Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1706: The Classic Smash and Dash

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Rachel
Release Date: December 11, 2025

Overview

In this candid, energetic, and often humorous episode, Scott Benner interviews Rachel, a 26-year-old who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes after years of misdiagnosis, gestational diabetes during three pregnancies, and a classic "LADA/slow-burn" journey. The conversation dives into the realities of living with diabetes, the navigation of misdiagnosis, motherhood, advocacy, and practical strategies for thriving with type 1. Scott and Rachel also explore topics of family, faith, self-advocacy, marriage, and diabetic technology—all while maintaining a warm, unfiltered tone that ranges from heartfelt to laugh-out-loud funny.

Main Discussion Points & Timeline

Rachel’s Diagnosis Journey

• Early Signs & Doctor Experience

  • At 18, Rachel was told by her doctor she’s a “sugar monster” (05:37), with no context or real explanation. Her A1C was likely elevated, but she was given no details or actionable advice (05:44).
  • The significance of advocating for oneself in the medical system is highlighted, as Rachel didn’t know what questions to ask or that she should be concerned (08:14).

• Pregnancy & the Challenge of Gestational Diabetes

  • Diagnosed with gestational diabetes with her first child at 19. She describes the experience as mentally tolling, emotionally exhausting, and heavily restrictive. She faced exclusion from her birth center due to not meeting strict blood sugar targets (09:20, 10:49).
  • With every pregnancy (three children in five years!), she expected and prepared for gestational diabetes, becoming more proactive and informed each time—culminating in use of a CGM during her third pregnancy, which she describes as life-changing (18:39).
  • Rachel is pregnant with her fourth at the time of the episode (19:44).

• Facing the Truth Postpartum

  • After her third birth, she couldn’t ignore persistent high blood sugars. She describes eating an entire chicken bake, seeing a 300+ number on her meter, and deliberately ignoring it—until she couldn't any longer (27:25).

• Struggles with Healthcare System & Misdiagnosis

  • Multiple doctors failed to identify LADA/Type 1, assuming Type 2 due to postpartum age and presentation—despite repeated DKA risk and classic symptoms (30:09).
  • She was placed on metformin, which made her feel worse. Eventually, a compassionate nurse and diabetes educator helped push for antibody testing and the correct diagnosis: Type 1 (43:06-44:37).
  • Rachel reflects on the frustration of self-advocacy, saying, “Why can somebody who's had diabetes for like two seconds see type 1 diabetes and a doctor who's been doing doctor stuff for a while not see it?” (31:56)

Life with Type 1: Adaptation & Empowerment

• Embracing Technology & Knowledge

  • CGM use (Libre, then Dexcom) dramatically improved her management (18:39).
  • Started on MDI (Lantus & Novolog) after diagnosis, soon transitioned to Omnipod pump, utilising manual mode for greater flexibility (48:38, 57:44).
  • Relies heavily on Scott’s "Bold With Insulin" philosophy and podcast resources: “My A1C, last time I got it was 5.5 and I was admitted at 13” (49:24).

• DIY Diabetes Management

  • Dissatisfaction with endocrinology advice; prefers to self-manage with her PCP and Scott’s podcast as guides (61:07).
  • Excels at time-in-range (80-88%) and has set rigorous, pregnancy-friendly BG targets (60:32).
  • “The endocrinologist was 0% helpful... They told me not to correct, just go on a walk or drink some water” (61:07-61:14).

• Learning & Balancing Family Life

  • Homeschooling, mother of (at least) four, managing diabetes, and running a household—Rachel multitasks podcast listening during chores and cooking (66:14).
  • Her message to others: If she can find time to gain diabetes knowledge, so can others (66:28).

Emotional Impact: Relief, Stigma, and Community

• Emotional Weight of Misdiagnosis

  • Relief after Type 1 diagnosis—not her fault, validation after years of effort (44:37-44:58).
  • Ongoing battle with stigma and misunderstanding around adult-onset Type 1/LADA.

• Advocacy, Passion, and Living Well

  • Aims to help other moms and those who struggle with diabetes, inspired by her own journey and by diabetes educators like Jenny Smith (36:53).
  • Finds meaning in faith and family: “I love my family. I love my kids. I love being a mother. I go to bed every night, thank God that I have these beautiful kids” (37:23).
  • Shares her gratitude for the podcast as a literal lifesaver: “This podcast has changed my life, has helped me so much. It's been a valuable resource, and I tell everybody I know.” (62:15)

Rachel’s Family, Values & Humor

• Marriage & “The Classic Smash and Dash”

  • Rachel married at 19, now 26, deeply in love with her husband, who is described as a hard-working, godly man and “provider." (68:23-70:06).
  • Playful banter about large families, sex, and the future—“I call it smash and dash” in reference to quickly conceiving and her husband’s reticence towards more kids (47:00, 47:14).

• Motherhood, Upbringing & Faith

  • Blended family upbringing, strong religious identity, and a commitment to raising her children with love, faith, and resourcefulness (69:06-71:04).
  • Advocates for antibody testing for her children; some are already tested (70:26).

Notable Quotes & Moments

“I don't want to say typical misdiagnosed type 2 story, but it kind of is... Do you want me to just give you the timeline?”
— Rachel (04:24)

“The doctor tells you ‘sugar monster,’ you're not like ‘so what does that mean?’ Like, why are you telling me that?... I didn't have the understanding to advocate for myself.”
— Rachel (08:46)

“I had such a bad experience with the gestational that I just completely ignored everything...”
— Rachel (15:15)

“Scott, I hate this. This is the worst part of the story... very classic type two story. This is where the classic part comes in.”
— Rachel (29:59)

“Why can somebody who's had diabetes for like two seconds see type 1 diabetes and a doctor who's been doing doctor stuff for a while not see it?”
— Rachel (31:56)

“The nurse saved my life.”
— Rachel (43:06)

“It was a relief in a way, because it wasn't my fault... when she told me that, it was such a relief.”
— Rachel (44:37)

“Honestly, Scott, this is easier, in a way, than having type 2 and not having the medication... now I have the right medicine I need and I feel good and I can exercise, I can eat pizza, I can have cake...”
— Rachel (45:17)

“I call it smash and dash.”
— Rachel (47:00)

“I have my drug dealer now as my primary care doctor, so. So sorry. Endocrinologist. I don't mean to be mean, but it's true.”
— Rachel (61:07)

“This podcast has changed my life, has helped me so much...”
— Rachel (62:15)

“Even if I didn't love him, I think I still would have married him, because he's such a good man… He's really a really good man…”
— Rachel (68:23, 70:05)

Essential Timestamps

• [05:37] First doctor visit: “you’re a sugar monster”
• [09:20, 10:49] Gestational diabetes, birth center rejection
• [18:39] Getting a CGM, game-changer for management
• [27:25] Postpartum blood sugar spike acceptance
• [29:59–31:56] Misdiagnosis, struggle with doctors, metformin problems
• [43:06–44:37] Correct diagnosis, “nurse saved my life”
• [44:37–45:17] Emotional relief at finally being correctly diagnosed
• [47:00] The “smash and dash” running joke for marriage/pregnancy
• [48:38–49:24] Transitioning to Omnipod and CGM; 13 A1C to 5.5
• [57:44–60:32] Prefers manual mode, detail on BG targets and pump setup
• [61:07–61:14] Endocrinologist advice: “just walk or drink water”
• [62:15] Direct statement of the podcast’s life-changing impact
• [68:23–70:06] Heartfelt summary of why Rachel loves her husband

Tone, Style, & Final Thoughts

Rachel and Scott keep the conversation lively and forthright, oscillating between earnest advocacy and lighthearted, irreverent humor (“smash and dash,” “Jesus and titties”). Rachel’s candor about both the pain of her journey and the joy she finds in family and faith is a highlight, as is her practical and custom-tailored approach to diabetes management. Scott’s role as an understanding, funny, and sometimes self-deprecating host ensures that listeners are both educated and entertained. The podcast is a goldmine for anyone living with type 1 diabetes or supporting someone who is—especially those navigating LADA, motherhood, or struggles with medical professionals.

For More: Pro Tip Series (episodes 1000–1025) at juiceboxpodcast.com

Community: Juicebox Podcast Type 1 Diabetes Facebook group

Rachel’s Takeaway:
“If I can do it, anyone can. Listen, learn, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to be Bold With Insulin!”

End of Summary