21, 2026 for a seven night trip going to the Caribbean. That's right, we're going to leave Miami and then stop at Coco Cay in the Bahamas. After that it's on to St. Kitts St. Thomas and a beautiful cruise through the Virgin Islands. The first Juice Cruise was awesome. The second one's going to be bigger, better and bolder. This is your opportunity to relax while making lifelong friends who have type 1 diabetes. Expand your community and your knowledge on Juice Cruise 2026. Learn more right now@juicebox podcast.com JuiceCruise at that link you'll also find photographs from the first cruise. The episode you just heard was professionally edited by wrong way recording wrongwayrecording.com.