Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1676: Eli's Vibe
Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Eli, High School Junior with Type 1 Diabetes
Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a candid conversation between host Scott Benner and Eli, a 16-year-old junior in high school who has been living with type 1 diabetes since age 13. The discussion dives into Eli’s personal approach to diabetes management, the challenges and insights gained through adolescence, family support, social dynamics, aspirations in the medical field, technology integration, and advocacy. Eli’s positive, adaptive, and proactive mindset—his “vibe”—is a central theme, providing an inspiring lens on living well with diabetes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Diagnosis Journey & Early Reactions

• Diagnosis Story: Eli was diagnosed at 13 (April 1st—April Fool’s Day), after his parents noticed he was thirsty, cranky, and lethargic post-ski trip.
• Initial Family Reaction: No prior family history, so diabetes was completely new. Diagnosis was confirmed after concerns were raised during a routine physical ([08:53]–[09:40]).
• "Coming to Terms": First real struggle was the first family dinner at home post-diagnosis, eating sushi led to high blood sugars and feelings of the permanence of diabetes.

  “I remember talking to [my mom] about how there’s actually no way to go back now...I probably assumed it was going to change more than it actually did.” — Eli ([10:55])

2. Personal Identity, Social Life, and T1D

• Identity & Disclosure: Type 1 is not the first thing Eli shares about himself, though he doesn’t hide it. Close friends know quickly; to strangers, he prefers trust before disclosure ([05:58]–[06:52]).
• School Environment: Credits his small, community-oriented school for nurturing deep, long-term friendships and thoughtful perspectives on relationships ([07:10]–[07:52]).
• Sports & Activities: Active in football (receiver and DB) and track; uses sports as a motivator for health and diabetes management ([16:23]–[17:07]).

3. Attitude and Family Support

• Positive Mindset: Sees T1D as making him “unique” and opening up opportunities, such as understanding his health better than most peers ([13:33], [13:47]).
• Parental Support:
  • Mom assists with carb counting and pre-bolusing, especially at home.
  • Dad manages supplies and tech, changes pods when needed ([43:27]–[44:07]).
  • Parents' kindness and values deeply influence his outlook ([18:17]–[19:11]).
• Independence: Fully self-manages at summer camp, appreciates parents’ help at home, and values autonomy when out with friends or socializing ([44:52]–[45:43], [46:49]–[46:56]).

4. Navigating Stereotypes and Misunderstandings

• Addressing Stigma: Faces typical questions about sugar intake and “what caused it.” Responds with patience and empathy, recognizing he also misunderstood T1D pre-diagnosis ([25:21]–[25:46]).
• Stereotypes: Aware that some people may have preconceived notions about diabetes, but chooses to “be ahead of it” by living positively and educating others ([23:24]–[24:17]).
• Future Outlook: Hopes to keep a sense of humor about repetitive questions over time ([26:05]–[26:13]).

5. Perspectives on Technology and AI

• Technology Integration: Uses Dexcom G7 and Omnipod; credits tech for aiding his management ([08:28], [39:22]).
• AI in Diabetes: Optimistic about AI’s potential in healthcare and diabetes management, such as device automation and improved clinical support ([32:42]–[33:38], [39:22]–[39:56]).
• Responsible AI Use in School: Describes strict school policies against AI for assignments but values its utility for studying and comprehension ([34:59]–[36:14]).

6. Advocacy and Community Engagement

• Advocacy:
  • Active in Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) advocacy: raised ~$18,000 through fundraising, became a Youth Ambassador for the Mid-Atlantic Champions Program ([55:17]–[56:16]).
  • Motivated by leadership opportunities and desire to foster education and community support for T1D.

7. Aspirations & The Medical Path

• Wanting to Become an Endocrinologist: Inspired by his own doctors and personal experiences; completed a MedStar endocrinology internship ([40:02]–[41:20]).
• STEM Strengths: Leans toward science and math, motivated to be hands-on and patient-centered ([41:23]–[42:14]).

8. Resilience—Canoeing Adventure Story

• Defining Adversity: On a Canadian backcountry canoe trip, Eli’s Omnipod PDM failed and backup couldn’t be activated—a scenario not anticipated. He switched to manual injections, adapting quickly despite the added hardship ([57:10]–[60:57]).

  “There were talks about having to use a seaplane to evac me, but I said that I wanted to do this. I’m like, there’s no way you’re taking me out of this trip.” ([58:53]–[59:07])

• Team Support: Highlighted how friends and staff stepped up, which “made it possible to not completely lose my mind.”

9. Social Topics: Relationships, Generational Differences, and Substances

• Dating & Disclosure: Not currently dating, but anticipates being upfront about diabetes in future relationships as intimacy grows ([30:19]–[30:57]).
• Peer Observations: Sees balance between performative and authentic relationships among peers ([31:03]–[31:42]).
• On Gen Z Stereotypes: Acknowledges technology’s impact, views older generations’ worry as (mostly) misunderstanding ([32:22]–[32:42]).
• Parties & Substances:
  • Alcohol and weed most common at parties; no hard drugs witnessed ([52:15]–[53:08]).
  • Parents proactive about alcohol education and diabetes, incorporating advice from his endo ([54:06]–[54:41]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Relationships & Disclosure:

  “I feel like I would talk mostly about that I play sports, that I love people that are funny… [Type 1] is not something I’m afraid to share.” — Eli ([05:58])

• On Managing Social Perceptions:

  “Avoiding misunderstanding is what’s going to help see a bigger picture that I’m trying to achieve… trying to be the best person I can, despite my situation, and not letting other people’s actions define who I am or what I do.” — Eli ([24:07], [21:50])

• On Family Support:

  “My mom will text me when I get out the shower and say… dose 80 or dose 25 for a piece of toast or whatever breakfast… takes a little bit of stress off me.” — Eli ([43:27])

• On T1D Making Him Unique:

  “I don’t think of it as a negative thing at all. It makes me unique. So that’s how I like to think about it.” — Eli ([13:33])

• On Technology:

  “I think that anything automated is definitely getting further along within medical ideas. The incorporation of AI is only going to take that so much further.” — Eli ([39:56])

• On Adversity During Camp Trip:

  “They let me continue on the trip. There were talks about having to use a seaplane to evac me, but I said… there’s no way you’re taking me out of this trip.” — Eli ([58:53])

• On Handling Pressure:

  “I don’t get phased by pressure.” — Eli ([63:14])

• On Generational Gaps & Tech:

  “Our generation is extremely different... but I think we’re going to learn how to integrate [new tech and AI] better than anyone else.” — Eli ([32:22]–[32:42])

Segment Timestamps & Highlights

| Timestamp | Topic | |---------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:37 | Eli introduces himself and initial feelings | | 05:12 | Diagnosis timeline and family reaction | | 08:53 | How diagnosis manifested and first days | | 10:55 | “Coming to terms” with lifelong T1D | | 13:33 | T1D’s positive impact on uniqueness and knowledge | | 16:23 | Sports, nutrition, and the drive for health | | 21:20 | Why Eli wanted to share his story | | 23:24 | Addressing stereotypes and misconceptions | | 32:42 | AI, technology, and generational view | | 39:22 | AI’s role in diabetes tech and future | | 40:02 | Aspiration to become an endocrinologist | | 43:27 | Family’s role in daily management and pre-bolusing | | 44:52 | Independence at summer camp | | 55:17 | Fundraising and advocacy (Breakthrough T1D/JDRF) | | 57:10 | The Canadian canoeing trip adversity | | 63:14 | Handling pressure, optimism, and future goals |

Tone and Style

The episode is warm, thoughtful, and lightly humorous, sustained by Scott’s easy rapport and Eli’s articulate, upbeat candor. Eli’s sincerity shines in his willingness to explore uncertainty, acknowledge challenges, and actively turn adversity into opportunity.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Living well with type 1 diabetes is possible with community, support, technology, and resilience.
• Family and school culture play huge roles in how young people adapt to chronic conditions.
• Openness, humor, and a proactive mindset can help dispel stigma and empower individuals and their peers.
• Advocacy and leadership can start early, and personal challenges can inspire broader community impact.
• Today’s youth are hopeful and pragmatic about technology’s role—both in healthcare and broader society.

Final Thoughts:
Eli’s “vibe” is cool confidence mixed with grounded self-awareness. His story is full of practical insights, encouragement, and actionable hope for families and young people facing diabetes. The episode is a must-listen for its authentic look at adolescence, support systems, and building a bold, positive relationship with type 1 diabetes.