Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode 1686 – “Different Isn't Less Than”

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Jessica, mother to 4-year-old Kay, who has Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes
Release Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Jessica, a single mother to a four-year-old daughter, Kay, living with both Down syndrome and Type 1 diabetes. The conversation explores Jessica’s journey from pregnancy, Kay’s diagnoses, the emotional and practical challenges, the importance of community, and her strategies for navigating an extraordinary parenting journey. Jessica’s forthright, positive, and open approach to discussing sensitive topics offers valuable insights into parenting a differently abled child with complex medical needs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Background and Diagnosis Journeys

• Genetic Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes

  • Both sides of Kay’s family have a history of Type 1 diabetes, including Kay's grandmother and extended family.
  • (03:09) Jessica: “K's dad's mom is a type 1 diabetic. And on my dad's side, I have two uncles and two cousins with type 1 diabetes.”

• Wrongful Assumptions / The Weight of Family History

  • Scott reflects humorously on how family health histories are remembered across generations, hinting at the unpredictable reach of genetic conditions.
  • (03:29) Scott: “…there could be some. Somebody could be like, oh, my mom's mom had type one and they'll be talking about Arden one day.”

• Diagnosis of Down Syndrome During Pregnancy

  • Jessica found out about Kay’s Down syndrome at the anatomy scan (approx. 18–19 weeks), confirmed by amniocentesis. The diagnosis process was emotionally taxing and compounded by the restrictions of the COVID pandemic.
  • (06:42) “I actually found out when I was pregnant… as they were kind of scanning, the ultrasound tech was just doing her job... she got to K’s neck and… he looks at me and says, ‘you know that we believe that your baby has Down syndrome.’” – Jessica

2. Emotional Responses and Choices

• Reactions to Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Medical professionals discussed amniocentesis and termination as next steps, but Jessica’s primary motivation for testing was preparedness, not considering termination.
  • (10:11-10:50) Jessica: “I think what I wanted... was just so I could be more knowledgeable... I’m big on support groups... I did the same thing when they told me about her Down syndrome diagnosis.”
  • (12:50) “I am always going to be pro-choice, so I would just give them the knowledge that I have and what's helped me.” – Jessica

3. Navigating Early Childhood Challenges

• Early Signs of T1D in Kay

  • Kay was diagnosed with T1D at age three; early signs included extreme thirst, frequent urination, and irritability, compounded by her ongoing potty training and Down syndrome.
  • Quick testing at the pediatrician’s office led to immediate hospitalization. Jessica credits assertiveness rooted in her family history for the timely diagnosis.
  • (06:31) “I did tell them that there is type one in my family... they took a urine sample and they were like, ‘yeah, you got to go to the hospital right now.’” – Jessica

• Complications in Communication and Independence

  • Kay’s developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and most recently, a new autism diagnosis, add layers to daily life. Jessica’s focus is to help Kay become as independent as possible within her capabilities.
  • (17:08) “I just want to teach her what I can to be semi independent... and have friends and do other activities.” – Jessica

4. Therapy, Support, and Family Life

• The ‘It Takes a Village’ Approach

  • Jessica lives with her parents, who provide crucial support, especially since full-time work is difficult given Kay’s needs and therapy schedule.
  • (24:30) “We do live with my parents... they help me out a lot. You know, I've taught them enough about diabetes to where... they're able to manage it just fine.” – Jessica

• Relationship Dynamics & Building Community

  • Jessica’s boyfriend, who has a sister with Down syndrome, provides relational and community support—a unique dynamic that fortifies their shared life experience.
  • (21:47) “My boyfriend... has a sister who's 21 that also has Down syndrome, so that worked out perfectly.” – Jessica

5. Perspectives on Language, Social Attitudes, and Humor

• On Language Use: ‘Typical’ vs ‘Normal’

  • Jessica highlights the preferred language in the Down syndrome community—using ‘typical’ instead of ‘normal’ to foster inclusivity and reduce stigma.
  • (51:18) “We don't like the word normal because then it kind of like separates our children from the rest... we definitely prefer typical.” – Jessica

• Reactions to Jokes & Media Portrayals

  • The discussion covers comedian Shane Gillis’s Down syndrome jokes, exploring how humor can normalize yet sometimes cross lines. Jessica notes impact depends on intent and specific phrasing.
  • (36:16) “It depends on what they say and how they say it… people with Down syndrome are always happy, and that was actually something I posted about this month... they have emotions just like you and I...” – Jessica

6. Medical Complexities and Advocacy

• Types of Down Syndrome Diagnosed in Kay

  • Kay has the rare, genetically inherited ‘translocation’ type, tracing back to Jessica’s balanced chromosomal translocation.
  • (30:22) “There's three types... the most common is trisomy 21... and then there's also translocation, that one typically can be traced back to genetics. And that's actually the type that Kay has, and she inherited it from me.” – Jessica

• Other Health Complications

  • Kay overcame an early heart defect without intervention and has hearing loss in one ear.
  • (33:31) “Kay had a smaller hole in her heart... luckily that closed on its own... she does have hearing loss in her right ear, but so far, no vision [problems].” – Jessica

• Service Dog for Diabetes Management

  • Jessica successfully fundraised for a diabetic alert dog, improving Kay’s safety—especially given her inability to communicate symptoms.
  • (60:04) “We’ve had this dog for about two months, and she’s alerted me like, 30 minutes before a high or low, and is very persistent.” – Jessica
  • (63:38) Dog is a Great Pyrenees/poodle mix; hypoallergenic.

7. Mental Health, Self-Care, and Coping

• Real Talk on Strain, Need for Therapy, and Support

  • Jessica openly discusses feeling exhausted, considering anxiety medications, and the importance yet difficulty of seeking professional mental health support.
  • (38:15) “There are probably more days where, you know, at the end of the day, I'm just mentally exhausted...” – Jessica
  • (42:29) Describes a traumatic birth story, leading to therapy post-partum.

• The Power of Short-Term Goals

  • Maintaining an upbeat attitude by focusing on immediate milestones gets Jessica through tough, uncertain times.
  • (45:36) “If I look too far into long term goals or the future is where I feel like I can get stuck. So I do look more towards short term goals or fun things that are coming up.” – Jessica

8. Community, Advocacy, and Lessons for Listeners

• Value of Support Groups & the Podcast

  • Support networks—both Down syndrome and T1D—are essential for Jessica’s family and her advocacy for others.
  • (10:11) “I'm big on support groups... for K's Down syndrome and for type one.” – Jessica
  • (66:04) “I do like [the podcast] a lot for the community and hearing other people's stories….” – Jessica

• Advice to Others

  • When asked what the world should know, Jessica stresses that ‘different isn’t less than’—her daughter is capable, progress just comes at her own pace.
  • (27:31) “Kay can live a typical life like you and I. It just may take a little longer for her to reach certain goals or milestones. She does have to work harder for certain things… but… she’s still capable of doing everything that she wants.” – Jessica

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Advocacy and Empowerment:
  “I just want people to know that, you know, she's still capable of doing everything that she wants. It just may take her a little bit longer.” – Jessica (27:31)

• On The Emotional Weight of Parenthood:
  “A lot of parents... wondering how their child is going to be as an adult when they're gone… are they going to be able to even live in… a group home?... It's a huge concern.” – Jessica (18:12)

• On Short-Term Focus:
  “If I look too far into long term goals or the future is where I feel like I can get stuck. So I do look more towards short term goals or fun things that are coming up.” – Jessica (45:36)

• On Language and Dignity:
  “We don't like the word normal because then it kind of like separates our children from the rest, which is what we don't want to do. …We definitely prefer typical.” – Jessica (51:18)

• On Community and Belonging:
  “I've used [the podcast] for a mix of things... for the community and hearing other people's stories and knowing, you know, that some of the feelings I have or some of the things that I go through, they also experience as well.” – Jessica (66:04)

• On Facing Uncomfortable Conversations:
  “I'd rather be open and candid and have, like, a fun, you know, conversation… even joke about it rather than it just be serious all the time.” – Jessica (55:36)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |:---:|:-------------------------| | 02:23 | Introduction to Jessica and Kay | | 04:54 | Kay’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis story | | 06:42 | Down syndrome diagnosis during pregnancy | | 10:11 | Motivation for prenatal testing | | 17:08 | Jessica’s hopes for Kay’s independence | | 21:47 | Relationship with boyfriend from DS community | | 23:27 | Emotional breaking point after T1D diagnosis | | 24:30 | Grandparent support and “It takes a village” | | 27:31 | Jessica’s central message: Kay’s capability | | 36:16 | Media, comedy, and public perceptions | | 38:15 | Mental health struggles and therapy | | 42:29 | Traumatic birth and postpartum therapy | | 45:36 | Focusing on short-term vs. long-term goals | | 51:18 | Language: ‘typical’ vs. ‘normal’ | | 60:04 | Service dog for diabetes management | | 66:04 | Value of the Juicebox podcast and community | | 68:45 | Final thoughts and gratitude |

Final Takeaways

• Jessica and Kay’s story embodies resilience, resourcefulness, and the belief that “different isn’t less than.”
• Support—whether through family, community, or advocacy groups—is crucial for navigating complex parenting and health journeys.
• Focusing on short-term wins and maintaining open, candid dialogue—without pity or awkwardness—is essential both for parents and for broader societal understanding.
• Language matters: using terms like ‘typical’ honors dignity and belonging.
• Jessica’s experience, though filled with challenges, underscores the possibility of joy, connection, and growth even in nontraditional circumstances.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking authentic perspectives on parenting, disability, chronic illness, and the empowering effects of community and advocacy.