Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1672 – Balls of Steel
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Taylor, father of a 3-year-old with Type 1 Diabetes
Date: November 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode features Taylor, a 30-year-old father navigating the early years of managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in his young son, diagnosed at age two. The conversation explores the shock of diagnosis, strategies for adapting family life, learning to trust oneself with diabetes management, and the ongoing emotional and practical challenges unique to parenting a toddler with T1D. They also discuss GLP-1 medications for adults, overcoming stigma in healthcare decisions, and offer encouragement and advice to others facing a new diagnosis.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family and Diagnosis Backstory

• Taylor’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with T1D about a year ago after classic symptoms.
• Type 1 isn’t entirely unfamiliar; Taylor’s cousin also lives with the condition.
• The family is tight-knit, with frequent interactions with grandparents and extended relatives.

“We’re not gonna let this bring us down. It’s just another thing. We’re gonna keep going, take care of him best we can.” – Taylor [10:21]

Timestamps & Discussion:

• Diagnosis & First Signs [06:13-08:51]

  • Classic symptoms (frequent urination/drinking, mood swings) masked by toddler behavior.
  • Discovered at a routine pediatrician’s visit, confirmed via urine test.
  • Prompt hospitalization and significant emotional impact: disbelief, worry, and anxiety.

• Family Medical History [04:06-05:37]

  • Wife has PCOS, possible thyroid concerns prompted by the podcast discussion.
  • Extended family with history of autoimmune issues and another T1D case.

2. Emotional Rollercoaster & Parenting Through Trauma

• Taylor describes compartmentalizing emotions during crises, with feelings hitting later when relaying info to family.
• The practical and emotional support between him and his wife is highlighted.
• Parenting goals have shifted to focus on self-sufficiency for his son.

“I clammed up. I couldn’t speak. And then it all just kind of hit me there in the lobby once I actually had to tell someone else…” – Taylor [10:16]

3. Adapting Practical Diabetes Management

• Initial management: Multiple Daily Injections (MDI), challenging with a toddler.
• Transitioned to Omnipod 5 insulin pump, bringing relief and more normalcy to daily life.
• Use of Dexcom for blood-glucose monitoring and integration with Omnipod.
• Family learning curve: Grandparents trained to support, but Taylor and his wife take most responsibility.

“He can just keep doing what he’s doing and we can just, you know, dose from the phone and let him be.” – Taylor [11:14]

Timestamps & Insights:

• Highs and Lows Management [18:38-21:08]

  • Lows are infrequent ("1% or less" time in very low range).
  • Correcting lows can lead to rebound highs due to overcompensation.
  • Taylor and his wife are learning to adjust doses and trust the timing of treatments.

• Communication and Technology [22:06-23:52]

  • Heavy reliance on text messages and remote monitoring.
  • Appreciation for technological advances compared to earlier years of T1D management.

4. Navigating Family Life Post-Diagnosis

• Family routines have shifted to accommodate diabetes management–particularly for overnight stays with grandparents.
• Taylor emphasizes the importance of integrating T1D into daily life instead of letting it take over.

“We’re very family focused. So I wouldn’t say it shifted my perspective there…you’re just blending this diabetes into how you were living before.” – Taylor [13:24]

5. Empowerment, Learning, and Being “Bold with Insulin”

• Taylor underscores the importance of confidently adjusting insulin and other settings, rather than relying only on endocrinologists.
• Scott and Taylor agree: Success in diabetes is about involvement, education, and the willingness to make and adapt changes.

“The people who do well have two simple things in common... a desire to understand and to be involved... and the confidence and the knowledge to change their settings.” – Scott [30:56]

• Continuous learning through the podcast and other resources has played a crucial role in Taylor’s family’s journey.

6. GLP-1 Medications, Stigma, and Adult Health

• Taylor and his wife both considered using GLP-1 medications (e.g., Mounjaro, Zepbound) for weight loss and potential PCOS/metabolic benefits.
• Wife experienced adverse effects at higher doses and discontinued use; Taylor contemplates starting, but faces stigma and mental hurdles.
• Scott encourages reframing medications as valid tools, not signs of failure, and shares his own experiences with GLP-1s.

“All I can tell you is... you're not going to care about any of that [stigma] when you're clutching your heart and going to the floor 25 years from now... It's all bull, Taylor.” – Scott [51:38]

7. Advice to Newly Diagnosed Families

• Taylor’s message: Don’t be afraid to “be bold with insulin” and adjust settings as needed.
• Self-reliance is critical: “You know your child better than your endocrinologist... give yourself more credit.”
• The Juicebox Podcast and its community can be an invaluable support system.

“Just let them know, like, it's gonna be fine. Use this podcast as a tool. You can figure it out. It's gonna be all right.” – Taylor [59:49]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Parenting a Toddler with T1D:
  “I’m convinced that parents with small children could be terrorist negotiators for the most part.” – Taylor [21:08]

• On the Emotional Impact of Lows:
  “Once I’ve seen that 28 come up, my eyes just popped out of my head – like, holy crap.” – Taylor [64:34]

• On Stigma and GLP-1 Use:
  “I guess just a ridicule from others. It's like, well, why don't you just do this?” – Taylor [49:45]

• Episode Title Moment:
  “To put it bluntly, having the balls of steel when you’re like... just literally have to... like you’ve said. I don’t remember how you word it, but like, you know what's going to happen. Just like, wait for it to happen.” – Taylor [62:19]

Important Timestamps & Segments

| Timestamp | Topic/Quote | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:18 | Taylor introduces himself; early diagnosis and family context | | 06:13-08:51 | Diagnostic journey and family reactions | | 10:16 | Emotional breakdown after diagnosis – when it finally "hits" | | 11:14 | Benefits of Omnipod 5 in managing a toddler | | 18:38-21:08 | Handling highs, lows, and overcorrection | | 22:06-23:52 | The role of technology in modern diabetes management | | 30:56 | Scott’s two principles for T1D management: involvement and confidence | | 51:38 | Scott dismantles the stigma of GLP-1 medications | | 59:49 | Taylor’s motivation for sharing his early diagnosis story | | 62:19 | “Balls of steel” moment during a daycare low |

Tone & Language

The episode balances lightheartedness, warmth, and pragmatic encouragement. Taylor is honest, open, and relatable—highlighting both the challenges and the victories, giving hope to families in similar situations. Scott provides support, guidance, and gentle humor while underlining practical knowledge and emotional resilience.

Summary

"Balls of Steel" is a candid, uplifting, and informative account of a family’s first year managing T1D in a very young child. Taylor and Scott dissect parental fears, celebrate progress, explain practical strategies, and demystify adjustments, all while encouraging listeners to engage fully, stay educated, and trust themselves. Listeners are reminded they are not alone, and that with community, technology, and the right attitude, life with T1D can be woven into a vibrant family routine—without letting it take over.

“Just let them know, like, it’s gonna be fine. Use this podcast as a tool. You can figure it out. It’s gonna be all right.” – Taylor [59:49]

For more support, practical strategies, and relatable stories, visit: JuiceboxPodcast.com