Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes
Episode #1659 — "Pressure Makes Diamonds"
Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Chapman, pediatric nurse and new Type 1 diabetic
Episode Overview
This intimate episode explores the intensely personal and practical aspects of living with Type 1 Diabetes, both from the fresh perspective of Chapman, diagnosed in May 2024, and through the host’s characteristic warmth and humor. Chapman’s story weaves together his expertise as a pediatric nurse, his sudden diabetes diagnosis at age 29, and the simultaneous arrival of his premature son. The conversation dives into family health challenges, managing diabetes during high-stress life events, adaptation to technology, and the emotional landscape of new parenthood with a chronic illness. Through vulnerability and humor, the episode offers relatable strategies for coping and thriving with diabetes amidst life’s pressures.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Chapman's Background and Diagnosis
- Nursing Career: Chapman is a pediatric nurse in Charlotte, NC, working in anesthesia screening for pediatric surgery cases.
- Diagnosis Story: Symptoms (weight loss, frequent urination, paresthesia) began in January 2024 but were overlooked due to stresses of a high-risk pregnancy. Diagnosis confirmed May 8, 2024; son born May 11, 2024.
- Autoimmune Family Background: Both Chapman and his wife have autoimmune disorders; this shaped both diagnosis anxiety and family planning.
Notable Quote:
“All mine is behind the scenes of surgery… My team is responsible for getting the patient to surgery day.” – Chapman (03:53)
Timestamps:
- Diagnosis Journey: [06:36–12:29]
- Autoimmune Family History: [09:29–10:30]
2. The Realities of Being Diagnosed Amid Life Upheaval
- Juggling Crises: Facing diagnosis, becoming a first-time dad, and managing a premature birth—all in one week.
- Self-Care Deferral: Chapman confessed his own symptoms took a backseat to his wife’s risky pregnancy, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Notable Quote:
“I was worried about my wife and my unborn child… Looking back now, it wasn’t really at the forefront because… are we going to make it to the due date?” – Chapman (08:58)
Timestamps:
- Diagnosis and Birth Timeline: [10:48–12:50]
3. Entering the Diabetes Community as Both a Provider and Patient
- Professional Preparedness vs Reality: Chapman felt “75% prepared” because of his nursing background, yet found practical T1D management at home is very different from inpatient settings.
- Education Gaps: Fat rises, extended boluses, and the lived reality of highs and lows were not covered in his previous professional training.
Notable Quotes:
“When I was diagnosed, I could just go into nurse mode… and help take care of my wife and my baby.” – Chapman (19:55)
“Fat rises—that was something that I was not ready for…extended boluses for high fat meals, that was really difficult for me.” – Chapman (20:15)
Timestamps:
- Transition from Nurse to Patient: [17:08–20:15]
- Learning Gaps: [19:55–22:28]
4. The Importance of Community & Support Systems
- Beyond Medical Teams: The podcast, peer groups, and online communities were pivotal in coping with “the unknown.”
- Advice to New Patients: Find support networks early—whether online, through educators, or family peer groups.
Notable Quotes:
“You’re not alone… The community is massive… and so willing to help. It’s unlike any other community around…” – Chapman (22:28)
“Even just solace, knowing that someone is going through the same problems… That was huge for me.” – Chapman (24:33)
Timestamps:
- Support Systems Discussed: [22:28–25:22]
5. Living With the “Honeymoon” Phase and Diabetes Tech
- Current Rollercoaster: Chapman's honeymoon phase (fluctuating insulin needs, variable BGs) continues to be unpredictable and emotionally taxing.
- Tech as Saviour: Switching from MDI to an insulin pump (Tandem t:slim X2) with Dexcom G7 made management more bearable, reducing both mental and physical strain.
Notable Quotes:
“My basal needs change every single day… a fluctuation of 30, 40 units difference day by day is huge.” – Chapman (28:39)
“Now that I’m on the pump, it’s made things a lot better for me mentally and physically.” – Chapman (37:27)
Timestamps:
- Technological Transitions: [27:46–31:01], [37:27–38:22]
6. Diabetic Parenting: Fear and Vigilance
- Parenting Fears: Chapman describes heightened vigilance around lows, especially when alone with his baby.
- Hypervigilance: Always keeping fast-acting carbs on hand and pre-planning activities for safety.
- Family Diabetes Worry: Both parents being auto-immune makes them extra watchful of their child’s symptoms (e.g., checking blood sugar when their baby is very thirsty).
Notable Quote:
“The fear of something bad happening with me having a low… carrying him down the stairs and I’m low… that’s kind of a hard thing to manage.” – Chapman (31:18)
Timestamps:
- Parenting & Diabetes Anxiety: [31:11–35:18]
7. Mental Health & the COVID-Nursing Experience
- Origin of Anxiety: Chapman’s severe work-related anxiety began during COVID, within weeks of starting his nursing career. Stress is speculated as the trigger for his T1D onset.
- COVID’s Lasting Impact: The trauma of working as a new nurse through the pandemic, in the designated pediatric COVID unit, left deep marks.
- Pump Relieved Anxiety: Automating insulin delivery offered crucial mental “ceiling space” to focus on family and marriage.
Notable Quotes:
“Three weeks after I started as a nurse, COVID hit… that mental strain… just took a toll on me.” – Chapman (59:41)
“Having some help with the pump… was so helpful… just a little bit of that weight lifted.” – Chapman (56:40)
Timestamps:
- Work-related Stress/Anxiety: [32:19–33:50], [57:45–60:55]
8. Reflections on Education, Uncertainty, and Moving Forward
- No ‘Perfect’ Diabetes Education: Chapman and Scott agree there’s no secret info or magical system fix.
- The “Why” Craving: Not knowing why the honeymoon is unpredictable is the hardest part; Chapman wishes medical education addressed this more (though Scott laments that sometimes “there is no answer”).
Notable Quotes:
"The unknown is... I guess, especially if you're an anxious person too. That part sucks." – Scott (56:25) “Pressure makes diamonds, my friend.” – Scott (60:55)
Timestamps:
- Education Gaps and Uncertainty: [25:22–29:24], [55:44–56:25], [60:55]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Pregnancy and Diagnosis Collide: “I get diagnosed on May 8th. Baby comes on May 11th.” – Chapman (10:48)
- Relatable Nurse Humor: “Are kids just hilarious coming out of anesthesia?” (02:54) “Oh, my gosh. It’s one of the funniest things you can experience.”
- On Being Out of Insulin: Scott shares a detailed story about handling a pump failure and giving corrections, underlining the complexity and stress of diabetes management. (40:57–48:13)
- On Support: “That was huge for me, going through some of that stuff.” – Chapman (24:50)
- Podcast Impact: “Listening to Bold Beginnings really helped me when I was just in a panic state… That series was incredible for me.” – Chapman (54:32)
- On Anxiety and The Pump: “Having something taking off my brain, just a little bit of that weight lifted, was so helpful.” – Chapman (56:40)
- Adapting to Uncertainty: “I just want the honeymoon to be over so I can have some sort of understanding of what to do.” – Chapman (48:59)
- Host’s Summation: “Pressure makes diamonds, my friend. There you go. You sound like one.” – Scott (60:55)
Key Timestamps
- Chapman's Diabetes Diagnosis: [06:36–12:29]
- Preparing Families for Surgery (Nursing Role): [02:46–05:00]
- Pregnancy, Autoimmune, and Family Health: [09:29–10:30]
- Parenthood + MDI Diabetes: [12:50–14:20]
- Professional Preparedness vs. Reality: [19:55–22:28]
- Importance of Community Support: [22:28–25:22]
- Managing the Honeymoon via Tech: [27:46–31:01], [37:27–38:22]
- Diabetic Parenting Anxiety: [31:11–35:18]
- COVID, Mental Health, and the New Nurse Story: [57:45–59:55], [59:41–60:33]
- Reflections on Uncertainty/Education: [55:44–56:25]
- Closing and Podcast Recommendations: [53:44–55:45]
Additional Insights
- Support System Foundation: Chapman's wife’s resilience and their shared determination helped pull them through a joint crisis; he describes her as “so gracious and so strong.”
- On Med Tech: Chapman is very satisfied with tandem t:slim X2 and Dexcom G7, acknowledging minor frustrations as a worthwhile trade for the control they provide.
- Work/Life Impact: Early COVID experience colors everything, giving Chapman a sense of perspective: “We got through that. We can do pretty much anything.”
Conclusion
This episode stands out for its deeply honest look at what it means to endure and adapt to a chronic illness in the midst of personal upheaval. Chapman’s story is marked by resilience, humor, and a drive to understand not just the “how” of diabetes management, but the emotional “why.” The host and guest highlight the critical value of information, support, and technology in living boldly with insulin, but are equally frank about the uncertainties and all-consuming mental burdens the disease and its “honeymoon” bring. The episode’s tone is candid, compassionate, and quietly inspiring—encouraging listeners to seek community, stay adaptable, and find pride in “pressure making diamonds.”
Related Resources Mentioned:
- Podcast Pro Tip Series & Bold Beginnings: For new diagnoses and foundational diabetes management [54:14]
- Juicebox Podcast Community and Website: Peer support and further information