#1676 Eli's Vibe

Summary

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

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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.

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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]).

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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])

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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 |

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Hello friends and welcome back to another episode of the Juice Box Podcast.

[B]

Hello, I'm Eli. I'm a junior in high school living with type 1 diabetes.

[A]

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. Nothing you hear on the Juice Box Podcast should be considered advice, medical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before making any changes to your healthcare plan. I've got my morning routine down and now I'm optimizing my nighttime routine with AG1. This episode of the Juice Box Podcast is sponsored by AG1. Learn more at drinkag1.com Juicebox later in the episode I'm going to tell you about AG1 and AGZ Z like sleep. You got it. This episode of the Juice Box Podcast is sponsored by Omnipod5. Omnipod5 is a tube free automated insulin delivery system that's been shown to significantly improve A1C and time and range for people with type 1 diabetes when they've switched from daily injections. Learn more and get started today@ omnipod.com juicebox@ my link you can get a free starter kit right now. Terms and conditions apply and eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions can be found@ omnipod.com juicebox Today's episode of the Juice Box Podcast is sponsored by the Dexcom G7 and the Dexcom G7 warms up in just 30 minutes. Check it out [e-mail] Juicebox hello, I'm Eli.

[B]

I'm a junior in high school living with type 1 diabetes.

[A]

How old are you?

[B]

I'm 16 right now.

[A]

Nice. I want everybody to know that we do a little preamble before we start the podcast. I say things I should probably do it one time so People know, but I ask some questions. Make sure you don't have any questions. I love the way young people do it. You have any questions? No, I'm good. You sure you and. Yeah, I'm fine. Sometimes people get on, they're like, well, I'm a little worried about this and I'm wondering about that. And I'm like, it's just a podcast. We're not moving everyone to Mars. Like, it's going to be okay. So it doesn't need that much attention. Eli, that's very cool of you to do this. I appreciate it. What made you want to come on the podcast? How'd you find out about it?

[B]

I was introduced to this podcast by my parents because they, they heard about it probably through Instagram or Facebook. And yeah, they told me about the podcast and figured like, I didn't know that it could be an opportunity, but I reached out knowing that hopefully my story would be interesting and worth sharing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, I'm happy to be on here.

[A]

Very cool. Tell me a little bit about you being 16. Your parents come to you and say like, hey, I found a podcast I want you to listen to. You don't just immediately think they must be out of their mind. There's no way you're going to listen to the podcast that they want you to.

[B]

Yeah, well, I'm not really a big podcast listener, which maybe you could expect. I feel like this podcast is different because, well, obviously it's something that I'm very passionate about, I care about and something I live with. So it definitely like made me more interested in this podcast and I spent time listening to some episodes, especially the Noah Gray episode because I play football.

[A]

So. Okay.

[B]

I just started listening to it and it's really interesting. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, that's awesome. It's nice of you to take your parents suggestion to heart too, and not just assume that they must not know what they're talking about. But yeah, young people aren't listening to podcasts, right?

[B]

No, it's not really a big thing between. At least between me and my friends.

[A]

I wouldn't imagine what you guys do. YouTube more. What do you.

[B]

Where do you get your like, mostly YouTube, Instagram, TikTok. The basic social media is now the.

[A]

Core social media that you old people don't know about. I'm going to show off for a second. I have a premium YouTube account. I use YouTube so much that I don't want to watch the ads and it's worth $20 a month for me not to do it.

[B]

So that's how I feel about Spotify. I listen to music all the time, so it's definitely worth having ultimate unlimited skips and no ads.

[A]

Yeah, no, I'm with you. Okay. So how old were you when you were diagnosed?

[B]

I was diagnosed when I was 13 years old in April of. I think it was. It'd be 2021 or 2022. Yeah.

[A]

I love that. You don't know. It's kind of awesome.

[B]

I mean, it's obviously. I know what day it was actually. April Fool's Day, which is a little bit ironic within itself, but.

[A]

Yeah, well, that's why you know that part.

[B]

Yeah. But I know that I've been a type 1 diabetic for four years, but it's not always the first thing I'm always thinking about when it comes to. It's part of my identity, but it's not what defines who I am.

[A]

Yeah. So, Eli, if you and I met somewhere, let's say I was at. I don't know, what'd you say you were? 16. Yeah, let's say I was a cute 16 year old girl. We're playing acting now and we're out somewhere and I'm like, oh, hey, Eli, tell me about yourself. What would you tell her?

[B]

I feel like I would talk mostly about that I play sports, that I love, people that are funny. I don't know at what point I'd mention that I'm a type one. I think once I get to know them a little bit more and I can trust them a little more. But it's not something that I'm afraid to share.

[A]

Okay. What do you mean, trust? Why would it take trust to share with them that you have type one?

[B]

Well, I feel like a lot of people don't really know what type one is. I mean, they've obviously heard about diabetes, but they don't know. And that could either lead to, like, awkwardness between us, especially if, like, I want a relationship to foster, but I feel if I'm able to trust them that that relationship would foster either way, no matter what I tell them. So them being able to understand what type 1 diabetes is or not and give me the opportunity for like, teach them about it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then I think that adds a lot more.

[A]

You just talked about fostering a relationship. Are your parents therapists?

[B]

No.

[A]

Where did that come from?

[B]

I don't know. My school is big on kind of community engagement, so I feel like I'm surrounded by a lot of people trying to build personal connections, I guess.

[A]

Wow. And it's sticking to You.

[B]

Yeah, definitely is.

[A]

It was pretty awesome. Just now, you're like, you know, we're trying to foster relationships. I'm like, what is this kid? What's going on here? So you think that that's your. I'm sorry, I know this is probably not what you thought we'd talk about, but you believe that your, your school is helping you to think more deeply about personal relationships?

[B]

In a way, they encourage community engagement. And it's a smaller school, so I've been in this with the same friend since like kindergarten, so I've definitely had a lot of time to. It gives the school, gives me opportunity to get to know people a lot.

[A]

I see. Okay, so you have some long held close friends that you've had for a lot of years?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Those people know all about your diabetes?

[B]

Yeah, I would say anyone who I know for like more than a day knows about my diabetes, either because they ask about my alarms or they see my dex calm on my arm and then at that point can't really avoid it.

[A]

But if you have some romantic interest in that person, then you think it would. It would take longer. I know it's a weird word, but it would take longer for you to share that stuff.

[B]

I think it'd be the same. It depends. Like if they. If they notice it before it would come up in a conversation.

[A]

Yeah. So you wouldn't make any effort to hide it?

[B]

No, definitely not.

[A]

Okay. Do you have devices or are you mdi? How do you do your diabetes?

[B]

Yeah, I have a Dexcom G7 that I normally like to keep on my arm. And then I have the omnipod that I normally like to keep on my stomach.

[A]

Okay, let's go back to being diagnosed. So I like that you're not exactly sure how old you are, but you were probably 13ish. And do you recall how it manifested? How were you sick? Did your parents noticed something about you? How did all that work?

[B]

Yeah, I remember it was right after spring break for us, for my school, and we went on a ski vacation to Vermont. And I remember always being extremely thirsty. That was one of the first things that always sticks out to me that I remember. Obviously I didn't know that could be a sign for type 1, but I would always go to the bathroom. And then my parents noticed that I was always kind of cranky and lethargic and they at first assumed that's just what a normal teenager is going to be. But I went for my physical and we mentioned this to the doctor and they took my blood sugar and did all those tests. And I remember later that day I was playing Minecraft with my friends on my computer in seventh grade or sixth grade, and my dad comes in and tells me, can you hang up the phone? Can we talk about something? And he tells me, basically the news that I could be a type one and that we have to go to the children's hospital, which is a hospital around us. And I went there on March 31 and then spent the night into April 1 in the hospital.

[A]

Did that ruin Minecraft for you?

[B]

No. I mean, I don't really play much anymore, but then if you had, like.

[A]

A bad experience with it, now you're like, oh, geez.

[B]

It's kind of more of a funny memory because, like, it cannot be more unrelated.

[A]

Do you wonder, you're too young to wonder, like, if your dad stood outside of that door and thought, like, when am I going to say this to him? Like, how's he going to remember this? Or if he just. He just blasted and he was like, oh, we gotta go, you have diabetes.

[B]

He's definitely as, like, nice about it as he could be. Like, he. Because he also didn't really know too much, like, about it at that point. Like. And like, neither did either of my parents. So.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

They were kind of going through it the same way I was.

[A]

I see. When is the first time you think? It wasn't in that moment, but when do you think you start, I don't know, coming to terms with the idea that something happened and it's not going to go backwards. It's going to be like this now.

[B]

Yeah. I remember it was the first night I came back from the hospital and my grandparents came over and we were all eating dinner. And this was before I got all of my. It's before I had a pump and I did have a Dexa on my arm, but so I was able to continuously, like, see my sugars. But we had sushi for dinner, which wasn't probably the brightest, especially because my numbers still weren't 100% in range or in control. And I remember the sushi didn't help, that I skyrocketed. I remember pricking. And I went for a walk with my mom after just the talk. And to help, because we read that that would help lower blood sugar. And I remember talking to her about how there's actually no way to go back now. And I think it took me. It didn't take me long to realize how much my life was going to change, but I probably assumed that it was going to change more than I actually did.

[A]

Your worry was bigger than the reality.

[B]

Yeah. Like thinking about it now.

[A]

Yeah, but it.

[B]

I think it makes sense because I didn't really know anything about it at the time.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

I had. I didn't have really any friends that were diabetic, so.

[A]

Right. No, you just kind of all new to me. Imagine the worst. But, I mean, it's a good takeaway that, you know, not to worry too much until you really know what it is you're worrying about. Right. Like, it's.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I'm saying? Yeah. How long have you been listening to the podcast?

[B]

I haven't even listened to the podcast for too long. But as soon as I found out about this opportunity, I listened to the Noah Gray podcast and I tried my best to listen to as many as possible.

[A]

But do you like more management stuff or you like conversations with people that you find interesting?

[B]

I think conversations with people are more interesting because. Especially people that are older than me, because I get to see either how they handled it when they were my age or as they got older. So it gives me a sense of what I'm going to have to do when I get older.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. No, that makes sense. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

[B]

I do. I have two younger siblings. I have a younger sister, and that's a freshman in high school and a younger brother who's in seventh grade.

[A]

Any of you have other autoimmune issues besides type 1 diabetes, like Celia? No. No thyroid?

[B]

None of us do. And I don't know that anyone in my family really did either.

[A]

Okay. You're not related to anybody who has type one that you know of?

[B]

No.

[A]

Yeah, both sides. Mom's side, Dad's side?

[B]

Yeah, both sides. My entire family. There was no medical history of type 1.

[A]

Does that make you feel alone in ways or how does it strike you?

[B]

I don't know. It makes me feel special. Like, I don't think of it as a negative thing at all. It's being. It makes me unique. So that's what I. That's how I like to think about it.

[A]

Explain to me the parts of your personality that allow you to think of this positively.

[B]

Well, it gives me more opportunities, the benefit, especially, like I noticed within my health and understanding nutrition, I feel like a lot of people would never really understand how carbs and sugars kind of work with your body the same way that I will.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think that gives me an advantage when I'm trying to eat healthier or when I'm working out. I feel like I understand. My body reacts to certain things more than other people would.

[A]

Why do you care about that though, at your age? You know what I mean? Like, you know other kids, like that's not a thing everybody would care about. Today's episode is brought to you by Omnipod. We talk a lot about ways to lower your A1C on this podcast. Did you know that the Omnipod 5 was shown to lower A1C? That's right. Omnipod 5 is a tube free automated insulin delivery system and it was shown to significantly improve A1C and time and range for people with type 1 diabetes when they switched from daily injections. My daughter is about to turn 21 years old and she has been wearing an Omnipod every day since she was four. It has been a friend to our family and I think it could be a friend to yours. If you're ready to try Omnipod 5 for yourself or your family, use my link now to get started. Omnipod.com juicebox get that free Omnipod 5 starter kit today. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions can be found@ omnipod.com juicebox the Dexcom G7 is sponsoring this episode of the Juicebox podcast and it features a lightning fast 30 minute warmup time. That's right from the time you put on the Dexcom G7 till the time you're getting readings. 30 minutes. That's pretty great. It also has a 12 hour grace period so you can swap your sensor when it's convenient for you. All that on top of it being small, accurate, incredibly wearable and light. These things, in my opinion, make the Dexcom G7 a no brainer. The Dexcom G7 comes with way more than just this. Up to 10 people can follow you. You can use it with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. It's covered by all sorts of insurances and this might be the best part. It might be the best part. Alerts and alarms that are customizable so that you can be alerted at the levels that make sense to you. Dexcom.com juicebox links in the show notes [e-mail] to Dexcom and all the sponsors when you use my links, you're supporting the production of the podcast and helping to keep it free and plentiful.

[B]

Well, I care about my health a lot obviously, and I know that being in shape is obviously important. And I play sports, I play football and I run track. So keep myself like at the best performance level that I Can be. Makes me not only feel better but helps me perform.

[A]

How long have you been playing sports? Since you were little?

[B]

Yeah, my entire life.

[A]

Which ones do you prefer? Like if I took all them away except one, which one would you keep?

[B]

Football for sure.

[A]

Football. What position?

[B]

Yeah, I play receiver and db.

[A]

Okay. You're lean, you can run. Yeah, yeah. What else does your body style, like impact, like lean into? Basketball, what else do you do?

[B]

No, definitely not basketball. I'm a little bit shorter, but I'm a sprinter so I'm pretty fast and I feel like I have good hands. I can catch well.

[A]

Yeah. You don't mind the hitting?

[B]

No, I like it.

[A]

You like it?

[B]

It's fun. Yeah. That's what makes football football and not.

[A]

Any other sport is getting to like smack somebody.

[B]

Yeah, it gives me a chance to take out some pent up from frustration.

[A]

Would you prefer to catch a ball and get hit or watch somebody catch a ball and hit them?

[B]

That's a good question.

[A]

Yeah, right. Because there's the excitement of catching the ball and the idea that you could score but you're going to get popped. Or the other side of it where you get to kind of take out your frustration on somebody so good, which.

[B]

Is better, I think I like catching and then hopefully getting a chance to score. I mean, I like being control. So if I got the ball in my hands, then I can hopefully either dodge that hit or make a play.

[A]

It's actually very telling about your personality. It all lines up with your personality.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're young, you don't know that yet, but we'll figure it out as we go. Why are you so nice? I end up asking people this all the time. Did your parents do an incredibly good job? Are they missionaries? Why are you so thoughtful at 16?

[B]

Well, my parents have always taught me being nice is the best way to go through life. There's no why wouldn't you be nice when you can be even when you're frustrated, it's just important that like being nice is the top priority because that will only take you further in life. You would so much rather be friends with someone who's nice or have a connection with them or a long term relationship if they're nice than if they're mean. Which seems like it's common sense, but you're actually applying that every day is a little bit more challenging.

[A]

Yeah, but how about your brothers and sister? Is anybody a problem or like you got like. You know what I mean?

[B]

No one's a serious problem. I mean, we get into Our fights and stuff, like every sibling pair does. But I don't feel like any of us are a serious problem.

[A]

If I asked them about being kind, you think they would say something similar?

[B]

Yeah, definitely. Yeah, I think especially my sister would say would care so much about being nice. My brother, who's a little bit younger, is still a little bit more hyper, but he, like, he definitely thinks the same way as I do.

[A]

Okay, all right. Do your parents model this to you? Like, do you see your parents being similar? Are they kind people in general?

[B]

Yeah, definitely. My mom, she's probably the nicest person, so I've never seen her be mean to someone else when in any case, really?

[A]

Not even to your dad?

[B]

Well, I feel like that's different.

[A]

It is different. Do both of your parents work or no?

[B]

Yeah, my dad, he works kind of within the government and the patent office. And my mom, she's a elementary school teacher.

[A]

Oh, your mom's a teacher. Okay, all right. All this makes sense now. All right, I'm good. What makes you want to come on the podcast? Like, what did you think when you thought, like, there's an opportunity here? I can. What? You all know that I drink AG1 every morning, so I'm excited to let you know about something new from AG1. It's called AGZ. AGZ helps to improve your sleep quality and supports the central nervous system. Not only does it help with your sleep quality optimization, but it will help you to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. This episode of the Juice Box podcast is sponsored by AG1. And if you're interested, check out AG1 and AGZ with my link drinkag1.com juicebox start taking your sleep seriously with AGZ head now to my link drink ag1.com juicebox to get a free welcome kit with the flavor of your choice that includes a 30 day supply of AGZ and a free frother. A frother? What is that like a whisk? Drink ag1.com juicebox to find out what a frother is. And did you know that AG1 now comes in different flavors? It does for in fact, original citrus, berry and tropical drink. AG1.com Juicebox links in the show notes links@juicebox podcast podcast.com this podcast, I don't know.

[B]

It made me feel like that I can share my story that I know people might benefit from. Like, I know the podcast is directed towards families that either just are going through diagnosis, are looking for advice, and I know that I feel like I live with it for a Decent amount of time now. And I feel like that it's definitely affected my life, but I feel like it's important to share how and that it could actually end up helping people. And this is one of the best ways to kind of get that out there.

[A]

Okay, Eli, then what's your story?

[B]

I feel like my story is just trying to connect all, like, aspects of my life and to just building my character to, like, what I want it to be and knowing that I'm in control. So I feel like my story is surrounding. Trying to be the best person I can, despite my situation, and not letting, like, other people's actions define who I am or what I do.

[A]

Yeah. Are there specific actions from others that come to mind when you say that?

[B]

I don't know. I can't really name any specific things that people might say or do, but it's more of a collective either opinion. Like, a collective opinion on me or something that I identify as. As a whole kind of. Or a community that I'm a part of, kind of not letting, like, a stereotype define me.

[A]

Yeah. You want. You ready for a deeper question?

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Do you think that's how some people think about you, or do you think that's your concern about what they're thinking?

[B]

I think it's different from person to person.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That some people will think will just categorize. For example, all diabetics is people who couldn't manage themselves or lost control of their eating, which obviously that could be because they're uneducated in the genre. But I also think that with some people that I want to impress more, I will be more conscious of how they think of me versus how they think of something like a category that I'm a part of.

[A]

Okay, so you're worried that people will have preconceived notions of you before they even meet you or get to know you.

[B]

Yeah, well, I wouldn't say that necessarily. Worried about that. But always in the back of my mind, especially when I'm maybe introducing myself and I'm like, what does this person know about me already? What do they know about how I act and how I feel?

[A]

Or what do they misunderstand about diabetes that they're going to apply to me now.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

And so you live your life in a way that that becomes less possible because you're out front with concern for your own health, positivity, activity, and. And sharing with people. So you. You kind of try to be ahead of it, to take away their opportunity to misunderstand.

[B]

Yeah, I think that. Yeah. Like, avoiding misunderstanding is what's going to help see a bigger picture that either I'm trying to achieve or trying to talk to them about, I guess.

[A]

Is it frustrating to have to do that? Because without diabetes, would you really need to do that?

[B]

I feel like not to the same level. So in a sense that's frustrating. But I feel over time, I've definitely learned how to deal with it when talking to people and how certain people will react, especially people that I've known for a longer time when something happens and I know how they'll react to it versus someone I've never talked to before. And I kind of have to start with basics, and they ask questions about my diagnosis or what are signs that I might be diabetic. And it's kind of more basic when it comes to teaching people. But people that I know, I feel like I've learned how to adapt to their questions or their reactions.

[A]

Do they mostly have the same questions and reactions?

[B]

Like, the same questions and reactions to people that don't know?

[A]

Are the things that you run into out in the world, whether it's with your friends or with people you don't know, Are the things that you hear repeated, like, over and over again, or do you sometimes hear new questions?

[B]

Yeah, every. I feel like there's a lot, like, a basic set of questions that everyone asks, especially when they first learn that I'm diabetic. And normally it comes with like, and I'm sorry first, like, I'm sorry for you. And then it will follow with questions about, like, what was your diagnosis? Like, can you eat sugar? Very. Like, basic questions that someone who's uneducated and diabetes would ask.

[A]

Yeah. Does that bother you that people ask you that over and over?

[B]

No, especially because I tried to understand where they're coming from. I might have been the same way before I was diagnosed. I could have been thinking the same stereotypes about old diabetics. So I can't always put a blame on them. It's not necessarily their fault.

[A]

Yeah. What do you think? 10 years from now, 20 years from now, you'll say, do you think you'll be like, no, it's okay. I would misunderstand too. Or do you think you'd be like, I'm sick of this.

[B]

I feel like eventually I'll get sick of it, but I'll try to turn into, like, good humor. Like, either I'll make a joke out of it or try to make people laugh or either, like. Like, push their buttons a little bit.

[A]

Yeah, I gotcha what did you enjoy about Noah Gray's interview?

[B]

He gave great advice related to life with football, and I've definitely tried applying it to my life with football. And he also gives good advice on how to deal with it kind of socially because he talked. He talked about his diagnosis and his experience in the hospital. And that in a way, kind of connected to mine because he didn't. His entire family didn't really know what was going on in the same way that happened to my family.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So it felt nice having to, like, a connection, you know?

[A]

This is interesting. I'm going to ask you a couple of questions that are going to seem odd, but stick with me. Okay. Are you or your family particularly religious?

[B]

We're Jewish. We identify as Jewish and not super religious, but it's definitely part of our identity.

[A]

Oh, Eli, this is even more interesting now. Wait. Wait till you see where the rest of my questions go. When you think about the interview you listen to with Noah, do you think of it as being particularly a religious conversation?

[B]

I remember some of his convers. Some of his answers were related to God and Christianity and having trust in God, which is a little bit different for me. But I think that it's just so. I feel like someone else's opinion, like, who am I to judge about that? And I still listen to it, and I listen to what else he has to say also and try to pick apart what other important information he shared.

[A]

I think this is awesome. And I love that you brought him up organically and we got to talk about it, because I also thought his conversation was really good. I loved how I thought he was talking about being active with type one and giving, like, real life examples and being honest. Like, you know, when he says, for instance, like, you know, if the game goes into overtime, I might be in trouble a little bit because his system really works for four quarters of football. Yeah, yeah, that kind of stuff. And at the same time, I heard back from some people that were like, wow, that guy talked about God a lot. And I thought, oh, I didn't, like, really notice. I mean, I did not notice that. I'm not an idiot. Right. But, like, I never, like, when I was talking to him, I never thought like, oh, it seems like a sermon. And at the same time, I don't have any religious holdings, so, like, you know, but I'm also like, you, like, I just think everybody should just do the thing that they like. Yeah, I'm a pretty live and let live person, but it's interesting to hear you. There was part of Me that wondered. You're kind and you're thoughtful and for your age especially. And I kept thinking, like, oh, well, the reason he liked Noah, the reason he brought it up, is they're probably both Christians and he probably really related to what he was saying. But then when you talked about what you found important about his conversation had nothing to do with that. You blew my mind a little bit.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I see. Yeah, I understand what you're saying. Thank you for those compliments. But I feel like what he had to say was more valuable relating to type one more than anything.

[A]

I agree. Yeah, I think so too. But that's really great to hear. And you don't have to thank me for the. It's just a conversation. I mean, if every time I say something awesome to you, you thank me, it would just be you thanking me for an hour because I'm awesome constantly. Eli, you said you like funny people. Am I one of those people or. Not particularly to you, no.

[B]

Yeah, you're pretty funny. I'll give it to you.

[A]

I appreciate it. I don't know where, like, how young. I don't know where my stops working. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah, I don't know. I haven't been able to pick up on much, so you must be doing a good job.

[A]

Awesome. Good. Thank you. Are you the funny person in your group or is there somebody else?

[B]

I'd like to think I'm one of the funnier, but I think my friend group as a combination is pretty hilarious.

[A]

Yeah. That's awesome. When I made up earlier that, you know, you were talking to some cute girl, did an actual person pop into your head?

[B]

No.

[A]

No. Interesting.

[B]

You're putting me on the spot here, but no.

[A]

Yeah. Are you dating?

[B]

Not right now, no.

[A]

Do you want to.

[B]

It's on my mind, but it's not something that's a top priority.

[A]

Okay. Have you thought about how that will integrate diabetes will integrate into your dating situation when it starts to happen? Is that like a outfront concern or thought for you right now, or is that not something you're worrying about?

[B]

I feel like it's. It's definitely not a concern, but I feel like getting to more like intimate relationships. I feel as if it'll be more important to bring it up because obviously I'll be with them more so they would be surrounded by more that bet they'll have more questions and giving them more explanation and have them have a better understanding will only add more.

[A]

Do a lot of your friends have girlfriends and boyfriends or is that not a thing at your age right now?

[B]

A couple of my friends do.

[A]

It's.

[B]

I mean, it's a. It's definitely a thing in high school, but some people do, some people don't.

[A]

Yeah. Do you think it's really about relationships or do you think it's more like social and just having that being, you know what I'm saying? Do you think it's like, I don't mean performative, but maybe I do. What do you think? Like, do you think some people are just like, I want to have a boyfriend or a girlfriend and it's a thing I show off, or do you think they actually enjoy the time they're spending together?

[B]

Probably depends on their relationship.

[A]

But def.

[B]

Some are definitely. I feel like performative is a good word to use for that. I feel like some relationships are a bit more performative, but then also some people actually do really like or love their partners. So.

[A]

Yeah, you see it going both ways.

[B]

Yeah, definitely.

[A]

Gotcha. When you hear older people talking about your generation and they feel worried about them, do you know what the hell they're talking about? Older people are worried that you guys are on your phones too much, that you know, your self confidence lacks, that your people are more depressed at your age now, like all these things that you hear talked about in the Zeitgeist, I feel like I could use Zeitgeist with you. You seem like a pretty smart kid. Like all these things that are kind of out in the world and everything, do you think those are real concerns or do you think that's just old people looking back and seeing and misunderstanding who you guys are as a whole?

[B]

Yeah, I think there's definitely some misunderstanding because our generation is extremely different. Definitely with technology, other generations didn't necessarily get AI. We're not necessarily behind or kind of screwed, but I think we're going to learn how to integrate better than anyone else, which is going to be kind of the best advantage we're going to get.

[A]

You brought it up, so I'll keep going with AI. When you think about AI, do you think, oh, it's going to kill us all?

[B]

No, definitely not. I think AI is a great thing. It probably helps so many people, not just within school, but I know there's integration into health and AI is taking over the world, but not in a bad way.

[A]

So if I said to you I could easily bring on some person here to tell you that we're going to have to build more data centers and knock down trees for power plants and we're going to need way more electricity. And is that not a thing you would think about? Probably, yeah.

[B]

I mean, I don't know 100% how AI works, but I mean, I know it's horrible for the environment. So obviously that's a concern, especially with global warming. Warming. But over time, there's going to be better ways to integrate it and people are going to learn how to make it more environmentally friendly.

[A]

Okay, see, that's what I wanted people to hear a young. I wanted them to hear a young perspective because I'm an older person. But, like, it's a big bet to make. Right. Thinking globally. But I generally believe that too, that, you know, things improve and we tend to figure out how to mitigate the bad parts of them as we go. Like, part of me thinks that sitting here saying, like, well, AI is going to, like, ruin everything. Like, I'm sure there was somebody back then, like, with a horse who was like, this car is going to ruin everything. You know what I mean? Or this thing is going to. It changes it for your perspective on the planet and on life, because you're going to run into something too one day. It sounds crazy, man, but like, 20 years from now, something's going to happen and you're going to be like, I'm worried about this. And if you can step back far enough, you'll realize it's just different than what you're expecting. You're. A lot of your worry and concern will be for nothing most of the time. But it doesn't mean it's not worth thinking about or again, trying to, like, plan for, you know, or mitigate somehow to go back to just the idea of using it. You're 16. My daughter is now in college. Right. And she had a professor tell them her class the other day. I know you're hearing people say, don't use AI it's cheating, but you better be using it. And I want you to use it. How is it being talked about in high school?

[B]

For my school, it's a very strict no policy related to writing essays for us or direct copy and pasting from ChatGPT into homework assignments.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

But there's definitely some uses for it to help study or if there's a concept I don't necessarily understand. After a longer or harder class, I'll go home and I'll have it explain it to me at a simpler level until I can understand it that the class wants me to. And maybe it'll help me make flashcards for finals or any vocab quizzes. So there's definitely some uses, but the schools are pretty strict on. At least high schools in my area are pretty strict on using it to submit homework or write essays for you. They don't want AI doing the work. But using AI to help you get to do the work, I think is okay.

[A]

I think that's the balance we're looking for too. And do you succeed at that or do you use it and quote, unquote, cheat?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I definitely don't cheat because they'd catch us and the consequences would 100% not be worth it. But I feel like I do a good job of integrating it into my study.

[A]

Okay, that's awesome. And do you think that that's generally speaking, everyone's opinion, or do you think there are a lot of people using it incorrectly?

[B]

I think there's some people using it incorrectly, but I know most people are using it just to help them study and kind of do the same things that I'm trying to do with it.

[A]

That's what you're hearing from friends. You don't have a lot of friends who are like, oh, my God, I found a way around that. I'm cheating. Like hell with this thing.

[B]

Well, there definitely are some things like that where people use it to make shortcuts. But I know none of us, I can speak for most people, none of us use AI to directly submit.

[A]

Yeah, work. When I was in school, there were things I was good at and things that I wasn't and the things that I wasn't. That I wasn't good at. Apparently talking is one of them. But the things that I weren't. Why can't I find the connecting or. Anyway, the things that I struggled with, I would have just skipped. I wouldn't have taken the time to, like, cheat. And I wonder if, like, even that isn't valuable for somebody. Like, you know, I would have just taken a poor grade. Like, I wouldn't have cheated to get, to get better. But maybe now people are going to be like, look, I don't really understand this, but I can ask this thing a couple of questions. It's going to tell me the answer. Like, hopefully they'll read it. Maybe it'll bring them a little closer to it. Even the, maybe even the poor side of this might have some benefit. I have no idea. It also could end up being a crutch for people and they, they don't learn a damn thing because they're not actually learning anything. But again, like you said it a couple of times, this one already. Like, I Think that's going to be a person to person outcome? It's not. It's not going to be the same for everybody.

[B]

Yeah, definitely.

[A]

Eli, do you have any pets?

[B]

I do. I have a dog.

[A]

I'm watching right now while I'm talking to you. I don't know how much of this you listen to, you know, but I have a couple of chameleons. I have a blue. I'm banja, panther chameleon. And he eats so strangely, most of them just like they, you know, the tongue shoots out and they grab the bugs. Yeah. So, you know, I have one tongue shoots out, grabs the bugs, chews it up, swallows it, he's done. I have another one. She's an assassin. I don't even know if she chews, honestly. But the third one, the blue ambanja who I got from Fram's camps, who ironically has a type 1 connection, but that's neither here nor there. He grabs the bugs and then squeezes them in his mouth and holds them for such a long time before he chews them up. And it's so. I just want to say, it's so creepy. And right now he has a hornworm in his mouth. It's the big green worms that you might see on a tomato plant. I don't know where you live. You maybe never saw a tomato before. He's just pinching it and just looking around the room to make sure that nothing's going to murder him while he's trying to eat. If I had five seconds where I could, like talk to this thing and it would. It would believe me and it could understand me. You know, if I had a magic wand kind of a situation, I'd be like, dude, tell me why. Why do you do that? Like, why don't you just eat the damn thing? I just want to know so badly. Like, he's just eyeballing me and squeezing this worm. It's not great. He's very pretty, though, so. And he's active and he's fun to watch. Nevertheless, that's not what we're talking about. I actually want to talk a little more about AI. Do you have anticipation that it's going to be involved in your diabetes care moving forward?

[B]

I think 100%. I think that there's already some. I don't know if it's technically AI, but the ability for the dexcom, talk to the pump and then the pump understand what the dexcom is showing, then using that information to then autocorrect for me or adjust my basal embolus I think that's very interesting and that might not technically be considered AI, but I think that anything automated is definitely getting further along within medical ideas. And I think the incorporation of AI is only going to take that so much further.

[A]

Right. What do you want to do when you grow up? I was going to say grow up, but you're pretty grown up. But what do you want to do when you're out in the world?

[B]

I'm actually interested in being an endocrinologist.

[A]

Are you?

[B]

Yeah, I think that's something I would love to do.

[A]

Is that since your diagnosis or.

[B]

Yeah, definitely. I, I had no interest in many things. Like I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up, but once I got diagnosed it kind of slowly crept into like the back of my mind.

[A]

Yeah, no, I mean you were playing Minecraft before you were diagnosed. You're just, you were, you were building a thing for your cows. You weren't really.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So what's the experience that you've had that's moved you towards that?

[B]

Having a good endocrinologist myself is really something that kind of gave me an idea and then kind of slowly understanding more about how an endocrinologist can help others. And that's something that I'm really interested in. Over time I've spent like last summer I did some research in a lab, kind of. I did like an internship with MedStar related to endocrinology and while I was kind of held back, they wouldn't let me do too much with patients. I was able to sit in on some doctor's appointments and it really gave me more perspective on what being an endocrinologist is like and it only inspired me more to want to be one.

[A]

How are you with your STEM stuff? Science, math? You good.

[B]

I feel like I'm more of a STEM guy than I am a humanities. So it's that. That plays into it.

[A]

Okay, that's good. So it leans a little more into your, into your strength. Yeah, yeah, yeah. How did you end up with the opportunity with MedStar?

[B]

I have a friend whose mom kind of has connections to MedStar, so that. And then just like reaching out through emails and talking to research like heads and MedStar and that slowly just integrated me into finding the right person to talk to.

[A]

So that's awesome. Do you think you're very interested in the hands on part of medicine or do you think you're more back room?

[B]

Definitely. I feel like the backroom stuff, I know it's not always avoidable. But I feel like that can be more boring. And the fun part is actually talking to patients, seeing, like what their lives and answering their questions.

[A]

Yeah. Well, this is exciting because I think you might be exactly the kind of person we need. You're thoughtful, but you're not having trouble communicating how you think and feel, which I think maybe I don't want to be insulting, but, like, I think sometimes there are some doctors who struggle in the communication portion. Yeah, you could be a good balance of those things that, that's, it's exciting to hear what is your experience been with your physicians and your outcomes? So I want to know, you know, you're three years into this. I guess I should just ask you, like, what's your A1C? What are your. What's your variability like?

[B]

Yeah, my A1C is at a 5.5 last May, which is, I know, is pretty good. And I think that I, I attribute a lot of that also to my parents and kind of all my doctors that especially like my endocrinologists who whenever I need an adjustment to my ratio, my insulin, carb ratios and all that stuff, like, he's pretty on top of it. And my parents are obviously the biggest help in the world. So.

[A]

Yeah, so the doctor's good about keeping your settings moving with your needs, which is awesome. And yeah, when I find when people struggle, it's mainly because their, their settings aren't keeping up with what their needs are. And then your parents are very involved. What does that mean?

[B]

My mom has always helped me carb count, especially like when I'm at home and let's say for breakfast. I have a pretty similar breakfast every day, but sometimes I'll have a bagel and my mom will text me when I get out the shower and say. And tell me dose 80 or dose 25 for a piece of toast or whatever breakfast is, whatever she made for me that morning and allows me to dose before I eat to give a little bit of time for that insulin to start working. And it just takes a little bit of stress off me. And same thing with my dad, who's always on top of the equipment, like getting, Making sure I have the right equipment and I'm not running out of supplies. And he always helps me change my pod if I, if I need help with that.

[A]

You're aware that they're doing those things because they tell you they're doing them or you are aware of those things needing to be done and you're seeing that it's being facilitated and handled by them. You know, What? I mean, like, are they like.

[B]

Yeah, well, both. Because. Well, I don't know all the background stuff with my dad kind of talking about getting supplies, but he tells me, he explains them to me and then I. Obviously I see both of them always helping me, like dose the right amount or. Yeah, tell me what to do. Yeah.

[A]

Without all that pre bolusing, you're not getting an A1C in the fives. I'm assuming you eat like a regular kid.

[B]

I mean, I try to eat healthier, but I'm conscious about it. But I'm not on a keto diet.

[A]

Okay, what level is your Judaism? Are you eating differently on the weekends for religious reasons? No, not. Not to that level.

[B]

Yeah, not that level.

[A]

Okay. Could you do it by yourself?

[B]

Yeah, I'm very independent when it comes to, when my parents are around. They, they love, like, they help me as much as they can, but I went to summer camp for seven years, but I was diagnosed for only three of those years, and that's without my parents. I go for eight weeks, I'm in the middle of the woods, and I'm fully self sufficient when I go up there. The first year there was. It was like probably three or four months after I got diagnosed. So I had a little bit more help from the nurses and the staff, but by the time I got to my last year at camp, I was kind of doing everything myself.

[A]

Okay, but you were willing to admit that your mom and your dad with the pre bolting the pre boll sing like that really does take a level of. Of concern away from you, is that right?

[B]

Yeah, and it's just. It takes a. Also like a level of thought, like high school is a lot. And also diabetes adds a lot more like complex situations and having just something in the morning when I'm worried about a test that I have first or second period or a big homework assignment that I forgot to do last night, Just having them take that little bit of thinking off my mind just helps so much.

[A]

You don't mind being told. I mean, for lack of a better phrase, you don't mind being told what to do, being led?

[B]

Yeah, well, when it comes to this stuff, I trust my parents. Obviously, when I have people that don't really know much about diabetes trying to tell me what to do, and I know that I know more than them, it does get a little bit of. A little bit frustrating. But I feel like there's rare situations because I feel like most people are good at recognizing when they're a little bit out of place. And telling me how to manage myself.

[A]

Yeah. So a couple years from now you're out with that girl that we made up and your mom texts you and says don't forget the bolus extra for popcorn. You're not going to be like, oh my God, like lady.

[B]

Well, I probably would because. Well, as soon as I leave the house I don't get texts from my parents at all about my diabetes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I'm. I'm completely self managed just only when I'm around the house and they're there to help me. They do an amazing job.

[A]

How did they figure out the pre bolting thing? Is that from doctor, is that from me? Is that like from experience? Where did they figure out that out?

[B]

At first it was definitely from doctors, but then over time I think experience was the best thing that they learned from because I like to keep my breakfast kind of consistent, for example, and they'll see how my body reacts. And I know, let's say before I go to my finals week, every morning I'll have the same breakfast because I know how my body will react. And my parents have figured that out to the science basically.

[A]

So.

[B]

But I feel experience has helped them the most within that.

[A]

Okay. Yeah. Did they have any background in, in diabetes or is it just that they threw themselves into it and figured it all out?

[B]

Yeah, they threw themselves in and figured out this. I mean that first year, I mean it was just probably just straight learning. So they didn't. Yeah, we had, we didn't know anything about it really.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Before I got diagnosed.

[A]

Awesome. It's really, it's lovely of them to put their effort into it like that. Do you think your siblings are at all concerned that they might get type one one day?

[B]

I don't know. I haven't talked to them much about it but I hope that they would not be concerned at all because they see that I'm a normal kid. It didn't completely change like who I am. So hopefully that will give them confidence that no matter if they get diagnosed or not, that it won't Change their life 100%.

[A]

Yeah. Do they treat you differently or. No.

[B]

Still get blamed for everything and yeah, there's not really been a change in.

[A]

That they don't treat you differently. That's great. Do you think that there is any resentment from them that you get your parents attention so much?

[B]

Probably not because. Well, my parents do a very good job of making sure they don't put me at the center of the attention always.

[A]

So.

[B]

Especially because I feel like I. If they need to. They know I can self manage myself as. As much as I need.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so they can spend equal amount of time with all of us.

[A]

I'd be so interested to ask your siblings that question.

[B]

Yeah. I wonder, I wonder what they would say.

[A]

Yeah. They'd be like, oh, my God, they're always talking to him about something.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

My mom doesn't even look at me. She just looks at him. Are you the oldest, too?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're the oldest and you're a boy. They probably already hate you, you know what I mean? Because they're probably, oh, mom thinks he's a prince. But you get older and you find out. I was just, I'm bringing it up for fun, but also because I think as you get older, you should be aware of that to some degree that no matter how balanced your parents are, at some point it's possible that your siblings are going to just see like, oh, we were always talking about diabetes. Yeah. And it's going to. Even if it's not true, it could feel that way to them. Yeah. It's a little thing from me to you. Just keep an eye on it. Don't worry about it. Although you don't seem like a worrier about anything.

[B]

Yeah. No.

[A]

You don't have any anxiety, right?

[B]

No, I've got like a goldfish mentality. If something bad happens, learn from it. Move on or forget about it.

[A]

Move on. So your mom's not anxious?

[B]

She's definitely more anxious than me or my dad, but I think that's just because she cares, which makes sense.

[A]

Is she just like a mom anxious or is she like.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, I think it's definitely a mom anxious thing.

[A]

Not like a, I think mom should take a pill. Not that level.

[B]

Yeah, no, no.

[A]

Gotcha. All right. How old are your parents? Do you know?

[B]

They're Both in their 50s.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

My mom's in her 40s, my dad's in her 50s.

[A]

A little old. Yeah. Geez. Your grandparents alive? Yeah.

[B]

I'm lucky to have all four of them still.

[A]

Very nice. Did they have any understanding of your diabetes or how does that work with them?

[B]

It definitely took a lot more explaining to them because they really knew a lot less, especially with the new technology. With dexcoms, all they know is finger pricking and insulin shots. So explain to them how all that worked was new for them. But we basically had the same level of understanding before I got diagnosed and just I try to teach them as much as I can whenever they have questions.

[A]

Okay. Well, yeah, I mean, I Think there's a cutoff. I haven't reached it yet, but I'm scared of when I get to it. When the world, that age you get to, when you're just like, you know what? I know all the stuff I care to know about. Yeah, I hope I don't get that way. I try to keep up with music. I try to keep up with technology as best I can. How society seeing things, you know, like how politics is changing. Like it's, you know, like all that. I. I try my hardest, but I know I'm going to get to an age where one day I'm just like, I don't care. It was better than when I was young. And then I'll just never think about it again, then just off and die. You know what I mean? Hopefully a ways from that. Do you curse, Eli?

[B]

Yeah. I mean, I'm not gonna go out of my way to drop F bombs on every sentence, but I'm not. I don't, like, care.

[A]

It could happen, right?

[B]

Yeah, definitely.

[A]

I'm happy about that. You seemed a little too perfect, so try.

[B]

I'm trying to be professional, you know.

[A]

Now you're doing a good job. Don't worry. I know you put something in your notes I want to ask you about still, but let me ask you a couple more questions about being young. Okay. Drugs. Do you see a lot of drugs?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I go. I go to parties a lot, and it's def. Like, alcohol and drugs are definitely a big part of it.

[A]

What are you seeing right now? Weeds everywhere, Eli. Again, I'm assuming that definitely. But are you seeing cocaine? What else are you seeing?

[B]

No, no, not definitely. I mean, I don't know about college or anything, but at least in where I'm from and what I've seen within my school, like, that's not a thing at all. And neither are any other, like, super harsh drugs like that.

[A]

You're not seeing pills or stuff?

[B]

No, definitely not.

[A]

Nobody's using heroin, but, like. Well, no. You're laughing, but, you know.

[B]

Yeah, no, I know what you mean. It just. It's just weird to think about, like, because it's just not something we even, like, consider you're not seeing it.

[A]

But weed.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Everyone's got weed. Is that right?

[B]

Yeah, I would say that's probably the biggest drug.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

There is.

[A]

Is it legal where you are?

[B]

Yeah, it's legal in D.C. and Maryland.

[A]

Okay. Oh, that's the area you're in. Okay. Do your parents. I'm not asking you if you smoke weed, but do, generally speaking, do your. Do your friends. Parents know that they're smoking weed?

[B]

I would say my closest friends don't at all. So my parents. So their parents, obviously, they don't know that.

[A]

They're protecting everybody, Eli. Good job. Now, the people I know don't do it. But you're talking about other people's guy. No. Yeah, sure. Those other people, Eli, that I'm talking about, do you think their parents know?

[B]

I don't know, because I feel like they wouldn't necessarily talk about it. And if they get in trouble, then maybe they would. Like. I don't know if they would stop, but I feel like they wouldn't go out publicizing like that. Their parents found out they caught them smoking in the basement or something.

[A]

Yeah. Drinking is a big thing or.

[B]

No, it's definitely bigger than smoking for.

[A]

You in your group. Yeah. Okay. I mean, is that a thing your parents have talked to you about that they go up to you and say, look, we expect at some point you're going to intersect alcohol. And here's how it works with diabetes.

[B]

Yeah. As soon as I, like, started talking about seeing it at parties like, freshman year, they immediately started doing research on it and making sure that when I came across it, I know how to react to it and how to be safe with it. And I had a talk with my endocrinologist about it also to understand more of the science behind it, which was really helpful.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

So it was definitely a huge topic that was brought up.

[A]

And, you know, glucagon may be less effective when you're drunk, right?

[B]

Yeah. I know about all the effects it has on the liver. It delays, insulin, ability to work, and the long list of things that it does to you.

[A]

Yeah. Diabetes took the fun right out of beer, didn't it?

[B]

Yeah, I know I gotta avoid those hard high carby drinks if I wanted to.

[A]

You're like, oh, I thought this was gonna be fun, but really now I know more about how the liver works. So, yeah, not as much fun as it could have been. Okay. All right. That's interesting. I appreciate this. What have I not asked you about that I should have. And then I want to look here in your notes before we get to that. You are. You wrote something. Advocacy projects. So tell me about that you're doing. You're doing type one advocacy. Let's go to that.

[B]

Yeah, I've been working with Breakthrough T1D. I started kind of last spring where I did they have a walk across the Capitol, and I was able to, like, the all the funds kind of go towards researching for a cure. And I was able to raise, I think it was around $18,000 between reaching out to people I know and connections to help fundraise all that. And that led me to this program in T1D called the Champions Program, which is something that I just started this fall, where there's a. It's like a leadership that is organized by area across the country. So I'm part of the Mid Atlantic region. So there's kind of eight youth ambassadors and my title is one of those. And that's kind of something like, inspires me to push on, like within leadership within my own type 1 diabetes community around me.

[A]

Wow, that's really lovely. How did you get involved in that? You just wanted to go to one of the walks. Then it all kind of came out of that.

[B]

I was researching with my parents about what I can do to raise awareness or anything. And then breakthrough. T1D is always the first thing that pops up. So we were looking through the website, we see that they have walks and that you can fundraise and apply to be a fundraiser. So we did that not knowing how far it would actually be able to take me into this program and leadership, like, roles.

[A]

$18,000 is an effort on your part. You were working hard on collecting those donations, it sounds like.

[B]

Yeah. And I mean, also after my parents helped me a lot also.

[A]

Yeah, they got some friends with better jobs than your friends, huh?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What have we not talked about that we should have? What seems like if you listen back to this, you'd say, oh, I can't believe I didn't get to this. This is important.

[B]

I think one of, like, the more like defining events I, I always think about when people ask, like, what is, like the worst experience you had with type 1 diabetes or what's the most frustrating thing was my Canadian backcountry trip. So that was a trip that I took when I was 16. When I was 15, sorry. And I went to my sleepaway camp. When you're the oldest camper, you get to go on this 10 day canoeing trip and backcountry trip through the Quetico national park, which is right near the boundary waters up in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

On that trip, we probably spent a month thinking about everything that could possibly go wrong with my supplies. I had two bags, one on separate canoes in case one person flipped and I lost everything. And we had a backup plan for everything. And besides that, it's a pretty hard trip. We're canoeing for 13 hours a day. And we have portages that are miles long and heavy gear, heavy tents. So adding on top of how hard it was, I had to, obviously deal with my diabetes, which I wasn't afraid of at all. But on day two, I dropped. At this point, I still had a PDM where Omnipod wasn't on the phone yet. And I dropped my PDM on a rock, and it shattered. I was like, okay. I was as calm as possible. I went and I went to go open my next. We had a backup pdm, so I went to go open it. I had this sheet with all my ratios to set a new one up. And I open it, I type in my password, and it says, you need connection to set this up. Which is, I think, the one possible thing me and my parents didn't think of. Because we're in the middle of nowhere. We have. We have to use satellite phones to reach back to anyone.

[A]

Right?

[B]

And there was. At this point, now there's no way to put a new pod on. So I have to go to manual daily injections for the first time since probably, I don't know, three months after I was diagnosed.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And I knew how to take care of myself, but it still was a little bit shocking. And it was like a very harsh reality. Like, this is going to make this a hundred times harder. And at first, I was extremely frustrated because I have to stop every five minutes. Like, if I needed to, I need to give myself a shot. And we would stop for less than, like, 15 minutes to eat because the mosquitoes were insane. So we had to hurry up, and I had to give myself a shot when we wanted to eat, which would take time. I felt like I was taking away from the group. But I'm lucky that I had such a great community. Like, those guys who went on the trip with me are still my best friends today. And the staff was very helpful. And the way the camp handled it was amazing because they let me continue on the trip. 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. So my friends made it possible to not completely lose my mind, because I feel like my camp friends, because I live with them for eight weeks a year. They understand my diabetes probably the best, because they hear my alarms through the night, and they understand just how it works a little bit more than other people.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

They were trying to help me as much as I can. They Understood that it's going to take me a little bit longer to do everything. I would say my blood sugar was a little bit more chaotic after that. It was harder to keep it 100 in range, especially working with basil and bolus, because I'd be so tired after a long day. I'd get back, I'd just fall asleep, and sometimes I'd forget to do my basil, which is obviously horrible. And then I'd wake up in the middle of the night and wake up the entire camp. My alarms that feel like a burden, but my friends kept reminding me that that's not. They understand what happened.

[A]

You met a lot of nice people in your life so far.

[B]

Sorry, yeah, I don't know if everyone can say that.

[A]

No, I don't think everybody can. I think it's incredibly fortunate. Also, I'd be willing to adopt you as long as your parents kept doing the financial stuff, because I think you're pretty great. I mean, you know what I mean? Like, I don't. I don't. I don't want to pay for college is what I'm saying. You're definitely going to college. I can't thank you enough for doing this. Like, this was really well done by you and I'm so happy you reached out. I'm super impressed, obviously, by, by everything you said here today. I think we'd all be happy if our kids were, like, as together as you are. I love that you don't really know why, just is sort of how you are, you know? Yeah. I wish you a ton of luck. I hope that keeps going for you. I think it will. I also think. Yeah, no, no, it's my pleasure. I also believe you could easily be an endocrinologist if you wanted to be. I think if you go to go that route, I think you're going to see a lot of the stuff that you said about AI come true. You know, I think there's a world where already there's products where, you know, people are going into their doctor's offices and just being recorded while they're talking. And then the notes are done automatically for the doctor. These notes are being saved and piled up on top of each other visit after visit. I think one day that. That AI is going to go back in and be looking for other concerns or ideas that maybe adjustments or maybe other issues that, you know, cumulatively these. These conversations over time, maybe will. Will shine a light on. I think you're going to see algorithms, not dislike the ones you're using now, you know, get better and better and maybe lean more on, who knows? Maybe, you know, visual carb counting from AI. Maybe it's going to be, you know, AI making adjustments to settings on the fly. Who knows? But I think the world's going to look a lot different for people with diabetes in the next 20 years and sounds like you might be involved in it, and it sounds more like you're going to be a good choice for that. So I hope that all works out for you the way you're hoping.

[B]

Me too. I'm doing everything I can to make that a reality.

[A]

Yeah. And you're not pressure. Like you don't feel like an amazing amount of pressure about this either. Right. It's just the thing you're doing.

[B]

Yeah. I think it's just I don't get phased by pressure.

[A]

Yeah. If we get Bottle Eli's vibe, we could sell it. Seriously. And yeah. Good for you, bro. All right, well, I'm happy for you.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

I don't hear enough positive stories sometimes, so this one's awesome. Just going to say goodbye and thanks and hold on one second for me. I'd to talk to you a little bit after the recording is over. Okay.

[B]

All right. Yeah. Thank you so much.

[A]

Dexcom sponsored this episode of the Juice Box Podcast. Learn more about the Dexcom G7 at my link dexcom.com juicebox A huge thanks to AG1 for sponsoring this episode of the podcast and for letting us know about agz. That's right. Today they introduced agz, a nighttime drink designed to support restful restorative sleep with clinical studied key ingredients including adaptogens, herbs and minerals. AGZ is a melatonin free formula that supports the body's natural sleep cycle. Use my link drinkag1.com juicebox to get started right now. This episode of the Juice Box Podcast is sponsored by Omnipod5. Omnipod5 is a tube free automated insulin delivery system that's been shown to significantly improve A1C and time and range for people with type 1 diabetes when they've switched from daily injections. Learn more and get started today@ omnipod.com juicebox at my link. You can get a free starter kit right now. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility may vary. Full terms and conditions can be found@ omnipod.com juicebox thank you so much for listening. I'll be back very soon with another episode of the Juice Box Podcast. If you're not already subscribed or following the podcast in your favorite audio app like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, please do that now. Seriously, just to hit follow or subscribe will really help the show. If you go a little further in Apple Podcasts and set it up so that it downloads all new episodes, I'll be your best friend. And if you leave a five star review, oh I'll probably send you a Christmas card. Would you like a Christmas card? 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. The episode you just heard was professionally edited by wrong way recording wrongwayrecording.com.