Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1678: Sneaky Chocolate Bar – Part 2 (Aired November 11, 2025)

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Danny ("Double Amputee Diabetic" from the UK, living with type 1 diabetes for 37 years)

Overview

This episode continues Danny’s candid, deeply personal account of living with type 1 diabetes, focusing on the consequences of long-term poor management, his journey through multiple amputations, and the mental and physical challenges he’s faced. Most notably, Danny uses his story not to instill fear but to raise awareness, encourage early intervention, and advocate for a supportive T1D community. The conversation is honest and empowering, focusing on hope, advocacy, and practical adaptation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Danny’s Amputation Journey

• Below-Knee Amputation and Setbacks ([02:08–04:18])

  • In May 2022, Danny underwent a right leg below-knee amputation due to long-term diabetes complications.

  • Began using the Libre 2 CGM (continuous glucose monitor), which he found transformative but only came after significant damage had occurred.

  • Post-operation challenges included infection and the need to further amputate above the knee.

    “It was a life changer for me, but a little bit too late.” (Danny, [03:10])

• Above-Knee Amputation ([04:18–05:18])

  • Explains that above the knee amputation brings new challenges--harder to walk, different prosthetics.

  • His recovery was significantly prolonged due to repeated trauma and infection.

    “It took weeks for me to settle back down... my body just couldn’t handle it.” (Danny, [05:24])

• Complications on the Other Leg ([05:36–08:03])

  • While hospitalized, a small wound on his remaining foot was neglected, becoming a serious ulcer.
  • Steadily worsening infection led to a left leg below-knee amputation exactly a year after the above-knee amputation on his right leg.
  • Emotional toll and hospital stays dominated most of 2022 and 2023.

2. Psychological and Emotional Challenges

• Depression and Suicidality ([08:58–11:44])

  • Danny describes a “real dark place” emotionally, especially facing impending second amputation.

  • Antibiotic treatment (doxycycline) left him feeling confined and isolated.

  • Openly discusses a moment when he considered ending his life and the sense of worthlessness that overtook him.

    “I had them tablets in my hand and I just thought how easy would it be just to take these and not be here anymore.” (Danny, [11:02])

• Support Systems ([09:48–11:44])

  • Praises the steadfast support of his partner (who lost her father during this period) and credits the resilience of family and friends for helping him through.

  • Connecting with others—especially an encounter with a young boy facing his own amputation—gave him perspective and motivation.

    “That was the main struggle for me... What was I worth to them?” (Danny, [11:38])

    “I see him two weeks later, he was outside the front of the hospital ... that was like right, you need to sort yourself out here.” (Danny, [12:56])

3. Recovery and Turning Point

• A Sense of Relief After Amputation ([13:19–13:53])

  • The final amputation brought unexpected relief; infection-free, Danny immediately felt “the best I’d felt in two or three years.”

  • Blood sugars and HBA1C improved drastically once the infections were resolved.

    “Within days of having that left leg amputated ... it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It was the best I’d felt in like two or three years.” (Danny, [13:19])

• New Purpose and Advocacy ([16:28–18:07])

  • Now works as a family mentor for the amputee charity "Steel Bones," supporting other families and helping with practical needs.

  • Participated in major charity challenges (canoed 26 miles) and is using his story to educate others, especially youth with T1D.

    “It gives me a purpose to turn what I’ve lost into a positive.” (Danny, [17:17])

    “I’m not trying to scare someone. I’m trying to give them the realization of what happens if you don’t look after it.” (Danny, [17:57])

4. The Importance of Technology and Community

• Role of CGMs ([28:31–29:37])

  • Stresses that access to CGM technology was “the biggest game changer” for him.

    “CGMs in my eyes and a massive game changer. Oh, was, was, was the biggest game changer in my life.” (Danny, [28:54])

  • Scott concurs, expressing that given a choice, CGM would be the last device he’d want to give up for his daughter with T1D.

    "The CGM is just what it brings to you as far as the, your understanding. It’s unmatched really.” (Scott, [29:30])

• Impact of Poor Control ([29:37–31:13])

  • Danny details that his HBA1C was in the 11–13% range for years and only recently, through modern management and CGM, brought it down to 7.1%.
  • Acknowledges his own behavioral changes—short temper, cloudy thinking—at high blood sugars.

5. The Drive to Advocate & the US "Tour" Dream

• Plans and Obstacles ([17:18–42:47])

  • Dream to drive coast-to-coast in the US (New York to San Francisco) in a hand-control car, meeting with and speaking to young diabetics, and stopping at clinics.

  • Funding challenges: seeking sponsorship from diabetes tech companies and crowd-sourcing, but facing rejections and logistical hurdles.

    “I just want people to learn from my mistakes. I don’t want people going through what I’ve had to do 20 odd years later, try and fix that problem earlier. And you know, it is easier now with CGMs and pumps.” (Danny, [28:31])

  • Both discuss the difficulty in securing interest from companies; Scott shares business advice to create the advocacy event independently and then offer sponsors the promotion afterwards.

• Danny’s Advocacy Philosophy ([23:07–23:42])

  • Advocates for mental health openness, especially among men.

  • Urges younger people with diabetes to learn from his journey and not suffer in silence.

    “If you’re struggling, talk to somebody.” (Danny, [23:22])

    “Don’t suffer in silence like I did, you know, hiding away all my, my stuff and my struggles.” (Danny, [23:40])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perspective and Resilience

  “That was the big thing for me. I was like listen, 40 odd years old. I’ve had a good innings... That little boy is six years old.” (Danny, [12:46])

• On Empowerment

  “There’s nothing more important than your own health.” (Danny, [24:27])

• On Technology

  “CGMs in my eyes…was the biggest game changer in my life.” (Danny, [28:54])

• On Advocacy

  “I’m not trying to scare someone. I’m trying to give them the realization of what happens if you don’t look after it…You’re not looking after tomorrow, but you’re more preserving 10 to 15, 20 years’ time.” (Danny, [17:57])

• On Advocacy Value

  “I think having that knowledge is valuable. Like, I don’t think you should leave this recording if you’re listening to it right now being scared. But, you know, maybe take…let Danny’s experience be your, you know, your thing instead of having to get to where he had to get to to learn.” (Scott, [19:20])

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:08] – Danny describes his first amputation, support network, and discovery of CGM technology
• [04:18] – Second amputation and extended hospitalizations
• [06:33] – The development of the left foot ulcer and repeated infections
• [08:03] – Second leg amputation process and emotional fallout
• [10:18] – How he shared his struggles with his children
• [11:02] – Disclosure of suicidal ideation and sources of support
• [12:46] – Conversation with young boy in hospital provides perspective
• [13:19] – Sense of relief, improved health after final amputation
• [16:28] – Newfound advocacy through charity work and athletic achievements
• [17:18] – Motivation for raising awareness, plans for US awareness tour
• [28:31] – Scott and Danny discuss the life-changing impact of CGMs
• [29:37] – Danny’s HBA1C transformation and emotional effects of high blood sugars
• [31:13] – Fundraising for Diabetes UK and Breakthrough T1D
• [35:14] – Pitching the US tour concept to device companies
• [42:47] – Practical advice from Scott on organizing advocacy events

Community and Social Media

• TikTok: double amputee diabetic
• Facebook & Instagram: Danny Spudsmith
• Juicebox Podcast Facebook Group: Active member

Closing Tone & Message

The conversation is frank, energetic, and ultimately uplifting. Danny’s humor, resourcefulness, and commitment to advocacy for others with diabetes shine through, even in the face of immense hardship. Scott and Danny both emphasize the importance of awareness, openness about mental health, and the life-changing value of diabetes technology and community. The episode is a powerful testament to living boldly with insulin, not in fear, and to transforming hard-earned lessons into hope for others.